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Medicaid Changes

Medicaid Changes

Here's what's changing

New federal changes per H.R. 1 affect how Michigan provides Medicaid coverage. MDHHS’s goal is to help as many people as possible keep their insurance coverage and to make sure you understand if your benefits are impacted. Information will continue to be added and updated in the coming weeks and months. 

To view more details about each of the changes, click on the topics underneath each heading below.

For all Medicaid members

  • When does this go into effect?

    • January 1, 2027 

    What is changing: 

    • Medicaid sometimes paid for medical services received before the resident applied for benefits if they qualified during that time frame. This is called retroactive coverage.
    • Previously, Medicaid could cover services that occurred up to three months before the application date.
    • Under the new rule:
      • Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) members may receive coverage for up to one month before applying.
      • Other Medicaid groups may receive coverage for up to two months before applying. 

    Implications:

    • People who receive medical care before applying for Medicaid may have to pay more of those bills themselves.
    • Someone who is hospitalized or receives care earlier than the new retroactive coverage window may not have those services covered.
    • Applying for Medicaid as soon as possible will become more important to avoid uncovered medical bills. 

For adults (ages 19-64) enrolled in the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP)

  • Who this affects:

    • Adults enrolled in HMP. 

    When does this go into effect?

    • January 1, 2027

    What is changing:

    • The state will need to check eligibility every six months instead of annually for people enrolled in HMP. 

    Implications:

    • Members may receive more requests to confirm information, such as income or household size.
    • It will be important for members to update their contact information and respond to notices from the state timely. 

  • Who this affects:

    • Some adults enrolled in HMP.

    When does this go into effect?

    • January 1, 2027

    Potential exemptions:

    • Anyone under the age of 19 or over the age of 64.
    • Those who have a disability or serious health condition.
    • Those who are pregnant.
    • Those caring for a child or family member.

    What is changing:

    Some HMP members may need to show proof of work and/or other approved activities to keep their coverage.

    Approved activities may include:

    • Working a job.
    • School or job training.
    • Volunteering.
    • Substance use treatment or recovery programs. 

    Implications:

    • Members who are required to participate will need to report their work or approved activities each month.
    • Missing reporting requirements or not meeting the required hours could lead to loss of coverage, even if someone is otherwise eligible for HMP benefits. 

  • Who this affects:

    • All Medicaid members. 

    When does this go into effect?

    • January 1, 2027

    What is changing: 

    • Medicaid sometimes paid for medical services received before the resident applied for benefits if they qualified during that time frame. This is called retroactive coverage.
    • Previously, Medicaid could cover services that occurred up to three months before the application date.
    • Under the new rule HMP members may receive coverage for up to one month before applying.

    Implications:

    • People who receive medical care before applying for Medicaid may have to pay more of those bills themselves.
    • Someone who is hospitalized or receives care earlier than the new retroactive coverage window may not have those services covered.
    • Applying for Medicaid as soon as possible will become more important to avoid uncovered medical bills.

For non-citizens

  • Who this affects:

    • People with certain non-citizen immigration statuses.

    Who will continue to receive full coverage:

    • Lawful permanent residents after the five-year waiting period.
    • Cuban/Haitian entrants.
    • Compacts of Free Association migrants.
    • Most pregnant individuals and children under the age of 21 who lawfully reside inmichigan will also continue to receive full coverage.

    When does this go into effect?

    • October 1, 2026

    What is changing:
     

    Depending on your immigration status, you may keep full Medicaid coverage or move to Emergency Services Only (ESO) coverage. 

    Implications:

    • People with immigration statuses not listed in one of the categories above will transition to ESO.
    • ESO coverage includes treatment for emergency medical conditions only and does not cover routine or preventative care.  

How to keep Medicaid coverage

  • Affected members will get letters by mail, text or email. Make sure to keep your information updated in MI Bridges so you don’t miss important notices.
  • Watch your mail and respond quickly to Medicaid renewal packets, letters from your health plan or local county Medicaid office.
  • Know your renewal date so you can renew your Medicaid online or work with your local county Medicaid office if you do not receive notifications.
  • Please revisit this page for future updates. 

 

Updated: April 8, 2026