The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently reported significant updates regarding Medicaid renewals and eligibility in the state. Last month, the renewal process for Medicaid saw over 140,000 Michigan residents successfully continue their coverage, which has cumulatively surpassed 1.4 million renewals under both Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan. This development underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring healthcare coverage for its residents.
However, alongside the renewals, the department noted a considerable number of individuals—14,688 in February alone—were removed from the Medicaid rolls due to eligibility or procedural issues. Since June 2023, the total figure of individuals losing Medicaid coverage has reached 701,589. This reduction is attributed to various reasons, including procedural lapses or changes in eligibility status.
This trend represents a significant increase from the initial predictions made by the Michigan House Fiscal Agency, which estimated around 200,000 cuts post-pandemic. The increase is partly due to the cessation of a COVID-era policy that allowed Medicaid recipients to retain coverage without the need for annual reapplication, a measure put in place under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.
The state has set clear income thresholds for Medicaid eligibility, with a single adult’s income capped at $18,000 annually. In light of the reinstated annual renewal and income evaluation process, the state, led by Michigan Health Department Director Elizabeth Hertel, has been proactive in ensuring continued coverage for eligible residents. “I’m pleased we’ve been able to renew Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan coverage for more than 1.4 million people so far,” Hertel remarked in a news release. She highlighted the collaborative efforts involved in maintaining this coverage, expressing gratitude towards partners and advocates for their role in informing and assisting beneficiaries.
The renewal process in February was particularly notable, with 142,296 individuals having their coverage extended, contributing to a total of 1,431,695 Michigan residents with renewed Medicaid coverage. Additionally, the state is addressing the needs of those still pending renewal, providing extra time and assistance to ensure continued coverage for eligible recipients.
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a research group based in Midland, supports the reinforcement of eligibility rules, emphasizing Medicaid’s role in aiding low-income individuals in accessing medical care. The Center suggests that those ineligible for Medicaid could still secure health insurance through federal subsidies.
Efforts to mitigate the risk of coverage loss include extended renewal periods for those undergoing life-saving treatments, automatic enrollment into Medicaid managed care plans, and additional time for submitting necessary paperwork. The state health department encourages residents to stay informed about their renewal status and to submit renewal applications proactively, highlighting that eligibility might vary within households, with children, for instance, possibly qualifying for the MiChild program even if parents do not meet the criteria for other Medicaid programs.
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