Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Michigan

To qualify for Medicaid in Michigan, you must be a resident of the state, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and meet certain income and asset limits. Individuals, families, children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and seniors may be eligible. Income limits vary depending on your family size and situation, but generally, you must have an income below a certain level to qualify. Asset limits also apply, including limits on bank accounts, vehicles, and real estate. Additionally, you must meet certain citizenship or residency requirements, and you cannot have transferred assets or taken other actions to become eligible for Medicaid. If you meet all of the eligibility criteria, you can apply for Medicaid through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Medicaid Eligibility for Children and Families in Michigan

Medicaid is a health insurance program that provides low-income individuals and families with access to affordable health care. In Michigan, Medicaid is administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). To be eligible for Medicaid in Michigan, children and families must meet certain income and resource requirements.

Income Eligibility

• For children, the income limit is 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
• For families, the income limit is 138% of the FPL for the child and any other eligible family members.

The FPL is a measure of poverty that is used to determine eligibility for many government programs. The FPL is adjusted each year based on changes in the cost of living. The current FPL levels can be found on the MDHHS website.

Resource Eligibility

• For children, the resource limit is $2,000.
• For families, the resource limit is $3,000.

Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and other valuable items. Vehicles and a home are not counted as resources. If a family’s resources exceed the limit, they may still be eligible for Medicaid if they meet certain other requirements, such as having a child with a disability.

Other Eligibility Requirements

• Children must be under the age of 19.
• Families must have a child under the age of 19.
• Children and families must be U.S. citizens or legal residents.
• Children and families must reside in Michigan.

How to Apply for Medicaid

Families can apply for Medicaid online, by phone, or by mail. The application process is the same for children and families. To apply, you will need to provide information about your income, resources, and family members. You can find the application form and instructions on the MDHHS website.

Benefits of Medicaid

Medicaid provides a wide range of benefits to children and families, including:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital care
• Prescription drugs
• Mental health services
• Substance abuse treatment

Medicaid also covers a variety of preventive services, such as well-child checkups and immunizations.

Contact Information

If you have questions about Medicaid eligibility or how to apply, you can contact the MDHHS Medicaid Help Line at 1-800-642-3195.

Qualifying Factors for Pregnant Women and Newborns in Michigan

Pregnant women and newborns in Michigan may qualify for Medicaid if they meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria include:

• Income: Pregnant women and newborns must meet income guidelines to qualify for Medicaid. The income limit for a pregnant woman is 133% of the federal poverty level (FPL). For a newborn, the income limit is 138% of the FPL.
• U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence: Pregnant women and newborns must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to qualify for Medicaid.
• Residency: Pregnant women and newborns must live in Michigan to qualify for Medicaid.

In addition, pregnant women and newborns may qualify for Medicaid if they meet certain medical conditions, such as:

• Pregnancy-related complications
• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Certain chronic illnesses

Pregnant women and newborns who qualify for Medicaid will have access to a wide range of benefits, including:

• Prenatal care
• Labor and delivery
• Postpartum care
• Well-child care
• Vaccinations
• Prescription drugs
• Mental health services
• Substance abuse treatment

Medicaid also provides coverage for certain medical devices and supplies, such as:

• Wheelchairs
• Prosthetics
• Oxygen tanks
• Glucose monitors

To apply for Medicaid, pregnant women and newborns can contact their local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) office. They can also apply online at the MDHHS website.

Income and Asset Limits for Medicaid in Michigan

To be eligible for Medicaid in Michigan, you must meet certain income and asset limits. The income limits are based on the federal poverty level (FPL), and the asset limits are based on the state’s Medicaid rules. If you exceed the income or asset limits, you may still be eligible for Medicaid if you qualify for a special program, such as the Medicaid expansion program or the Medicare Savings Program.

Income Limits for Medicaid in Michigan

The following table shows the income limits for Medicaid in Michigan. These limits are based on the federal poverty level (FPL), which is adjusted each year. If your income is below the FPL, you may be eligible for Medicaid.

Note: The income limits are higher for pregnant women and children.

Asset Limits for Medicaid in Michigan

The asset limits for Medicaid in Michigan are as follows:

• $2,000 for individuals
• $3,000 for couples
• $10,000 for a single person who is institutionalized
• $15,000 for a couple who is institutionalized

Note: These asset limits do not include a home, a car, or personal belongings.

Special Circumstances for Medicaid Eligibility in Michigan

In addition to the general eligibility criteria, there are special circumstances that may make individuals eligible for Medicaid in Michigan. These include:

• Pregnant Women: Pregnant women with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) are eligible for Medicaid coverage for prenatal care, labor, delivery, and postpartum care.
• Children: Children under the age of 19 with income up to 138% of the FPL are eligible for Medicaid coverage for a wide range of health services, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and dental and vision care.
• Parents and Caregivers: Parents and caregivers of children under the age of 19 with income up to 117% of the FPL may be eligible for Medicaid coverage if they meet certain criteria, such as being employed or actively seeking employment.
• Adults with Disabilities: Adults with disabilities who meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability and have income up to 138% of the FPL are eligible for Medicaid coverage.
• People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Individuals with ESRD who require dialysis or a kidney transplant are eligible for Medicaid coverage regardless of their income.
• Institutionalized Individuals: Individuals who are living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility and have income up to 300% of the FPL may be eligible for Medicaid coverage.

In addition to these special circumstances, there are a number of other programs that provide health coverage to low-income individuals and families in Michigan. These programs include:

• Healthy Michigan Plan: The Healthy Michigan Plan is a Medicaid expansion program that provides health coverage to adults aged 19 to 64 with income up to 138% of the FPL.
• MI Child: MI Child is a Medicaid program that provides health coverage to children under the age of 21 with income up to 150% of the FPL.
• Medicare Savings Programs: Medicare Savings Programs provide financial assistance to low-income Medicare beneficiaries to help them pay for their Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments.

Thanks for joining us on this journey through Medicaid’s eligibility labyrinth. We hope you now have a clearer understanding of who qualifies and how to navigate the application process in Michigan. Remember, the rules can change over time, so be sure to check back here for updates. In the meantime, stay healthy, and we’ll see you next time!