Medicaid Changes Are Coming in 2027

Medicaid Coverage Support

New federal requirements will affect some people covered through Michigan’s Healthy Michigan Plan. We’re here to help you understand the changes and stay connected to care.

The most important thing you can do now:

Stay informed, keep your information updated and watch for notices from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

If Your Coverage Changes, Stay Connected to Care

A change in Medicaid coverage does not mean you should stop coming to the Health Center.

Our team can help connect you with:

  • Sliding Fee Discount Program
  • Insurance/enrollment assistance
  • Other available area resources
  • Continued primary care options

1. Update Your Information

Make sure your address, phone number and email are current in MI Bridges.

Michigan.gov/MIBridges

2. Open & Respond

If MDHHS sends you a notice, open it right away and respond by the deadline.

3. Get Help

Bring questions or paperwork to our team. We can help you understand what to do next.

Ivy MacNicol 231-536-2206 ext. 128

What Is Changing?

Medicaid Changes: What You Need to Know

Several changes to Michigan Medicaid are beginning in late 2026 and 2027. Not everyone will be affected in the same way.

Work or Other Approved Activities

Some Healthy Michigan Plan members ages 19–64 may need to meet new work or approved activity requirements unless they qualify for an exemption.

Members may meet the requirement by completing at least 80 hours of qualifying activity in one month during their review period.

Qualifying activities may include:

  • Paid or unpaid work
  • School or education programs
  • Job training or internships
  • Volunteering
  • Community service

Many people may already meet the requirement or qualify for an exemption.

Six-Month Renewals

Most Healthy Michigan Plan members will need to renew their Medicaid coverage every six months instead of once a year.

MDHHS will notify you if additional information is needed to complete your renewal.

It is important to open notices and respond by the deadline listed.

Current Healthy Michigan Plan members will begin having work requirements reviewed for renewal dates on or after March 1, 2027.

You May Qualify for an Exemption

Not everyone with Healthy Michigan Plan coverage will need to meet the work requirement. Some people may qualify for an exemption based on their circumstances.

  • Pregnant or recently gave birth
  • Caring for a child age 13 or younger
  • Caring for a person with a disability
  • Living with certain health conditions or disabilities
  • American Indian or Alaska Native
  • Former foster youth under age 26
  • Certain disabled veterans
  • Participating in substance use treatment
  • Certain SNAP or TANF participants
  • Experiencing certain temporary hardships

MDHHS determines whether an exemption applies to your individual situation.

Our team can help connect you with the right resources.

Michigan Work & Exemption Screening Tool (MI WEST)

This tool was designed for community partners to help Michiganders navigate new work requirements for Healthy Michigan Plan Medicaid.

  • This is not a determination or an application.
  • This is not designed to assess Medicaid eligibility in general. For more information about general eligibility, visit MDHHS‘ Medicaid website.
  • Information provided here cannot be used as proof when applying for or renewing Medicaid benefits.
  • This tool does not save or store any information. Download, print, or copy the summary when you’re done if you need a record.
  • Results reflect someone’s situation at the time they use the tool. If they wait to apply or renew, the results may no longer be accurate.
  • For more details about Medicaid work requirements, visit MDHHS‘ Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of the most common questions about Healthy Michigan Plan changes.

Does this affect everyone with Medicaid?

No. The new work requirements apply to certain adults ages 19–64 covered through the Healthy Michigan Plan. Other Medicaid programs have different requirements.

Does everyone have to work 80 hours?

No. Some people may already meet the requirement through work, school, training, volunteering or other approved activities. Others may qualify for an exemption.

What counts toward the requirement?

Qualifying activities may include work, school, job training, volunteering, community service and other approved activities.

Do I need to send proof every month?

Not necessarily. MDHHS will first review information it already has. If more information is needed, MDHHS will contact you.

What if I cannot work because of my health?

Some people with health conditions, disabilities or complex health needs may qualify for an exemption. MDHHS determines whether an exemption applies.

What if I receive SNAP or Food Assistance?

Medicaid and Food Assistance are separate programs with different work requirements. Some people who already meet certain SNAP or TANF requirements may qualify for an exemption from the Healthy Michigan Plan work requirement.

What should I do if I receive a letter from MDHHS?

Open it right away and review the deadline. If MDHHS asks for information, respond by the date listed.

If you do not understand the notice, contact our Medicaid support team.

Ivy MacNicol
231-536-2206 ext. 128

Where can I get help?

Our Medicaid support staff can help you understand information you receive and connect you with the right resources.

We Can Help

Our Medicaid support staff can help you understand information you receive and connect you with the right resources.

Ivy MacNicol
231-536-2206 ext. 128

Support is available through our East Jordan location.

Bellaire patients can also call Megan or Ivy. You do not need to travel to East Jordan simply to ask a Medicaid question.

State Resources

MI Bridges

  • Michigan.gov/MIBridges
  • Update information, report changes and review notices.

Healthy Michigan Plan

  • Michigan.gov/HealthyMIPlan
  • Official information about Healthy Michigan Plan changes.

Medicaid Beneficiary Help Line

  • 1-800-642-3195
  • TTY: 1-866-501-5656

Medicaid Changes Are Here. We’re Here to Help.

Open your notices. Respond by the deadline. Keep your information updated. Bring us your questions or paperwork.

The Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Center is experiencing issues with our internet systems. This has also impacted our East Jordan location phone systems. We are working to resolve this issue with Charter. Thank you for your patience.

The Patient Portal will be unavailable October 18-20, 2024 due to scheduled maintenance. We apologize for the inconvenience.