Michigan residents covered by the Healthy Michigan Plan will see new eligibility rules starting January 1, 2027. Some adults will need to meet a work or approved-activity requirement, and the state plans to check eligibility more often. That does not mean every enrollee will lose coverage or must start sending paperwork now.
The practical job for the rest of 2026 is simpler: know which rules may apply to you, keep your contact information current, and answer any state notice by its deadline.
Who may have to meet the new requirement?
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the work requirement applies only to certain adults ages 19 through 64 who receive coverage through the Healthy Michigan Plan. It does not apply to every person enrolled in Medicaid.
Someone who is not exempt can meet the requirement through work or other approved activities. State materials list options such as school, job training, volunteering, and participation in a work program. The federal standard generally calls for 80 hours per month, though the state will provide instructions to each person whose eligibility needs verification.
Many Healthy Michigan members may qualify for an exemption
Michigan’s current exemption list covers many situations. Examples include pregnancy and the 12 months after giving birth, caring for a child age 13 or younger, caring for a person with a disability, certain serious health conditions, disability, substance-use treatment, and temporary hardship. Disabled veterans, some young adults who previously lived in state care, and American Indian or Alaska Native members are also among the listed groups.
That list is not a substitute for an eligibility decision. MDHHS says it will use information already available to check for exemptions when possible, but some members may still receive a request for proof. If you think an exemption applies, read every notice and follow the instructions rather than assuming the state already has the record it needs.
Renewals are also expected every six months
The state’s Medicaid changes page says Healthy Michigan Plan adults will move from annual eligibility renewals to checks every six months. Members may receive more frequent requests to confirm income, household size, qualifying activities, or an exemption.
MDHHS will try to verify work or exemption information through existing records first. If it cannot, it will contact the member. Coverage does not end without notice, and a notice about an adverse decision will include appeal instructions.
Five steps to take before 2027
- Confirm your program. Check MI Bridges, your health-plan account, or the state beneficiary helpline to see whether your coverage is through the Healthy Michigan Plan.
- Update your address, phone number, and email. A missed notice can turn a routine renewal into a coverage problem.
- Save records that may matter. Work schedules, pay records, school enrollment, volunteer hours, and documents related to an exemption may help if the state asks for verification.
- Watch MI Bridges and your mail. Complete any form by the date printed on the notice, even if you believe MDHHS already has the information.
- Use official contact information. The state warns members to watch for scams. Government agencies will not demand a credit-card payment to keep Medicaid coverage.
If your Healthy Michigan coverage ends
Do not cancel coverage because you expect a rule to affect you. Wait for an official eligibility decision, review the reason, and use the appeal process if the decision appears wrong. You can also reapply for Medicaid if your circumstances change.
If the state finds you no longer qualify, losing Medicaid may open a Special Enrollment Period for Marketplace coverage. HealthCare.gov says people who lose Medicaid generally have 90 days after coverage ends to enroll, and they may apply up to 60 days before a known end date. Eligibility, financial assistance, plan networks, and out-of-pocket costs still need a case-by-case review.
JDW & Associates helps Michigan residents compare individual health insurance options when a household’s coverage needs change. We can explain plan differences and help you review available choices; MDHHS remains the authority for Medicaid eligibility and exemptions.
Need a backup coverage plan?
If you receive a notice that your Healthy Michigan coverage may end, contact JDW & Associates for a complimentary, no-obligation coverage review or call 734-475-1664. Bring the notice and the date your coverage is expected to end so we can help you compare your next steps without missing an enrollment window.
This article provides general information, not legal or eligibility advice. Medicaid rules and implementation details may change. Follow current MDHHS instructions and contact the agency about your Healthy Michigan Plan status.
