Applicants for Medicaid must meet stringent criteria.
Medicaid is a federal program that provides health services for low income citizens and eligible immigrants. In general, to qualify for Medicaid in Michigan, or any other state, you must be a resident of the state, United States citizen or permanent resident, and have income below the calculated limit, which is determined by the number of people in the family and age of the children involved. The Michigan Department of Human Services governs eligibility of applicants. Contact the local MDHS office in your county to apply.
Children
Several different health care programs are available for low-income children under age 19. One is "Healthy Kids" and allows eligible children, who must meet an income test, to have access to comprehensive health care. Another program, called "MIchild," is administered through the Department of Community Health and is for uninsured children of working families. It differs from "Healthy Kids" in that there is a higher income limit and a monthly premium of $10.00 per family. An adjunct program, Supplemental Security Income, provides a cash benefit for eligible, low-income disabled children. Eligibility for this program automatically qualifies the child for Medicaid.
Pregnant Women
A component of "Healthy Kids" is available for pregnant women. Health services are provided for eligible women during the pregnancy and two months following the birth of the child. Women who are not income-eligible for "Healthy Kids" may qualify for the "Group 2 Pregnant Women Program," which assesses a deductible. Another program is called "Maternity Outpatient Medical Services," which provides outpatient prenatal care immediately, even if the Medicaid application has not cleared. MOMS may also provide emergency care for non-citizens and teens who choose not to apply for Medicaid.
Adults
Adults may qualify for Medicaid through several programs. You may receive benefits if you are a parent, or acting parent, of a dependent child and meet the income and asset tests. In addition, Medicaid and SSI are available to the aged, blind or disabled who meet the criteria. Elderly or disabled persons may qualify for an "MIChoice" waiver, which provides in-home service if it is less expensive than nursing home care. If you do not qualify for Medicaid, the "Adult Benefits Waiver" may provide outpatient and pharmacy coverage.
Families
Whole families may receive benefits under various programs, such as "Low Income Families," "Special N Support" and "Transitional Medical Assistance." They all support the family, some providing cash assistance, but they differ in the length of time the benefits are available. These programs assist families who are no longer eligible for Medicaid because of an increase in income due to child support payments or employment. The Department of Human Services will advise you of the programs for which you qualify.
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