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 the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) before applying.
If you live in Michigan and need affordable health coverage, there's good news. Michigan expanded Medicaid in 2014 through the Healthy Michigan Plan, which means adults earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level can qualify for comprehensive coverage at little to no cost.
For a single person in 2026, that means you can earn up to $1,732 per month (about $20,783 per year) and still qualify. For a family of four, the income limit is $3,588 per month or $43,056 per year. Roughly 729,000 Michigan residents are currently enrolled in the Healthy Michigan Plan, and thousands more may qualify without realizing it.
Michigan Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health services, and more. For qualifying individuals and families, this coverage is worth an estimated $8,000 to $12,000 per year. This guide breaks down exactly who qualifies, the income limits by household size, how to apply through MI Bridges, and what benefits you'll receive.
Healthy Michigan Plan Income Limits for 2026
The Healthy Michigan Plan covers adults ages 19 through 64 with household income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Here are the exact income thresholds for 2026.
| 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 | +$619 | +$7,424 |
These limits are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which is your adjusted gross income plus any tax exempt Social Security benefits, tax exempt interest, and foreign earned income. Most people can simply look at their gross income to get a rough idea of eligibility.
Income limits for children and pregnant women are even more generous, which we'll cover next.
Who Qualifies for Michigan Medicaid?
Michigan expanded Medicaid under the ACA, unlike states such as Texas and Florida, which have not expanded and have more restrictive eligibility.
Michigan Medicaid serves several groups, each with different income thresholds. Meeting the income guidelines is the most important factor, but you must also satisfy basic residency and citizenship requirements.
Adults (Ages 19 to 64)
The Healthy Michigan Plan covers adults who earn at or below 138% FPL, do not have Medicare, and are not currently pregnant. You do not need to have children to qualify. Single adults, married couples, and parents can all enroll.
Children (Birth Through Age 18)
Children in Michigan may qualify through Medicaid or MIChild, the state's Children's Health Insurance Program. MIChild covers children whose families earn too much for traditional Medicaid but still can't afford private insurance. The income limit for MIChild is 217% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a family of four, that means annual income up to $67,661.
MIChild charges a small premium of $10 per family per month and provides comprehensive benefits including dental and vision care.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women in Michigan qualify for Medicaid with household income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a single pregnant woman, that translates to about $2,510 per month. Coverage includes prenatal care, delivery, lab work, and postpartum care for a full 12 months after giving birth.
Seniors and People with Disabilities
Adults 65 and older and people with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for Medicaid under different rules. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) recipients automatically qualify for Michigan Medicaid with no separate application needed.
For long term care Medicaid, which covers nursing home costs, different income and asset rules apply. In 2026, a single nursing home applicant must have income below $2,982 per month and countable assets under $9,950.
Understanding the basic requirements helps you figure out which category fits your situation.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Beyond income, Michigan Medicaid has a few straightforward requirements you need to meet.
Residency
You must be a Michigan resident. You don't need a permanent address to apply. People experiencing homelessness can and do qualify for Medicaid in Michigan.
Citizenship and Immigration Status
You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or have qualifying immigration status. Lawfully present immigrants generally qualify, though there may be a five year waiting period for some categories. Emergency Medicaid is available regardless of immigration status for qualifying medical emergencies.
No Asset Test for Most Categories
Michigan does not have an asset test for most Medicaid categories. That means your savings account, your car, and your home do not count against you when applying for the Healthy Michigan Plan. This is a significant advantage, because it means qualifying comes down to your income level rather than what you own.
The only exceptions are long term care Medicaid and certain programs for seniors and people with disabilities, which do have asset limits.
Knowing what counts as income can make the difference between qualifying and missing out.
What Counts as Income?
Michigan uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine eligibility for most Medicaid categories. Understanding what counts can help you figure out where you stand.
Income That Counts
Wages and salary from your job, self employment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment compensation, pension and retirement income, alimony (for divorce agreements finalized before 2019), and investment income all count toward your MAGI.
Income That Doesn't Count
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, child support received, veterans' disability payments, workers' compensation, and gifts or inheritances generally do not count. Certain scholarships and grants for education expenses are also excluded.
Deductions That Can Help
Several deductions can lower your countable income. Student loan interest, educator expenses, IRA contributions, and self employment tax deductions all reduce your MAGI. If your income is close to the limit, these deductions could make the difference.
Once you've determined you likely qualify, the next step is applying.
How to Apply for Michigan Medicaid
Michigan makes applying for Medicaid relatively straightforward through its central benefits portal.
Online Through MI Bridges
The fastest way to apply is online at MI Bridges. You can create an account, complete the application, upload documents, and check your application status all in one place. MI Bridges handles applications for Medicaid, SNAP (food assistance), childcare assistance, and other programs.
By Phone
Call the MDHHS Benefits Hotline at 1-844-799-9876 to apply or get help with the process. Trained staff can walk you through the application and answer questions about eligibility.
In Person
Visit your local MDHHS office to apply in person. You can find your nearest office through the Michigan.gov office locator. Bring your ID, proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), and proof of Michigan residency.
What You'll Need
Gather these documents before you start your application:
- Social Security numbers for everyone applying
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or employer letter)
- Proof of Michigan residency (utility bill, lease, or mail)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Information about any current health coverage
Michigan generally processes Medicaid applications within 45 days. If you need coverage sooner due to a medical emergency, tell your caseworker and ask about expedited processing.
Knowing what your coverage includes helps you make the most of your benefits.
What Michigan Medicaid Covers
The Healthy Michigan Plan provides comprehensive health coverage. Here's what's included.
Medical Services
Michigan Medicaid covers doctor visits and preventive care, hospital stays (inpatient and outpatient), emergency room services, lab tests and X rays, prescription medications, and maternity care including prenatal visits and delivery.
Mental Health and Substance Use
Mental health counseling, psychiatric services, and substance use treatment are all covered. Michigan has invested in behavioral health services, and Medicaid members can access both inpatient and outpatient mental health care.
Additional Benefits
Vision care is covered for all members, though benefits are more limited for adults than for children. Dental care is also included, with more comprehensive coverage for children. Transportation to and from medical appointments is available for members who need it.
Cost Sharing
Most Healthy Michigan Plan members pay little to nothing for covered services. There are small copays for some services, and members with income above 100% FPL may contribute up to 2% of their income. Preventive care has no cost sharing at all.
Michigan Medicaid can also connect you to other programs you might qualify for.
Other Benefits You Might Qualify For
If you qualify for Medicaid, you may also be eligible for SNAP food assistance. See our Texas SNAP application guide or California CalFresh guide for state-specific details.
If you qualify for Michigan Medicaid, you may automatically qualify for several other assistance programs. Michigan's benefit system is connected, and enrollment in one program often opens the door to others.
SNAP (called the Food Assistance Program in Michigan) helps cover grocery costs. Michigan uses Broad Based Categorical Eligibility with a gross income limit of 200% FPL, so many Medicaid recipients also qualify for food assistance. For a family of four, the SNAP gross income limit is $62,400 per year, and benefits are delivered through the Bridge Card.
WIC provides nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under five. If you receive Medicaid, you automatically meet WIC's income requirement.
Lifeline offers a $9.25 monthly discount on phone or internet service. Medicaid recipients qualify automatically with no separate income verification needed.
School Meals are free for children in households receiving Medicaid or SNAP, and many Michigan schools participate in the Community Eligibility Provision that provides free meals to all students regardless of income.
A quick eligibility check can reveal the full picture of what programs are available to your household.
How to Check Your Eligibility
For additional details on Michigan Medicaid requirements, see our Michigan Medicaid eligibility overview.
You can estimate your eligibility before starting the formal application process. Free screening tools let you answer a few questions about your household and see which programs you likely qualify for.
Benefits USA checks your potential eligibility for Medicaid and 10 other benefit programs in about five minutes. The screener covers SNAP, WIC, LIHEAP, childcare assistance, and more. It shows estimated benefit values so you can see the full picture before spending time on paperwork.
These screeners are not official applications. They give you a quick estimate, and if the results look promising, you can apply through the official MI Bridges portal or your local MDHHS office.
Many Michigan residents are surprised to learn they qualify for multiple programs at once. Understanding some common questions can help clear up any remaining confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Medicaid in Michigan if I have a job? Yes. The Healthy Michigan Plan is designed for people with low to moderate incomes, including those who work. As long as your household income stays at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($20,783 per year for one person, $43,056 for a family of four), you qualify regardless of your employment status.
How long does it take to get approved for Michigan Medicaid? Michigan generally processes Medicaid applications within 45 days. If you have a medical emergency or urgent health need, let your caseworker know. Some applicants may receive temporary coverage while their application is being reviewed.
Does Michigan Medicaid have an asset test? For most categories including the Healthy Michigan Plan, there is no asset test. Your savings, vehicle, and home are not counted. Asset tests only apply to long term care Medicaid and certain programs for seniors and people with disabilities.
What happens if my income changes after I'm enrolled? Report income changes to MDHHS within 10 days. If your income rises above the Medicaid limit, you may qualify for subsidized health insurance through Healthcare.gov instead. Michigan has no coverage gap, so there is always an option available to you.
Can I apply for my children separately? Yes. Children have higher income limits than adults. Your children may qualify for Medicaid or MIChild even if you earn too much for the Healthy Michigan Plan. MIChild covers children in families earning up to 217% FPL ($67,661 per year for a family of four) for just $10 per month.
Will applying for Medicaid affect my immigration status? Receiving Medicaid does not make you a "public charge" for immigration purposes under current rules. However, immigration rules are complex and can change. If you have concerns about your specific situation, consult an immigration attorney before applying.
Next Steps
If your household income falls within the Healthy Michigan Plan limits, applying for Michigan Medicaid is worth your time. The coverage is comprehensive, there is no asset test for most categories, and the application process through MI Bridges is straightforward.
Michigan Medicaid provides an estimated $8,000 to $12,000 per year in healthcare value for qualifying individuals and families. That includes doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more.
Start by checking your eligibility for Medicaid and other programs with a free screening tool. Then apply online through MI Bridges, call 1-844-799-9876, or visit your local MDHHS office.
