Medicaid for Children

Medicaid offers two types of health insurance for eligible children ages 0-19: MIChild and Healthy Kids.

MIChild is the Michigan Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Healthy Kids is Medicaid for children. Both programs cover medical, dental, and vision services provided through Medicaid.

Who is eligible for MIChild and Healthy Kids?

Children are eligible for MiChild and Healthy Kids from birth to their 19th birthday.

For MIChild, the income limit is 217% of the federal poverty level (FPL). View the qualifying income levels for MIChild here.

For Healthy Kids, the income limit is 165% of the federal poverty level (FPL). View the qualifying income levels for Healthy Kids here.

Children whose family income is between 165% and 217% and are not enrolled through a family member’s employer health insurance can enroll in MIChild. You cannot cancel employer insurance for a child to enroll in MIChild.

What services do MIChild and Healthy Kids cover?

Medicaid covers all medically necessary services, including vision and dental. 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. Medicaid doesn’t cover braces for children.

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

How much do MIChild and Healthy Kids cost?

MIChild has a $10 per month per family cost regardless of how many children you have.

Healthy Kids is free.

How do I get MIChild and Healthy Kids?

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

Applications for children must include the family’s information even if the family is not applying. Parents or caretakers must submit proof of income but do not need to provide information about themselves such as immigration status or social security numbers.

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 Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) 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 for either Healthy Kids or MIChild, Michigan Enrolls sends you a MiHealth card and information about how to register for your plan.

ENROLL
Enroll by signing up for a Medicaid Health Plan and a dental plan.

MIChild and Healthy Kids offer two dental plan choices: BCBS Dental and Delta Dental. Ask your current dentist which plans they accept.

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 MIChild and Healthy Kids?

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

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (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 members have stayed the same. 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 for Children!