This information was collected through a combination of state surveys and NASHP staff research. It offers a snapshot of how the state is defining, training, certifying, and paying for the CHW workforce — as well as how the state is developing cross-agency and state-to-local strategies to improve community health in partnership with CHWs.
This is a dynamic policy space, and states are continuing to develop new approaches. We will continue to make periodic updates to this page. Learn more about state CHW policies across the U.S.
State CHW Definition
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services website describes CHWs as “the bridge that connect people to care and resources to help them be healthy. CHWs are community members who have lived experience in overcoming barriers to access, navigating systems, and using resources in the communities they serve. The primary goal of a CHW is to improve health outcomes of people in their communities.”
State CHW Governance
Wisconsin does not have a dedicated state office of CHWs. However, within the Department of Public Health, the Bureau of Community Health Promotion, Bureau of Communicable Disease, Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources, and the Office of Policy and Practice Alignment all engage with CHW programs and organizations across Wisconsin to advance care coordination, resource navigation, and community outreach for chronic disease prevention, social determinant of health barrier reduction, access to community and clinical resources, and integration of CHWs within the larger public health workforce. Additionally, the DPH Chronic Disease Prevention Program convenes department-wide meetings inclusive of DPH bureaus and offices, Division of Care and Treatment Services, Division of Medicaid, and the Secretary’s Office to ensure and promote coordination and sustainability of the CHW workforce.
Certification and Training
Wisconsin does not have a state CHW certification. Some CHW training entities issue a “certificate of completion” to CHWs who complete their core competency training program.
Wisconsin has several training programs available for CHWs interested in CHW core competency training (based on the National C3 Council). Additionally, CHW training entities also offer advanced training opportunities on specific health topics and CHW Supervisor Training.
Medicaid Reimbursement
Wisconsin does not reimburse for CHW services through its State Medicaid program.
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms
The state is providing administrative support to the Pathways Community HUB Model with grant funding.
The Department of Health Division of Public Health supports several CHW positions through grants.
Since March 2024, the Wisconsin DHS Division of Public Health Chronic Disease Prevention Program has convened a meeting space with multi-sector organizations to better understand the implications of the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule to support CHW services under Community Health Integration to address social determinant of health need.
Key Partnerships
The Wisconsin CHW Empowerment Collaborative, Wisconsin Public Health Association CHW Section, UW-Madison MATCH, and the United Way of Wisconsin are collaborative partners in advancing the CHW workforce and sustainability initiatives in Wisconsin.
Initiated through the CDC 2109 CCR funding, the CHW Empowerment Collaborative is a growing peer space for CHWs across Wisconsin. The CHW Empowerment Collaborative is currently exploring the development of a Wisconsin Association of Community Health Workers and will work to establish committees co-led by CHWs and CHW allies.
State CHW Legislation
Information is unavailable.
State Resources
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services CHW Webpage
- CHW Core Competency Training
- United Way of Wisconsin HRSA Grant Information
- Envision: National CHW Workforce Training and Technical Assistance
ACO – Accountable care organization
AHEC – Area Health Education Centers
APHA – American Public Health Association
APM – Alternative payment model
CBO – Community-based organization
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC CCR Funding – Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities Funding
CHR – Community health representative
CHW – Community health worker
CPT Codes – Current Procedural Terminology Codes
C3 Project – CHW Core Competency Project
FFS – Fee for services
HCSPCS Codes – Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Codes
HRSA – Health Resources & Services Administration
MCO – Managed care organization
NACHW – National Association of Community Health Workers
SDOH – Social determinants of health
VBP – Value-based payment
State CHW Definition: This category indicates where states have a formal definition of a CHW. In some cases, where there is not a definition in statute, this category may draw information from provider manuals and state websites or reports.
Certification and Training: This category includes information about how CHWs are trained in the state, which entities provide training, whether or not the state runs or recognizes a CHW certification program, and information about the entities that administer existing certification programs.
Medicaid Reimbursement: This category includes information about state Medicaid strategies that provide enrollees access to CHW services. Entries indicate whether state Medicaid programs currently reimburse for CHW services or incorporate CHWs into alternative payment models under the authority of a state plan amendment (SPA), or where states have earmarked funds to support CHW services under the authority of an 1115 demonstration waiver. It also indicates where CHW services might be supported through managed care approaches (e.g., where MCOs are paying for CHW services using administrative dollars or where states are using managed care contracts to incentivize or require MCOs to cover CHW services).
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms: This category includes information about other state funding or financing approaches that cover CHW services or CHW positions. It includes information about federal grant dollars for which the state is the grantee.
Key Partnerships: This category offers information about key partners outside state government, including state CHW associations and CHW training entities, and highlights formal cross-agency partnerships within the state that support alignment of funding and resources for the CHW workforce.
State CHW Legislation: This category highlights any state legislation relevant to the CHW workforce. This might include statutory language directing agencies to develop a Medicaid reimbursement approach, laws that established state CHW certification, or other relevant statutes.
State Resources: This category offers links to any key reports or resources that states elected to highlight as critical to CHW policy and partnership.
