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The Brief
Some Michigan Medicaid members will see changes in coverage or policy requirements in the coming months.
Changes beginning Oct. 1 affect non-citizens legally living in Michigan.
And on Jan. 1, 2027, work requirements, retroactive coverage limits and renewal timelines are changing.
Some Michigan Medicaid members will see changes in coverage or policy requirements in the coming months.
Medicaid changes in Michigan
Big picture view
Michigan is implementing new coverage restrictions and policy updates that will affect those enrolled in Medicaid.
Timeline
The changes take effect for some living in Michigan on Oct. 1, and others on Jan. 1, 2027.
Oct. 1 Medicaid changes
Big picture view
The Medicaid changes taking effect on Oct. 1, 2026, affect non-citizens legally living in Michigan.
If your coverage is changing, you will receive a written notice by mail.
Dig deeper
Those with the following immigration status will continue to receive full coverage:
Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who have met or are exempt from the five-year bar
Compacts of Free Association migrants
Most pregnant individuals and children under the age of 21 who lawfully reside in Michigan will also continue to receive full coverage
People with immigration statuses not listed in one of the categories above will transition to emergency services only (ESO) coverage, and will be notified by mail.
ESO coverage includes treatment for emergency medical conditions only and does not cover routine or preventative care.
Jan. 1, 2027 Medicaid changes
Big picture view
The Medicaid changes taking effect on Jan. 1, 2027, include:
Retroactive coverage limits
New Medicaid work requirements
Big picture view
Certain Medicaid enrollees will need to show proof of work and/or other approved activities to keep their coverage.
You’ll know if this applies to you because the state will begin sending information about work requirements through the mail and/or in your MI Bridges portal, but it generally includes:
Enrollees in the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) between the ages of 16-64
Dig deeper
You can meet work requirements in one of two ways:
Earning at least $580 in at least one month during the review period
Complete at least 80 hours of approved activities in one month during the review period
Not meeting work requirements could lead to loss of coverage, even if someone is otherwise eligible.
Some HMP enrollees that will be exempt from this requirement:
Anyone under the age of 19 or over the age of 64
Those who have a disability or serious health condition
Those caring for a child or family member
Get more information from the state here.
Retroactive coverage limits
Dig deeper
Under the new rule, HMP members may receive coverage for only up to one month before applying.
Other Medicaid groups may receive coverage for up to two months before applying.
Previously, Medicaid could cover services that occurred up to three months before the application date.
Six-month renewals
Timeline
The state will be checking eligibility every six months instead of annual for those enrolled in HMP.
The state will be requesting information more often about your income or household size.
How many people in Michigan are on Medicaid?
Big picture view
Medicaid covers one in five individuals living in the U.S. In Michigan, the coverage rate is even higher – one in four residents of Michigan.
By the numbers
As of August 2025, the state said more than 2.6 million people living in Michigan were getting health coverage from Medicaid programs.
The state says about 750,000 adults were enrolled in the HMP.
The Source
Information in this article was taken from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
