
Wisconsin has 323 nursing homes, 4061 assisted living communities, and 92 home health agencies in our database. Its nursing homes average a SunsetWell Score of 50.4/100, with 20.1% high-performing (75+). Average monthly cost: $8,400-$12,000.
Finding nursing home care in Wisconsin—whether in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, or rural communities—is overwhelming and heartbreaking. You're probably exhausted from caregiving, worried about costs, and maybe feeling guilty about considering facility care. Please know: you're not failing your loved one. Seeking professional nursing care when medical needs exceed what you can safely provide at home is an act of love.
Wisconsin has approximately 380 skilled nursing facilities, regulated by the Department of Health Services. Many facilities specialize in memory care, post-acute rehabilitation, or complex medical needs. Wisconsin nursing homes reflect the state's heritage, with facilities serving German, Polish, and Hmong communities with culturally appropriate care and meals.
Costs in Wisconsin are near the national average, with urban areas being somewhat more expensive than rural communities. Wisconsin's Medicaid program (called BadgerCare Plus) covers nursing home care for eligible individuals, and most facilities accept Medicaid—though many require a period of private pay first. Wisconsin's ombudsman program provides strong advocacy for residents and families.
State averages can hide whether staffing is steady day to day. Our Weekend Effect report uses CMS daily payroll data to compare weekend staffing drops, volatility, and contract labor reliance at individual nursing homes.
Eau Claire • 611 MAIN ST
Milwaukee • 5605 W CUSTER AVE
Fond Du Lac • 178 SIXTH ST
Dodgeville • 207 W PARRY ST
Milwaukee • 204 N 32ND ST
Milwaukee • 6220 N 89TH STREET
Fort Atkinson • 325 W BLACKHAWK DR
Jefferson • N5015 HWY Y
Oxford • W8550 STATE HWY 82
New Berlin • 3585 S 147TH ST
Milwaukee • 7848 N 55TH ST
St Francis • 2500 E HOWARD AVE
Boyceville • 1001 FIRST STREET
Appleton • 607 W SEVENTH ST
Milwaukee • 3626 N 12TH ST
Kenosha • 521 59TH STREET
Kenosha • 3109 12TH ST
Algoma • 500 BAY RD
Kewaunee • 1100 BAUMEISTER DR
Lacrosse • 3161 EAST AVE SOUTH
Many families need help paying for nursing home care. Medicaid is a vital resource, but the rules vary by state. Here's what you need to know about Medicaid nursing home coverage in Wisconsin.
Apply through your county's Human Services or Social Services department or online at access.wisconsin.gov. You'll need financial documents, medical records, and citizenship proof.
Wisconsin nursing home costs are near the national average. Milwaukee and Madison areas are more expensive than rural counties. Medicare covers skilled nursing for up to 100 days post-hospitalization. BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid) covers long-term care for eligible Wisconsin residents.
Medicare Coverage: Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility care for up to 100 days following a qualifying hospital stay (3+ days). Days 1-20 are fully covered; days 21-100 require a copay ($217/day in 2026).
The ombudsman helps resolve complaints and advocates for nursing home residents' rights.
Area agencies on aging provide care planning, caregiver support, and benefit counseling.
Use our personalized navigator to find facilities that match your loved one's needs, insurance, and location in Wisconsin.
Start Navigator Tool →Disclaimer: This guide is educational only. SunsetWell scores are based on CMS data and peer-group analysis. Medicaid eligibility rules change frequently—always verify current requirements with your state Medicaid office. Always tour facilities personally, speak with staff, review current state inspection reports, and consult healthcare professionals before making placement decisions.
Last updated: June 2026 | Data source: CMS Nursing Home Compare, Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Division of Quality Assurance, SunsetWell Analysis