Michigan Medicaid Beginner’s Guide

Michigan Medicaid provides healthcare coverage to low-income Michigan residents at no or very low cost. This guide can help you determine whether or not you are eligible for Michigan health programs, what you may be able to get covered, and how to apply.

Click below to learn more about Michigan Medicaid:

• Michigan Medicaid Health Plans
• Michigan Medicaid Benefits
• Understanding Michigan Medicaid Eligibility
• How to Complete the Michigan Medicaid Application

Michigan Medicaid Health Plans

Most people with Michigan Medicaid will have to select a health plan. Plans are different in every county. The benefit of choosing a plan is that your care will likely be much more coordinated and run more smoothly. Your doctors and specialists are more likely to work well together. Aside from the county health plans, Michigan has four eligibility group plans:

Healthy Michigan Plan

The Healthy Michigan plan is for Michigan residents between the ages of 19 and 64 who have a household income at or below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Healthy Michigan covers ambulatory and emergency services, hospitalization, maternity care, mental health, prescription drugs, rehab, lab tests, pediatric services for 19 and 20-year-olds, and wellness benefits. Other medically necessary services may be covered as well.

Coverage for People Impacted by Flint Water

The Flint water Medicaid program covers kids up to age 21 and pregnant women who were affected by the Flint water crisis and have incomes at or below 400% of the FPL. If you qualify, you can get coverage for lead screenings, doctor visits, dental, vision, nutrition counseling, behavioral health, and more. You can also get coordination services like appointment scheduling, transportation assistance, and access to educational resources and social services, all without fees. To access these services, you will have to see a doctor who accepts Medicaid. You CAN get Flint water Medicaid coverage while still having other insurance, but your other insurance will always come first.

MI HealthLink

Uniquely, the MI Health Link option is only available for adults over 21 who have both Medicare and Medicaid and live in Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, Macomb, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Wayne, and upper peninsula counties. It includes comprehensive medical, behavioral, pharmacy, home, and community-based service coverage. If your application is accepted, you will receive enrollment options from Michigan ENROLLS. You’ll be able to choose from integrated care organizations: Aetna, AmeriHealth, Michigan Complete Health, HAP Midwest, Meridian, Molina, and Upper Peninsula Health Plan. For help with Medicare and Medicaid coordination, contact Medicare Plan Finder!

MiChild and Healthy Kids

MiChild is for uninsured kids who belong to households with low income. Your kids may qualify for MiChild even if you do not qualify yourself for Michigan Medicaid. No matter how many kids are in your household, Michigan MiChild only costs $10 per month for your family. The Healthy Kids program is free. Both MiChild and Healthy Kids offer comprehensive medical benefits. The best way to find out which program you qualify for is to go ahead and apply for all Michigan health benefits through MI Bridges. You will receive notice of which program your family is qualified for.

Michigan Medicaid Benefits

Michigan Medicaid covered services include but are not limited to:

• Ambulance travel
• Chiropractic treatment
• Dental visits
• Doctor visits
• Emergency care
• Family planning and maternity care
• Hearing/speech services
• Home healthcare
• Hospice
• Hospital care
• Lab tests and X-rays
• Medical supplies
• Medications
• Mental health
• Non-emergency transportation
• Nursing home care
• Personal care
• Physical/occupational therapy
• Podiatry
• Private-duty nursing
• Immunizations
• Substance abuse treatment
• Surgeries
• Vision
• Yearly wellness visits

Understanding Michigan Medicaid Eligibility

The first step to determining whether or not you qualify for Michigan Medicaid or other healthcare assistance is determining your total household income. The chart below can help you determine whether or not you might be eligible for Michigan Medicaid in 2019. The income limits are subject to change each year.

How to Complete the Michigan Medicaid Application

The easiest way to apply for Michigan Medicaid is to complete the online application through MI Bridges. If you prefer, you can also enroll through Healthcare.gov. If you don’t want to apply online, you can download the application (form DCH-1426) and either fax or hand it into your local office, or mail it to:

Health Insurance Affordability Program

Michigan Department of Community Health

P.O. Box 30273

Lansing, MI 48090