Michigan Medicaid 2026: Healthy Michigan Plan Income Limits & How to Apply

Quick answer: Michigan Medicaid is run by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Most low-income adults ages 19 to 64 get coverage through the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP), which has an income limit of 138% of the Federal Poverty Level — about $1,835 per month for one person or $3,795 per month for a family of four in 2026 — and no asset test. You apply through MI Bridges (mibridges.michigan.gov) or by calling 1-888-642-4845.

Michigan expanded Medicaid in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act, creating the Healthy Michigan Plan. Today roughly 2.6 million residents — about 1 in 4 Michiganders — receive Medicaid coverage through one of several programs. Whether you’re a working adult whose job doesn’t offer insurance, a parent, a pregnant woman, or caring for an aging family member, there’s likely a program that fits. This guide covers who qualifies, exact income limits for 2026, how to apply step by step, what’s covered, and important 2026-2027 changes you need to prepare for.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for Michigan residents checking whether they qualify for Medicaid coverage in 2026. That includes:

• Working adults earning low wages or working part-time — many don’t realize they qualify because the Healthy Michigan Plan looks at income, not job status
• Parents and caregivers who need coverage for themselves or their children
• Pregnant women who qualify at higher income limits
• Seniors and people with disabilities needing long-term care or community-based services
• People losing employer coverage and looking for affordable alternatives
• Current enrollees preparing for the 2026-2027 changes to renewals, work requirements, and retroactive coverage

If you’re also interested in other Michigan benefit programs — SNAP, cash assistance, heating help — see our Michigan assistance programs guide.

Michigan Medicaid Programs and 2026 Income Limits

Michigan Medicaid isn’t one program — it’s several, each designed for a different group. Every program uses the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to set income limits. For 2026, 100% FPL is approximately $1,330 per month for a single person. Here are the current limits by program:

Household size matters. The limits above are for one person. For the Healthy Michigan Plan, a family of four qualifies at about $3,795 per month (roughly $45,510 per year). A single person qualifies at about $22,025 per year.

Understanding the 138% figure: Federal law sets the Medicaid expansion threshold at 133% FPL, but a built-in 5% income disregard brings the effective limit to 138% FPL. You may see either number — they refer to the same limit.

MAGI vs. non-MAGI: Most programs (HMP, children’s, pregnancy) use Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules — no asset test, and income is based on your tax return. The ABD and long-term care programs use non-MAGI rules, which count assets like savings accounts and have stricter calculations. If you’re slightly over the ABD or long-term care limits, a spend-down option lets you deduct medical expenses to get under the threshold.

Automatic qualification: People receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify for Michigan Medicaid — no separate application needed.

For a comparison of income limits across all states, see our Medicaid income limits by state guide.

Who Qualifies for the Healthy Michigan Plan

The Healthy Michigan Plan is Michigan’s Medicaid expansion program and covers the largest group of adults. To qualify, you must meet all of these:

• Age: 19 to 64 years old
• Income: At or below 138% FPL (about $1,835/month for one person)
• Residency: Live in Michigan
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
• Not on Medicare: You can’t be enrolled in Medicare and HMP at the same time

There is no asset test for the Healthy Michigan Plan. Your savings account balance, the value of your car, and your home equity do not count. This is one of the biggest misunderstandings — many people assume they won’t qualify because they have some savings, but HMP only looks at income.

Many working adults qualify and don’t realize it. If you work part-time, have seasonal employment, or earn minimum wage, your income may fall under the limit. Self-employed individuals and gig workers are also eligible if their net income qualifies.

About 750,000 Michigan residents are currently enrolled in the Healthy Michigan Plan specifically.

What the Healthy Michigan Plan Covers

HMP provides comprehensive medical coverage that goes well beyond basic insurance. Benefits include:

• Doctor visits and specialist care (primary care and referrals)
• Hospital stays — both inpatient and outpatient surgery
• Prescription drugs (most generic and many brand-name medications)
• Preventive care and screenings at no cost — annual physicals, cancer screenings, immunizations
• Mental health and substance use disorder treatment, including counseling and inpatient rehab
• Dental services — cleanings, fillings, extractions, and some restorative work
• Vision care — eye exams and eyeglasses
• Maternity and newborn care — prenatal visits, delivery, postpartum care
• Lab tests, X-rays, and diagnostic imaging
• Emergency room visits
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology
• Durable medical equipment — wheelchairs, glucose monitors, oxygen equipment
• Transportation to medical appointments through MDHHS-coordinated services

One benefit that surprises many people is that HMP covers dental and vision — services often excluded from private marketplace plans. Michigan’s Medicaid dental benefit covers preventive cleanings, fillings, root canals, and dentures for adults, not just children.

Healthy Behaviors incentive: HMP includes a program unique to Michigan — if you complete a Health Risk Assessment with your primary care provider and participate in healthy behaviors (like getting an annual physical, completing recommended screenings, or working toward a health goal), your cost-sharing can be reduced. This is an incentive, not a requirement. There is no penalty if you don’t participate; it only lowers your costs if you do.

Cost-sharing: Most HMP members pay minimal or no premiums. Members with income above 100% FPL may have small monthly contributions, typically capped at 2% of household income. Some services carry small copayments ($1-$3 for most services), but preventive care is always completely free. If you’re below 100% FPL, you’ll have no monthly premium at all.

How to Apply for Michigan Medicaid (Step by Step)

You can apply for Michigan Medicaid through several channels. Here’s how each works:

Option 1: Apply Online Through MI Bridges (Fastest)

1. Go to mibridges.michigan.gov and create an account
2. Select “Apply for Benefits” — one application covers Medicaid, SNAP (food assistance), and cash assistance
3. Fill out the application with your household information, income, and expenses
4. Upload supporting documents (pay stubs, ID, proof of residency) directly through the portal
5. Submit and save your confirmation number

MI Bridges is the fastest method because your application goes directly into the system, and you can upload documents immediately instead of mailing them.

Option 2: Apply by Phone

Call 1-888-642-4845 to apply over the phone with a representative. Representatives can walk you through the questions and submit the application for you.

Option 3: Apply in Person or by Mail

Visit your local MDHHS office to apply in person, or download Form DCH-1426 from the MDHHS website and mail it to:

MDHHS
P.O. Box 30037
Lansing, MI 48909

After You Apply

MDHHS will review your application and may request additional documents. Processing times:

• Most applications: Up to 45 days
• Disability-based applications: Up to 90 days

If approved, your coverage can be retroactive up to 3 months before your application date (this shortens to 2 months starting January 2027 — see the changes section below). This means medical bills you’ve already incurred may be covered.

For a general walkthrough of the Medicaid application process, see our how to apply for Medicaid guide.

Required Documents

Gather these before you start your application to avoid delays:

• Proof of identity: Driver’s license, state ID, or passport
• Social Security numbers for everyone applying
• Proof of Michigan residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing a Michigan address
• Proof of income: Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax return, self-employment records, benefit award letters (Social Security, unemployment, etc.)
• Immigration documents (if applicable): Green card, work permit, or other qualified immigration status documentation

Note for HMP applicants: Because the Healthy Michigan Plan has no asset test, you generally don’t need to provide bank statements, vehicle titles, or property records. ABD and long-term care applicants will need asset documentation.

Important 2026-2027 Changes You Need to Know

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law in 2025 introduces several changes to Medicaid nationwide, and Michigan is implementing them on a specific timeline. Here’s what’s coming:

Work Requirements (Starting January 1, 2027)

Some Healthy Michigan Plan adults will need to complete 80 hours per month of qualifying activities to keep their coverage. Qualifying activities include:

• Employment (including self-employment)
• Job training or vocational education
• Job searching
• Community service or volunteer work
• Education programs

Who is exempt: Pregnant women, people who are medically frail, people with disabilities, and several other groups are exempt from the work requirement.

Timeline: MDHHS will begin outreach to affected members by September 30, 2026, so you’ll receive information before the requirement takes effect. If you think you’ll be affected, start tracking your qualifying activities now.

6-Month Renewals (Starting December 2026)

Currently, Healthy Michigan Plan members renew their eligibility once a year. Starting December 2026, expansion adults shift to 6-month renewal cycles. This means you’ll need to verify your eligibility twice as often. Keep your contact information updated in MI Bridges so you don’t miss renewal notices — a missed renewal leads to a coverage gap.

Non-Citizen Coverage Changes (Starting October 1, 2026)

Some non-citizen groups will lose access to full Medicaid coverage starting October 1, 2026. If you are a lawfully present immigrant receiving Medicaid, contact your MDHHS caseworker to find out how this affects your specific situation.

Retroactive Coverage Shortens (Starting January 2027)

Currently, Medicaid can cover medical expenses incurred up to 3 months before your application date. Starting January 2027, this shortens to 2 months. If you need coverage for past medical bills, apply as soon as possible to maximize the retroactive window.

Tips to Avoid Losing Coverage

With the upcoming changes, staying enrolled takes more attention than before. Here are the most important things to do:

• Keep your MI Bridges account updated. Your mailing address, phone number, and email must be current. MDHHS sends renewal notices and work-requirement information to the address on file — if it bounces back, you could lose coverage without knowing.
• Respond to every renewal notice immediately. With 6-month renewals starting December 2026, you’ll get these twice a year. Don’t set them aside — Michigan can auto-renew some cases using data matches, but if they need information from you and you don’t respond, your coverage ends.
• Report income and household changes within 10 days. A new job, a raise, adding or losing a household member — all should be reported promptly through MI Bridges or your caseworker.
• Prepare for work requirements. If you’re a non-exempt HMP adult, start documenting your work or qualifying activities now. MDHHS outreach starts September 2026, and the requirement kicks in January 2027.
• Don’t assume you’ve been dropped. If you think your coverage has lapsed, log into MI Bridges to check your status. You may be able to reinstate quickly rather than starting a new application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• “I have a job, so I won’t qualify.” The Healthy Michigan Plan is income-based, not employment-based. Many people earning minimum wage or working part-time qualify.
• “I have savings, so I can’t get Medicaid.” HMP has no asset test. Your bank account, car, and home don’t affect eligibility.
• “I missed a renewal, so I’m permanently out.” Not true — you can reapply immediately. You may lose a month or two of coverage, but you won’t be permanently disqualified.
• Ignoring MDHHS mail. Letters from MDHHS are not junk mail. They often contain renewal forms or requests for information with deadlines. Missing a deadline usually means a coverage gap.
• Not applying because “it takes too long.” The MI Bridges online application takes about 30-45 minutes. And coverage can be retroactive, so applying now can cover bills you already have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the income limit for Michigan Medicaid in 2026?

For the Healthy Michigan Plan (adults 19-64), the limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level — about $1,835 per month for one person or $3,795 per month for a family of four. Children qualify up to 217% FPL, and pregnant women qualify up to 200% FPL.

Does Michigan Medicaid have an asset test?

No — the Healthy Michigan Plan and the children’s and pregnancy programs have no asset test. Only the Aged, Blind & Disabled program ($2,000 asset limit) and long-term care programs ($9,950 asset limit) test assets.

How do I apply for Michigan Medicaid?

The fastest way is online at MI Bridges. You can also call 1-888-642-4845 or visit your local MDHHS office. Most applications are processed within 45 days.

What is the Healthy Michigan Plan?

The Healthy Michigan Plan is Michigan’s Medicaid expansion program, created in 2014. It covers low-income adults ages 19 to 64 with income at or below 138% FPL. Unlike traditional Medicaid for seniors or people with disabilities, HMP has no asset test and covers a broad range of services including dental and vision.

Are Michigan Medicaid work requirements starting?

Yes — beginning January 1, 2027, some Healthy Michigan Plan adults must complete 80 hours per month of work, education, job training, or community service. MDHHS will begin contacting affected members by September 30, 2026. Pregnant women, people who are medically frail, and people with disabilities are exempt.

Can I get Michigan Medicaid if I’m pregnant?

Yes. Pregnant women in Michigan qualify at income up to 200% FPL (about $2,660/month for one person). Coverage continues for 12 months after giving birth, regardless of income changes during that period.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most applications are processed within 45 days. Disability-based applications can take up to 90 days. Once approved, coverage can be retroactive up to 3 months before your application date (shortening to 2 months in January 2027).

Official Sources and Helpful Links

• Michigan MDHHS — Healthcare Programs
• MI Bridges — Apply for Benefits
• Medicaid.gov — Michigan Overview
• Michigan Food Stamps (SNAP) Guide
• Michigan Assistance Programs — Full Guide
• Medicaid Income Limits by State (2026)
• Medicaid 2026 Overview

Last reviewed: July 2026. This page is for informational purposes and is not affiliated with any government agency. Medicaid rules change frequently — verify your specific situation with MDHHS at 1-888-642-4845 or through MI Bridges.