How to Apply for Medicaid in Michigan: Your Guide to Coverage

As a Michigan state resident, the state's Medicaid program, Healthy Michigan Plan, may be able to help paying for healthcare. Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that offers free or low-cost coverage for eligible individuals and families that includes children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.

It covers a broad set of services designed to prevent illness, treat medical conditions, and support overall health. The state’s Medicaid program includes Traditional Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan, which offers expanded coverage for adults under 65. Learn how to apply and what to expect from the program.

Medicaid Benefits in Michigan

Medicaid in Michigan covers a wide range of services and benefits. Some of the benefits you would be eligible for are:  

1. Doctor visits and hospital care: Michigan Medicaid covers preventive care, specialist visits, and emergency services. It could include routine health maintenance, early detection services, and ambulance services.

   
   

2. Prescription medications: Most FDA-approved prescription drugs that are medically necessary and prescribed by your doctor are covered.

   
   

3. Mental health and substance use treatment: A lesser-known benefits are behavioral health services and substance use disorder treatments are covered under Medicaid.

   
   

4. Dental and vision care: Depending on your age and plan, Medicaid can cover routine dental exams, cleanings, and dental procedures and vision exams and glasses.

   
   

5. Maternity and Newborn Care: Pregnancy related care is covered by Michigan Medicaid, i.e., tests and screening like ultrasounds, prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and postpartum care are covered.

   
   

6. Long-term care and home health services: It also includes personal care, nursing home care, and home-based support to help older adults and people with disabilities stay in their homes. Self-directed care programs like the Home Help Program allow you to hire a family member or a trusted person to care for you and help with daily living activities.  

Who Can Qualify?

As of 2025, these are the eligibility criteria that are looked at when you are applying: 

1. Residency and Immigration Status: You must live in Michigan and be a U.S. citizen or a ‘lawfully present’ immigrant.

2. Income Requirements: Income limits to be eligible depend on criteria like disability, pregnancy, age. The Healthy Michigan Plan is available to adults ages 19–64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

3. Asset/Resource Limits: Other than income, your assets like stock and bank accounts are counted.

4. Special groups: Children, pregnant people with different income rules, and people requiring long-term care/nursing facility level of care are considered under different income and asset limits.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Michigan?

When applying for Medicaid in Michigan, you typically need to provide documentation that proves your identity, income, residency, and other assets. You can apply for Medicaid at any time of the year since there is no open enrollment period.  

There are several ways to apply for Medicaid in Michigan which you can use based on your needs and convenience.

1. Online

The fastest and convenient way is through the official MI Bridges portal. Once you create an account, you will have to provide the following documentations for verification, and you can check your status here once you apply.

You’ll need to create an account and provide:

• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax forms)

• Social Security numbers

• Immigration or citizenship documents

2. By Phone

If you do not have access to a computer or want help from someone to understand the process. You can also apply by calling the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) at 855-275-6424 for guidance.

3. By Mail

If you prefer paper applications, you can download and complete a paper application from the MDHHS website and mail it to your local office. You can find addresses here: MDHHS Office Locator

4. In Person

You can help with submitting forms, provide eligibility guidance, and process more complex Medicaid applications (like long-term care or spend-down programs) at your local MDHHS office. You can find closest MDHHS Office here: MDHHS Office Locator

After You Apply

Once you apply, the Medicaid office takes 45 days to verify and process the documents, and you’ll receive a notice of approval or denial within 45 days (or sooner). If approved, you’ll get a Medicaid card and may be enrolled in a Managed Care Plan. However, if denied, you can appeal the decision.

Call the MI Bridges Help Desk at 1-844-799-9876 (available in English, Spanish, and Arabic) for technical support or application assistance.

Need Help Applying?

Trained assisters can also help you apply in person or virtually. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact local health centers for support.

You can also contact us and our team on 833-447-3326 and we will be happy to guide you through the process. Health coverage is always possible, so apply today and take the first step towards taking control of your healthcare.