Michigan Medicaid Eligibility Guide 2026
Last updated: February 2026
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Michigan Medicaid and is not legal or financial advice. Eligibility rules can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements with Michigan MDHHS before applying.
If you live in Michigan and need affordable health coverage, figuring out whether you qualify for Medicaid can feel confusing. The income limits, different categories, and application process might seem overwhelming at first glance.
Here is the short answer: Michigan expanded Medicaid through the Healthy Michigan Plan, which covers adults ages 19 to 64 with household income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. For a single person in 2026, that means you can earn up to $20,783 per year and still qualify. For a family of four, the income limit is $43,056 per year.
Michigan has no coverage gap because of Medicaid expansion. This means if you earn too much for Medicaid, you can get subsidized health insurance through Healthcare.gov instead. The state also offers higher income limits for children and pregnant women, so more families can access coverage.
This guide walks you through exactly how to check Medicaid eligibility in Michigan, what the current income limits are, how to apply, and what benefits you will receive if approved.
Who Qualifies for Michigan Medicaid
The Healthy Michigan Plan covers several groups of residents based on income, age, and household situation. Understanding which category you fall into helps you know what to expect.
Adults between 19 and 64 years old qualify if their household income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. This is the main group covered by Michigan's Medicaid expansion, which has been in place since 2014.
Children from birth to age 18 can qualify for Medicaid or MIChild (Michigan's Children's Health Insurance Program) with higher income limits. MIChild covers children in families earning up to 217% of the federal poverty level.
Pregnant women have expanded eligibility up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Coverage continues for 12 months after giving birth, ensuring new mothers maintain access to healthcare.
Seniors and people with disabilities may qualify through additional Medicaid categories. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) recipients automatically qualify for Michigan Medicaid without a separate application.
There is no asset test for most Medicaid categories in Michigan. This means your savings, car, or home generally will not disqualify you from coverage.
Michigan Medicaid Income Limits for 2026
Income limits are based on the federal poverty level (FPL), which updates each year. The following tables show the current limits for different Medicaid categories.
Healthy Michigan Plan (Adults 19 to 64) at 138% FPL
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,732 | $20,783 |
| 2 | $2,351 | $28,208 |
| 3 | $2,970 | $35,632 |
| 4 | $3,588 | $43,056 |
| 5 | $4,207 | $50,481 |
| 6 | $4,826 | $57,905 |
| Each additional person | +$619 | +$7,424 |
Children (MIChild) at 217% FPL
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $3,694 | $44,328 |
| 3 | $4,666 | $55,994 |
| 4 | $5,638 | $67,661 |
| 5 | $6,610 | $79,327 |
| 6 | $7,582 | $90,994 |
| Each additional person | +$972 | +$11,666 |
Pregnant Women at 200% FPL
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,510 | $30,120 |
| 2 | $3,407 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $4,303 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $5,200 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $6,097 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $6,993 | $83,920 |
These limits use Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, and most other taxable income.
What Counts as Income for Michigan Medicaid
Michigan uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine eligibility for most Medicaid categories. Knowing what counts helps you estimate whether you qualify.
Income that counts includes wages and salaries from employment, self-employment earnings, Social Security benefits (including retirement and disability), unemployment compensation, alimony received (for divorces finalized before 2019), and investment income such as interest and dividends.
Income that does not count includes child support received, veterans benefits, workers compensation, gifts and inheritances, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and most scholarships and grants used for education.
Certain deductions can lower your countable income. For self-employed individuals, business expenses reduce your countable earnings. Students may have certain educational assistance excluded.
If your income varies month to month, Michigan typically looks at your projected annual income rather than just one month. Seasonal workers and people with irregular income should estimate what they expect to earn over the full year.
What if You Earn Too Much for Medicaid
If your income exceeds Medicaid limits, you still have affordable coverage options in Michigan. The state has no coverage gap thanks to Medicaid expansion.
Adults earning between 139% and 400% of the federal poverty level can purchase health insurance through Healthcare.gov with premium tax credits. These subsidies significantly reduce monthly premium costs.
For a single person earning $25,000 per year, premium tax credits could reduce monthly health insurance costs to under $100. Higher earners still receive some subsidy, with the amount decreasing as income rises.
Cost-sharing reductions are available for people earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level if they choose a Silver plan. These reductions lower deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Open enrollment for Healthcare.gov runs from November 1 through January 15. However, qualifying life events like job loss, moving, or having a baby allow you to enroll outside this window through a special enrollment period.
How to Apply for Michigan Medicaid
Michigan offers several ways to apply for Medicaid coverage. The most convenient option for most people is the online portal.
Online Application
MI Bridges is Michigan's online benefits portal at newmibridges.michigan.gov. You can apply for Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance, and other programs through a single application. The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
To apply online, you will need to create an account, provide personal information for everyone in your household, enter income details including pay stubs or tax returns, and submit the application electronically.
Phone Application
Call 1-844-799-9876 to apply over the phone with a Michigan MDHHS representative. This option works well if you have questions during the application process or need help understanding the requirements.
In Person
Visit your local MDHHS office to apply in person. Bring identification, proof of income, and proof of Michigan residency. Staff can help you complete the application and answer questions immediately.
What Documents You Need
Gather these documents before starting your application:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security numbers for all household members
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or employer letter)
- Proof of Michigan residency (utility bill, lease, or mail with your address)
- Immigration documents if applicable
Having documents ready speeds up the application process and helps avoid delays in getting approved.
What Michigan Medicaid Covers
The Healthy Michigan Plan provides comprehensive health coverage comparable to private insurance. Understanding your benefits helps you use them effectively.
Covered services include doctor visits for preventive care and illness, hospital stays for inpatient and outpatient services, prescription medications with low copays, mental health and substance use treatment, laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging, emergency room care, and maternity and newborn care.
Dental coverage for adults is limited but includes emergency extractions and some preventive services. Children on Medicaid receive more comprehensive dental benefits including cleanings, fillings, and orthodontics when medically necessary.
Vision coverage includes eye exams and corrective lenses for children. Adult vision benefits are limited but may cover exams for certain conditions.
Transportation assistance is available for medical appointments. Contact your health plan or MDHHS to arrange rides to doctors, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers.
Healthy Michigan Plan members choose a managed care health plan. Each plan has its own network of doctors, hospitals, and specialists. You can change plans during certain periods if your current plan does not meet your needs.
Check Your Eligibility Before Applying
Checking your eligibility before submitting a full application saves time and helps you understand which programs you might qualify for.
Free online screening tools can estimate your eligibility for Medicaid and other benefit programs in about five minutes. Tools like Benefits USA ask a few questions about your household size, income, and situation, then show which programs you likely qualify for and their estimated value.
These screeners are not official applications, but they help you understand what is available before you spend time on paperwork. If the screening shows you are likely eligible, you can then apply through MI Bridges or another official channel.
The screening also checks eligibility for other programs you might qualify for, including SNAP food assistance, childcare subsidies, and heating assistance. Many Michigan residents are eligible for multiple programs but only apply for one.
Healthy Michigan Plan vs. MIChild
Michigan offers different Medicaid programs depending on who needs coverage. Understanding the differences helps you apply for the right program.
The Healthy Michigan Plan covers adults ages 19 to 64 at 138% FPL. This program has no monthly premium for most members, though some higher-income enrollees may pay a small monthly contribution.
MIChild covers children from birth to age 18 with higher income limits at 217% FPL. Families pay just $10 per month for MIChild coverage, regardless of how many children are enrolled.
Children in households at or below 138% FPL are covered by traditional Medicaid rather than MIChild. The main difference is that Medicaid has no monthly premium while MIChild costs $10 per month.
Both programs apply through MI Bridges. The state determines which program covers each family member based on age and income.
Automatic Eligibility and Connected Programs
Certain situations automatically qualify you for Michigan Medicaid without a separate income evaluation.
SSI recipients automatically qualify for Michigan Medicaid. If you receive Supplemental Security Income, your Medicaid coverage should begin without needing to apply separately.
Once enrolled in Medicaid, you may automatically qualify for other programs. Medicaid recipients have automatic income eligibility for WIC (if pregnant, postpartum, or have children under 5), school meal programs (children automatically qualify for free meals), and Lifeline phone and internet discounts.
SNAP recipients, TANF recipients, and those in foster care may have expedited or simplified Medicaid enrollment. If you already receive these benefits, mention it when applying for Medicaid.
How Long Does Approval Take
Michigan aims to process Medicaid applications within 45 days. However, most straightforward applications receive decisions faster, often within two to three weeks.
Factors that can delay approval include missing documents or incomplete information, needing verification of income or residency, complex household situations requiring additional review, and high application volumes during certain times of year.
To speed up your application, submit all required documents upfront, respond promptly to any requests for additional information, and check MI Bridges regularly for status updates.
If your application is taking longer than expected, call 1-844-799-9876 to check on the status and ask if anything is needed.
Emergency Medicaid is available for certain situations that cannot wait for normal processing. This includes emergency medical conditions, childbirth, and some urgent circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check Medicaid eligibility in Michigan?
You can check your eligibility using a free online screening tool like Benefits USA, which estimates eligibility in about five minutes. For an official determination, apply through MI Bridges at newmibridges.michigan.gov or call 1-844-799-9876.
Can I get Michigan Medicaid if I work full time?
Yes. The Healthy Michigan Plan is designed for working adults. You can work full time and still qualify if your household income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. For a single person, that means earning up to $20,783 per year.
Does Michigan Medicaid have an asset limit?
No. Michigan eliminated asset tests for most Medicaid categories. Your savings account, car, home, and other assets generally do not affect your eligibility. Only income and household size matter for the Healthy Michigan Plan.
How long can I stay on Michigan Medicaid?
There is no time limit for Michigan Medicaid as long as you remain eligible. You must recertify your eligibility annually. Michigan will send you a renewal notice before your coverage period ends.
What happens if my income increases while on Medicaid?
If your income rises above Medicaid limits, you will transition to Healthcare.gov coverage with premium subsidies. Michigan has no coverage gap, so you will maintain health coverage through marketplace insurance.
Can immigrants qualify for Michigan Medicaid?
Lawfully present immigrants may qualify for Michigan Medicaid, though there may be waiting periods depending on immigration status. Undocumented immigrants generally only qualify for emergency Medicaid. Pregnant women and children may have different rules.
Next Steps
If your income falls within the limits outlined above, applying for Michigan Medicaid is straightforward. Start by checking your eligibility using a free screening tool to see which programs you qualify for, then gather your documents and apply through MI Bridges.
The Healthy Michigan Plan provides comprehensive health coverage worth thousands of dollars per year. A family of four earning $43,000 or less could save $10,000 or more annually on healthcare costs compared to unsubsidized insurance.
Many Michigan residents qualify for Medicaid but have not applied. If you think you might be eligible, it is worth taking a few minutes to find out.
