A Complete Guide for Families
Applying for Medicaid might sound overwhelming; however, it’s not that difficult at all. With the right information and step-by-step guide, most families can apply and get accepted for Medicaid. In Michigan, most people don’t even know about Medicaid and whether they are eligible or not.
Every year, thousands of families in Michigan fail to access this program, not because they do not qualify but because they do not know where to start. The Medicaid process has a reputation for being complicated, as it requires paperwork and considerable patience. But it is far more manageable than most people think.
This guide is designed to help you understand and complete the entire process- from checking eligibility to submitting your application, what documents to gather, how much time it takes, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Step 1 — Confirm that you likely qualify before applying
It’s better to do a quick self-check to avoid spending too much time on the application process. The Michigan Medicaid program is based on four main factors:
Residency
You must reside in Michigan and intend to stay here.
Citizenship
You must be a U.S citizen, national, or a qualified non-citizen. Certain immigration statuses qualify as well; do not assume you are excluded without checking.
Income
For the Healthy Michigan Plan (adults aged 19 to 64), your income must be at or below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is roughly $20,120 per year for a single person in 2024. For elderly or disabled adults, lower income thresholds apply, but the rules are more nuanced.
Asset
Elderly and disabled applicants cannot have more than $2,000 in countable assets. And as for couples, not more than $3,000. However, your house, a vehicle, and personal belongings are typically exempt. The Healthy Michigan Plan has no asset test at all.
Step 2 — Gather your documents ahead of time
One of the most common mistakes applicants make and a reason for the delay in the Medicaid application process is missing or incomplete files. To speed up the process, collecting everything upfront before the process is the best trick one can use. Here’s what the applicants need:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Michigan residency
- Social Security card or number
- Proof of all income sources
- The last three months of the bank statement
- Proof of assets
- Medical records of disability documentations
- Medicare card (if enrolled)
- Immigration documents (if non-citizen)
Step 3 — Choose how you want to apply
The Medicaid application process offers four ways to submit a Medicaid application:
- Online
Apply through MI Bridges at mibridges.michigan.gov; available 24/7, and the fastest option
- Through Phone
Call the MDHHS Beneficiary Help Line at 1-800-642-3195 for assistance with your application
- In person
Visit your local MDHHS office. A caseworker will guide you through the form and answer questions directly
- Through Mail
Download the paper form from MDHHS.gov and mail it to your local office with supporting documents
Applying through Mi Bridges is the most convenient option for most families, as the portal walks you through each section, flags missing information before submitting, and lets you submit your documents digitally. However, if you are applying for an elderly or disabled family member, and the process feels complex, applying in person or through a home care agency like Hayaat Home Care is strongly recommended.
Step 4 — Complete the application carefully
Whether you are applying online, by phone, or in person, the process remains the same. You will be asked to provide personal information for every household member, source of income, and assets, description of any medical condition or disability, and consent to MDHHS verifying the information you provide.
Take your time and carefully go through each piece of information you have provided, and are required to answer. Also, if any question is not for you, write “N/A” instead of leaving the box blank. Missing or incorrect information is the main reason for decline or application denial.
Step 5 — Wait for the MDHHS decision
The processing time for an application may vary. After submission, the MDHHS is required to process standard Medicaid applications within 45 days, and disability-based applications within 90 days because additional medical review is required.
During this period, MDHHS may contact you to request additional documents or schedule an interview, and you must respond promptly. Delays on your end pause or slow down the process. Keep checking your portal, phone, or MI Badges portal for any communication or updates.
Once the decision is made, you will be notified if your application is accepted, denied, or partially accepted. If your application is approved, your coverage date can be retroactive, which means that if you met the eligibility requirements at that time, it will pay for medical costs for three months prior to when you applied for the program.
What if your application is denied?
A denial is not the end of the road. Many Michigan families have overturned application denials, especially when the caseworker was overly strict about the eligibility rules or the initial application lacked essential documentation.
You can file an appeal within 90 days of the denial notice date. After that, the appeal triggers a formal review known as a “state hearing,” where an independent hearing officer reviews your case. To increase your chances of approval, make sure you have a solid paper trail, which includes financial data, medical information, and a concise justification stating why you think the denial was wrong.
Your Family Needs Support & We Know Exactly How to Get It
Contact Hayaat Home Care today for a free Medicaid eligibility check.
We evaluate and guide throughout the process to make your life easier.