On April 1, 2014, the state of Michigan began accepting applications for the much anticipated Healthy Michigan Plan. The plan comes almost seven months after Governor Rick Snyder signed into law Michigan Public Act 107, which makes health care benefits available to eligible Michiganders.
Under the terms of Michigan Public Act 107, the Healthy Michigan Plan will provide health care coverage to Michigan residents who are 19 -64 years old; have income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level under the Modified Adjusted Gross Income Methodology; do not qualify for or are not enrolled in Medicare; do not qualify for or are not enrolled in other Medicaid programs; and are not pregnant at time of application. “The Healthy Michigan Plan is about improving the health and wellbeing of our citizens, saving money for taxpayers and job providers and ensuring our state’s continued comeback,” said Snyder. “I encourage all eligible Michiganders to enroll.”
According to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and Human Services (DHS), Healthy Michigan Plan will provide healthcare coverage to almost 500,000 more residents of Michigan. Health coverage provided by the plan will include federal and state mandated Essential Health Benefits, inclusive of ambulatory patient services; emergency services; hospitalization; mental health and substance use disorder services; behavioral health treatment; prescription drugs; rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, laboratory services; preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management, pediatric services, including oral and vision care; and some other medical services, such as dental, home health, and family planning.
“In making Michigan a healthier, stronger state, we have placed a significant focus on improving the health status of residents,” said James K. Haveman, director of the MDCH. “The Healthy Michigan Plan is another positive step forward in helping Michiganders make healthier choices, and have access to healthier options.”
Maura Corrigan, DHS director agrees. “Our staff has worked hard and with diligence for many months, along with our partners, to make this happen,” she said. “We know it will pay off with a system that allows more Michigan citizens access to better and affordable health care under the Healthy Michigan Plan.”
For additional information about the Healthy Michigan Plan, or to enroll, visit http:www.healthymichiganplan.org/ or call 855.789.5610, or the closest DHS office.
Enrollment for the Healthy Michigan Plan is available online at www.michigan.gov/mibridges, by phone or in person.
Healthy Michigan Plan: Some Frequently Asked Questions
Referenced from MDCH’s website
Eligibility:
Q – Who is eligible to apply for the Healthy Michigan Plan?
A – The Healthy Michigan Plan provides health care coverage for individuals who are…
Residents of the state of Michigan; 19 – 64 years old; have income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level under the Modified Adjusted Gross Income methodology; do not qualify for or are not enrolled in Medicare; do not qualify for or are not enrolled in other Medicaid programs; and not pregnant at the time of application.
Q – Will current household income rules continue to apply to seniors and most people with disabilities?
A – The Healthy Michigan Plan is for ages 19 to 64. It does not apply to seniors. People with disabilities will stay in Medicaid. Their income limits will not change, but they will apply using the MI Bridges application.
Q – Will assets be considered for eligibility purposes in the Healthy Michigan Plan?
A -The state of Michigan will not count the things you own to determine if you qualify for the Healthy Michigan Plan.
Q – Currently infants of pregnant women on Medicaid are automatically eligible for Medicaid when they are born. Since the Healthy Michigan Plan is only for ages 19 – 64, would families have to apply for coverage for their infant?
A – Children born to pregnant women enrolled in the Healthy Michigan Plan will be automatically eligible for Medicaid. Women who become pregnant while in the Healthy Michigan Plan do need to inform their case worker of their pregnancy, due date, and subsequent birth.
Application:
Q – How do I apply for the Healthy Michigan Plan?
A – The application is available online at www.michigan.gov/mibridges, by phone, or in-person.
Q – What type of information will I need to apply for the Healthy Michigan Plan?
A – When applying you will need information about each person applying for coverage. This includes birthdates, social security numbers, income information, and citizenship or immigration status.
Q – Will eligibility be based on annual or monthly income like other programs?
A – Eligibility is based on annual income, but we allow applicants to report their income in a variety of ways, including monthly or weekly.
Q – Can individuals who have existing health coverage (i.e., a private plan, not Medicaid or Medicare) apply for additional coverage through the Healthy Michigan Plan?
A – Yes. Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries can have other insurance. The other insurance would be primary and the Healthy Michigan Plan would be secondary.
Coverages:
Q – Will the Healthy Michigan Plan cover family planning service?
A – Yes. The Healthy Michigan Plan will cover family planning services with no out-of-pocket cost to patients.
Q – Will I be able to get health coverage through the Healthy Michigan Plan if I have a pre-existing condition?
A – Yes. The Healthy Michigan Plan will not deny coverage to individuals due to pre-existing conditions.
Q – Will the Healthy Michigan plan allow me to stay with my current doctor?
A – Healthy Michigan Plan participants, with some limited exceptions, must enroll in a health plan that will pay your doctor for your care. Check with your doctor to find out whether he or she participates with one of these plans.
Q – How will my doctor know that I have Healthy Michigan Plan coverage?
A – When you have the Healthy Michigan Plan, a healthcare card will be mailed to you (if you do not have one already).
Costs:
Q – Is there a cost to be in the Healthy Michigan Plan?
A – Healthy Michigan Plan participants will have some cost-sharing responsibilities. If you make between 100 and 133% of the federal poverty level, you will need to pay 2% of your annual income. Co-pays, in amounts consistent with the current Medicaid program requirements, will also be utilized for all Healthy Michigan Plan participants. Your total cost sharing, including co-pays, can’t be more than 5% of your annual household income and will be paid through the use of a dedicated health account call the MI Health Account.
For answers to other questions pertaining to the Healthy Michigan Plan, log on to www.healthymichiganplan.org or call 1-855-789-5610.
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