Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program that provides health coverage to low-income adults, people with disabilities, elderly adults and other eligible people. States are required to cover certain services in their Medicaid plans, including doctor visits, hospital visits, home health services, nursing facility services and transportation to medical care. Michigan Medicaid covers many additional medical services, such as optometry, podiatry and mental health care.
To qualify for the Michigan Medicaid health care program, seniors must meet various eligibility requirements. They must be U.S. nationals, U.S. citizens or permanent residents who reside in Michigan. In addition, seniors need to meet the program’s financial requirements. The income limit for a single senior is $16,146 per year, while the limit for couples is $21,892.
Seniors who are interested in receiving Medicaid coverage can apply through MI Bridges, Michigan’s online application portal. The state also accepts paper applications for health coverage. Paper applications can be mailed to:
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Health Insurance Affordability Program
PO Box 8123
Royal Oak, MI 48068
Seniors who need help applying for Medicaid can call the state’s Medicaid Helpline at (855) 276-4627.
Lansing seniors who need help paying for assisted living care may be eligible to receive assistance through the MI Choice Waiver program. Michigan Medicaid runs this program, but it is not an entitlement, and there is a waiting list. Seniors accepted into this program can receive Medicaid-covered services in an assisted living facility or in their own home. Covered services include nursing services, nonmedical transportation, chore services, medical supplies and counseling.
For more information about the MI Choice Waiver program, seniors can call the Tri-County Office on Aging at (517) 887-1440. Since there is a waiting list for this program, interested seniors should apply as soon as possible.