3 Million Michiganders Will Be Impacted by a Change in Medicaid Eligibility. Here’s What to Know.

You could lose your health coverage if you don’t follow these steps.

Beginning in June, 3 million Michiganders will have to renew their Medicaid coverage or find other health coverage for the first time since the pandemic began.

At the height of the COVID-19 health emergency, Congress passed the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act.” The law automatically kept some people enrolled in Medicaid, and protected people from losing Medicaid coverage even if they were no longer eligible—an unprecedented move in dire circumstances.

In Michigan, 700,000 more people joined the Medicaid caseload during the pandemic.

But on March 31, that automatic-enrollment service will end. And in June any Michigander currently on Medicaid will be required to take action.

Quick Context:

Medicaid is the nation’s public health insurance program for people with low income.

Medicaid is the single largest source of health coverage in the US.

Nationwide, about 85 million Americans were enrolled in Medicaid as of November 2022.

In Michigan, about 3 million people are enrolled in Medicaid.

Regardless of political party, 75% of Americans say they’re in favor of Medicaid.

Who will this impact?

Anyone who is currently on Medicaid.

If you still qualify: Renew your Medicaid enrollment when you receive your renewal notice. Residents will receive renewal notices beginning in March of this year (March notices would be for those with June deadlines) and running through May of 2024, depending on when you last enrolled.

You’ll receive a renewal notice three months prior to your renewal date. You can check your renewal month here—also click on the link to make sure your address, phone number, and email address are up to date, and report any changes to your household or income. If you prefer, you can call your local health department instead.

How to renew: Complete the renewal packet, sign the forms, and return it by the due date. Be sure to include any and all documents requested in the packet.

If you don’t renew, your Medicaid coverage will end immediately after your renewal month.

If you no longer qualify: You can receive additional information about other affordable health coverage options available, including on HealthCare.gov. In Michigan, you’ll be able to shop for and enroll in health insurance programs as you transition away from Medicaid—so start the process as soon as you get the notice to prevent gaps in coverage. Many Michiganders who aren’t eligible for Medicaid can purchase health insurance plans for less than $10 per month, according to the state.

A renewal timeline can be found here.

What are the requirements for Medicaid?

In Michigan, you’re eligible for Medicaid if you are:

A resident of Michigan
Under 65 years old
At or below 133% of the federal poverty level (for a single person, that’s about $18,000 per year; for a family of four, it’s about $37,000 per year.)
Not enrolled in or don’t qualify for Medicare or other government insurance programs

What should you do now?

Be sure your address, phone number, email address, and household information are up to date online at MI Bridges. (If you don’t have an account, you can also sign up for one at the link.) The state will reach out to individuals using the information it has on file. You can also reach out to your local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services office for help.
- NOTE: Residents who need assistance locating or starting their account can seek help from these community organizations.
If you receive a Medicaid renewal packet in the months ahead, fill it out and return it. If you don’t return the packet, then your Medicaid coverage will expire.

Still have questions? Check the state’s FAQ list.

Want to apply for Medicaid for the first time? Visit www.michigan.gov/mibridges, call 1-855-789-5610, or visit your local MDHHS office.

What should you do if you lose Medicaid coverage?

If you no longer qualify for Medicaid, you can reach out to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services for answers about finding a new plan. Call 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or go to Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance to learn more.

Isaac Constans Isaac Constans is a multimedia journalist traversing Michigan to tell stories of the economy, environment, and education systems — all with a human-centric lens. His experience includes working as a producer at WKAR in Lansing and covering government workforce and technology in Washington, D.C.

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