Medicaid

Who is eligible for Medicaid?

Medicaid has several programs. Though they are all designed for people with low incomes, each one has unique income requirements based on the federal poverty level (FPL).

• Adults ages 19-64 who have not been determined disabled (Healthy Michigan Plan)
• Children ages 0-19 (Healthy Kids or MIChild)
• Pregnant people (MOMS Medicaid or Pregnancy Medicaid)
• People of child-bearing age (Plan First)
• Seniors (age 65+) and people determined disabled (ADD Care)
• People without eligible immigration status (Medicaid Emergency Services Only)

People in the same family may qualify for different programs.

If you are already insured, you can also receive Medicaid when you lose your insurance, or when your job changes and you make less money. If your job doesn’t offer health insurance and you are below the income guidelines, you may be eligible for Medicaid.

What services does Medicaid cover?

Medicaid covers all medically necessary services, including vision and dental services. It covers medicine prescribed by a doctor, durable medical equipment, physical therapy, mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, hospice care, pregnancy care, emergency services, immunizations, surgeries, and ongoing treatments for chronic conditions.

See a full list of services covered by Medicaid in Michigan.

How much does Medicaid cost?

Medicaid is free for many people. MIChild costs $10 a month, no matter how many children you have. The cost of the Medicaid – Healthy Michigan Plan is based on your income.

How do I get Medicaid?

The first step is to apply for Medicaid. (If you are approved, you should then enroll in Medicaid.) You can begin the process at any time during the year.

Apply for Medicaid online through MIBridges, complete a paper application, or call to apply over the phone at 855-789-5610.

The Washtenaw Health Project can help with your application. Make an appointment by calling 734-544-3030 or emailing us at whp@washtenaw.org.

Within 45 days you should hear from MDHHS (the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) about whether you’re approved. If you haven’t heard back after that, we can check your application’s status. You can also visit your local MDHHS office or check in your MIBridges account.

Once you’re approved, you can enroll in Medicaid any time to use your benefits.

Enroll by signing up for a Medicaid Health Plan. Michigan Enrolls sends you a MiHealth card and information about how to register for your plan.

If your letter does not include a green and blue MiHealth card, you probably had Medicaid in the past. Order a new card or request one when you call Michigan Enrolls to select your Medicaid Health Plan. (Your Medicaid ID# does not change.)

Do I have to renew Medicaid?

Yes, Medicaid is renewed every 12 months. For example, if you were approved in March, you will receive a renewal packet the following March.

MDHHS mails a Medicaid Redetermination (sometimes called a renewal form) or sends a MIBridges notification by text message. The form will ask for proof of your income and confirm that your household size has not changed. For most types of Medicaid, only proof of income is required.

MDHHS automatically renews benefits for people whose eligibility can be verified. If you are automatically renewed, you’ll get a confirmation letter.

Washtenaw Health Project can help you with Medicaid!

Medicaid News