Medicaid is a health care program that's funded at both the state and federal level. It provides health care services to a variety of groups:
Medicaid is funded in part by the state government. That means several state programs exist under Medicaid. Michigan Medicaid programs include:
MIChild is a healthcare program for children ages 19 and under. There is a $10 per family monthly cost for the program. The program is run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Medicaid is for pregnant women who meet certain income levels. However, MIHP is for women who exceed the income limit for Medicaid.
Healthy Michigan Plan provides free or low-cost health care to low-income Michigan residents between 18 and 65 years old. You may be able to join a Healthy Michigan Plan if your income is at or below 133% of the federal poverty line. Healthy Michigan Plan does not apply to people who are pregnant or people who already qualify for Medicare or another Medicaid plan.
There are many other healthcare programs that can be confused with Medicaid. If you qualify for Medicaid, you may also qualify for these other programs.
CSHCS offers health care coverage to children under age 21, regardless of income. Some adults with special needs may also be eligible. Although it is run at the state and local level, it is not unique to Michigan; children who move may reapply in another state.
CHIP is a federal program run at the state level, often together with state Medicaid programs. It provides free or low-cost health coverage for children whose families do not meet state Medicaid income levels.
Medicare is a federal health care program for people 65 and older. There is no income requirement, as it is based only on age. Some people with disabilities who are younger than 65 may also qualify.
D-SNP is a program for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. It combines both benefits into one simple health plan.
Most Michigan Medicaid plans offer coverage for standard health care services.
Standard health care services include:
Most Michiganders who qualify for Medicaid must also enroll in a health plan. This helps pay for your health care services. Depending on the health plan you choose, you may receive additional benefits.
Priority Health's Medicaid plans include coverage and support for:
Priority Health goes above and beyond standard Medicaid coverage. For example, our Medicaid plans cover pregnancy and maternity costs just like any other, but you also get two free bags of diapers just for making it to your postpartum visit.
Eligibility for Michigan Medicaid depends on a variety of factors. These include income, age, disability, citizenship/immigration status, and more.
To qualify for Medicaid in Michigan, your household income must be at or below 133% of the federal poverty level.
Today's income limits for Michigan Medicaid are roughly $18,000 for an individual, $24,000 for a couple, or $36,000 for a family of four.
Household income includes your income and income made by your spouse. It may also include income made by an unmarried partner who lives with you, depending on if you claim them as a dependent on your tax return.
For example, let's say you work a job where your gross income is $22,000. But your spouse collects $10,000 in Social Security disability benefits. That puts your household income at $32,000, or about $8,000 over the income limit to qualify for Medicaid.
Your age also affects Medicaid eligibility. Michigan's standard Medicaid program, Healthy Michigan Plan, requires people to be between the ages of 19–64. However, other Medicaid plans exist for children 18 and under and adults aged 65 and older. Children under 19 may qualify for U-19 or MIChild, while adults over 65 will likely qualify for D-SNP since their age qualifies them for Medicare and Medicaid.
Have a disability? You may qualify no matter your age. Typically, if you qualify for supplemental security income (SSI), then you automatically qualify for Medicaid.
Keep in mind that not all people with disabilities qualify for Medicaid or SSI. Both programs require that people with disabilities meet certain income limits.
Depending on income, pregnant people may be eligible for Medicaid during and after their pregnancy. Medicaid typically covers prenatal, postnatal and postpartum care.
Medicaid eligibility often extends to your live-in spouse or partner as well as your children.
Medicaid is not only for U.S. citizens but also for legal residents and other legal immigrants. Applicants must have documents that serve as proof of citizenship, or show where they are in their legal immigration process.
Typically, Medicaid is not available to immigrants until they have been living in the country for at least five years. People without legal documentation are only eligible for emergency Medicaid services, such as pregnancy care.
It's easy to apply for Michigan Medicaid through MI Bridges. By applying online, you can:
You can always apply in person at a DHHS office in Michigan:
Apply using an online kiosk at DHHS. Kiosks are found at the DHHS offices listed above.
A MI Bridges Navigator, also known as a Community Partner, can assist with in-person or online Medicaid applications. You can search for a Community Partner near you by entering your address.
You can download an application form. Then print, complete and submit it in person at one of the DHHS offices listed above.
Need help applying? Priority Health offers a variety of free tools, including:
Get the Medicaid coverage you need with Priority Health.
For assistance, call 888.975.8102 (TTY 711), 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Friday, or 8:30 a.m.–noon on Saturday.
