“What are the requirements for Medicaid in Michigan?” is a common question for potential program applicants. Before applying, candidates who learn how to qualify for Medicaid (the Healthy Michigan Plan) can improve their chance of a successful application. Those who meet Medicaid eligibility requirements can access one of several different Medicaid programs. Beneficiaries who qualify for Medicaid in MI include low income adults, seniors 65 years of age or older, disabled or blind individuals, members of families with dependent children, pregnant women, children in foster care homes and patients younger than 21 years of age in a psychiatric hospital. Medicaid beneficiaries looking for help with past unpaid medical expenses can even access their benefits retroactively. Benefits may begin three months before a petitioner’s application was approved. To discover who is eligible for Medicaid and other important eligibility information, review the following sections.
What are the requirements for Medicaid in Michigan?
Michigan Medicaid benefits eligibility guidelines vary according to each specific Medicaid program. Guidelines for Medicaid programs generally require applicants to be classified as low-income or very-low income. In order for states like Michigan to participate in the Medicaid program, the federal government requires the states to adhere to some federal rules. States must cover certain groups of individuals. For example, some groups who are eligible for Medicaid by federal law include adults receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and low-income families. To qualify for Medicaid in MI, applicants must be residents of Michigan. The applicant must be a U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident or legal alien. All applicants must provide sufficient documentation that shows their current citizenship or immigration status in order to be considered. To learn more about Medicaid requirements, download our free guide today.
Eligibility requirements for Medicaid in Michigan broadened with the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). When the ACA was introduced, states were given the opportunity to expand their Medicaid program to cover more individuals who were unable to qualify for Medicaid previously. Before the ACA Medicaid benefits expansion, Medicaid eligibility guidelines required beneficiaries to meet certain criteria in addition to having a low income. Now, to qualify for The Healthy Michigan plan, applicants who are 19 to 64 years of age can receive Medicare benefits if they have a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) at or below 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Some petitioners will be able to qualify for MI Medicaid benefits automatically through their enrollment in programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or the Family Independence Program (FIP). The Low Income Families (LIF) Medicaid program provides automatic coverage to needy families that are already receiving cash assistance. However, families do not have to be participating in one of these programs to receive Medicaid benefits.
What are the income requirements for Medicaid in Michigan?
Income requirements for Medicaid apply to Michigan’s various medical assistance programs. Additionally, some programs have an asset limit. Each Medicaid program has different income and asset requirements. For example, a household can qualify for Medicaid in MI by having no more than 195 percent of the FPL, if this household has a member who is younger than one year of age. Households without children must have an income at or below 133 percent of the FPL in order to be eligible for Medicaid.
To determine eligibility for Medicaid benefits, the state considers a household’s MAGI. However, some beneficiaries are exempt from MAGI rules. For example, candidates who are eligible for Medicaid based on a disability, blindness, or being 65 years of age or older will be subject to different income tests.
What are the Medicaid application guidelines in Michigan?
After candidates determine if they meet Medicaid eligibility requirements, they can apply for Medicaid in Michigan using one of a few methods. Candidates have the option of applying by phone, mail, in-person or online. Applying online for Medicaid in Michigan is generally the quickest way for candidates to receive their determination response. Medicaid application guidelines for applying online involve just one simple application that candidates can take the time to complete and submit. To learn more about the application guidelines for Medicaid, download our free guide today.