Questions About Michigan Medicaid

Medicaid is a federal plan administered through the state of Michigan via a working agreement that identifies health care services, reimbursement and eligibility requirements for Michigan Medicaid. The state plan provides health care programs for individuals who meet eligibility requirements as set down by the specific program. Children, pregnant women, families and adults benefit from Michigan Medicaid programs.

Does Michigan Offer Medicaid for Children?

• Michigan's Healthy Kids program provides health, vision, dental and mental health care for low-income children under age 19. Most Healthy Kids recipients are enrolled in a Medicaid health plan. Income is the basis for acceptance in the program. There is no monthly premium. Another Medicaid program, administered by Michigan's Department of Community Health, MIChild is for the uninsured children of working families. Cost of the program, which requires income-based acceptance, runs $10 per month for all children in the family. Other child-based programs available in Michigan include Children's Special Health Care Services, Under 21, Supplemental Security Income and Special Disabled Children.

Can Pregnant Women Get Medicaid?

• Healthy Kids for Pregnant Women provides Michigan Medicaid for all eligible women for the entire gestation period and two calendar months following the end of a pregnancy. Income limits apply. The Group 2 Pregnant Women program helps those women who exceed the income limits of Healthy Kids for Pregnant Women. A deductible is based on the woman's income. Another program, Maternity Outpatient Medical Services, provides prenatal care for teens who choose not to apply for Medicaid and for non-citizens who only qualify for emergency services.

Are There Medicaid Programs for Families in Michigan?

• Because there are times when entire families may qualify for medical benefits through Medicaid, Michigan has programs to address that need. Low Income Families enrollment requires income and asset tests. Those families who already receive cash assistance through the state automatically qualify. Other families must qualify, and if accepted, find themselves enrolled in a Medicaid health plan that includes health, vision, dental and mental health care services. Other Michigan family health care plans include: Special N Support for families who exceed the income limits of LIF due to income from child support payments; Transitional Medical Assistance and Transitional Medical Assistance Plus, both of which offer provisional benefits to families just getting on their feet.

How Can Adults Get Medicaid?

• Supplemental Security Income, a cash benefit paid to low income adults who are aged, blind or disabled, automatically qualifies a recipient for Medicaid in Michigan. The Social Security Administration determines SSI eligibility. Caretaker relatives, including parents, can qualify for Medicaid under the Caretaker Relatives program if the caretaker qualifies under income and asset test rules. Deductible coverage may apply for individuals who exceed these requirements. Disabled Adult Children, Adult Benefits Waiver, MIChoice and the Medicare Savings Program are other adult-focused Medicaid programs available in Michigan.