Medicaid Health Care Coverage

Medicaid is health care coverage for low income families and individuals. This includes families with children, pregnant women and persons under the age of 21. It also offers help to the blind and disabled, and people age 65 and over.

Is Medicaid the same as Medicare?

No. Medicare is a federal health plan for blind, disabled, and elderly individuals. It is run by the Social Security Administration in Washington, D.C. Medicaid, on the other hand, is a health care program funded by the state and federal government. It is run by each state for residents of that state.

It is possible to have both Medicare and Medicaid. In fact, Medicaid may help with some Medicare premiums. Medicaid may also help with other health care costs not covered by Medicare.

Who may receive Medicaid?

You may qualify for health care coverage if you meet the requirements of one of the many programs offered and you are:

1. A Michigan resident, or 
2. Currently living in Michigan in order to work.

You do not have to be a United States citizen or have permanent alien resident status to receive Medicaid. However, certain aliens may be restricted to emergency Medicaid services only.

Is transportation available?

Medicaid must assure necessary transportation. You can get help getting a ride if:

In some cases, the rides you need must be approved in advance.

If you belong to a Medicaid health plan, contact your plan. If you do not belong to a health plan, contact the Family Independence Agency (FIA) in your area.

How do I apply?

You can apply for these benefits at your local Family Independence Agency (FIA), or by mail. In addition there are a number of local community agencies, such as your local health department, that offer help in applying for Medicaid.

Tell your worker if you need help with unpaid medical bills. In some cases Medicaid can pay unpaid medical bills if the services occurred within the three months before you apply.

What kind of information will I have to provide?

Is there a limit on assets?

Medicaid has a number of programs. Some of the programs have an asset limit and some don't. Sometimes the asset limit depends on the number of people in your family. You should report all of your assets then let FIA determine whether they should be counted.

What is considered an asset?

No. For the purpose if Medicaid, we may not count all of your assets. For example, these are some of the assets that may not be counted:

What about income?

Yes. The amount of income you can have depends on:

Income limits vary across the state. For example, the income limit in one county may be higher or lower than another county based on the cost of living in that area. Your eligibility is reviewed at least once each year. If your income is above the limits, help may still be available. Medicaid might be able to pay part of your medical bills.

What if I qualify for benefits?

Your local FIA office will decide if you are eligible based on the information you provide. You will receive written notice from them within 45 days. If you are disabled, it may take 60 days.

If you or anyone in you family qualifies for Medicaid you will receive a Medical Assistance Authorization Card (MA). This card will list all the family members covered for benefits. You will continue to receive a new card each month that you remain eligible for benefits.

This card may be used only for the persons whose names are listed on the card. You will need to bring this card with you each time you need medical services.

In addition to the MA card that you receive, you may be required to join a health plan. You will receive additional information from MICHIGAN ENROLLS about health plans and how to join.

Does everyone have to join a health plan?

No. You do not have to join a health plan if you are:

You cannot join a health plan if you:

What if I am already seeing a doctor for a serious illness?

If you have a serious health condition and are already seeing a doctor, you may not be required to join a health plan. You may ask for a medical exception for joining a Medicaid health plan if:

What if things change or I move?