December 4, 2007

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) began open enrollment for the Adult Benefits Waiver (ABW) program on Saturday, Dec. 1.

The ABW program (also known as the Adult Medical Program) is a health care insurance program that is subsidized jointly by the state and federal governments.

The ABW does not require beneficiary premiums or deductibles for program enrollees; however, there are minimal service co-pays.

The ABW provides health care coverage for adults who are:

- between the ages of 19-64 and do not have minor children/dependent children living in their home,

- Michigan residents and meet the citizenship requirements of the ABW program,

- not covered by health care insurance, and

- 35 percent or below the federal poverty level

Health care services are provided through county health plans (CHP) or through a fee-for-service system in those counties that do not have a CHP. People interested in applying for the ABW program may do so by going to their local Department of Human Services (DHS) office.

For questions regarding the open enrollment process, eligibility requirements, or general service coverage, please contact your local DHS office. A list of county offices and contact information may be found on the DHS Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/dhs.