REMINDER: Medicaid Redetermination

During the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), extra benefits were provided, such as food assistance and Medicaid.  With the end of the federal PHE this May, Michigan is once again required to conduct the process of redetermining eligibility for Medicaid, and we are building on efforts by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) to help families stay covered and save money.

In May 2023, the Governor issued an executive directive aimed at ensuring as many Michiganders as possible have access to affordable insurance.  The directive instructed all state departments to cooperate with and assist MDHHS and DIFS, including by working together to distribute information to Michiganders about the redetermination process and how to renew eligibility.

To help Michiganders through this process, the State has:

• Communicated with impacted Michiganders by mail, text message, and targeted advertising campaigns.     
• Launched two new websites by MDHHS and DIFS to provide information to consumers about redetermination and alternative health insurance options.     
• Added staff to the MI Bridges Help Desk and Customer Service lines to help Michiganders navigate the transition.     
• Reached out to employers to help ensure that individuals are informed about their employer-based health insurance options, including the existence of a special enrollment period for those affected by redetermination. 

Nationwide, Medicaid beneficiaries will have to renew their coverage to comply with federal legislation. This means that thousands of Michiganders may transition away from Medicaid. In Michigan, annual renewals began again in June 2023 and will continue through May 2024. During this time, MDHHS will review the Medicaid eligibility of more than 3.1 million Michiganders, and those who are no longer eligible for benefits must take action to maintain healthcare coverage to protect themselves and their families.

If you receive Medicaid, you should take the following steps to prepare for redetermination:

• Make sure your address, phone number and email address are up to date at www.michigan.gov/MIBridges. You can also call your local MDHHS office. If you do not have an online account for MI Bridges to access your Medicaid case or report changes, visit www.michigan.gov/MIBridges to sign up for an account. You can also locate organizations that can help you by searching for community partners.
• Report any changes to your household or income at www.michigan.gov/MIBridges or by calling your local MDHHS office.
• If you get a renewal packet, be sure to fill it out, sign the forms and return it by the due date with any proof needed. NOTE: If you do not complete and return the renewal, you may lose Medicaid coverage.

If you receive notice that you or a family member are no longer eligible for Medicaid or MIChild benefits, don’t worry, you have other options, including for low- or no-cost coverage. Having health insurance is important, not just for when you are sick or hurt, but also to help you stay healthy and avoid big medical bills. For more information about your health insurance options, visit Michigan.gov/StayCovered or call DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We are using every resource available to us to spread awareness of the reinstated federal Medicaid eligibility requirements and to help Michiganders stay insured and have access to quality, affordable health care.