Where to start your Michigan Medicaid application

You apply for Medicaid in Michigan through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), not through a hospital, doctor's office, or insurance broker. The department runs the program and decides who meets the rules for coverage.

You have three main ways to submit an application: online through the MI Bridges portal, by mail, or in person at your local MDHHS office. The online route is fastest — you can start and finish in one session, and you will get a decision within 30 days in most cases. If you do not have internet access or prefer to work with someone face-to-face, your local office can walk you through the process.

To find your local MDHHS office, search "MDHHS office near me" on the state website or call 1-855-275-6424. That line can also answer questions about whether you meet the income and other rules before you apply.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply online through MI Bridges, by mail, or at your local MDHHS office — online is usually fastest and you get a decision within 30 days.
  • You will need proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, and residency in Michigan, plus information about anyone else in your household.
  • Michigan Medicaid covers different groups — parents, children, seniors, people with disabilities — and each group has its own income limit that changes yearly.
  • If you are denied, you can ask for a hearing within 90 days; bring documents that show your actual income and household size.
  • Once approved, your coverage starts on the first day of the month you applied, even if the decision comes later.

What documents you need before you apply

Gather these items before you start, whether you apply online or on paper. You will need proof of your monthly income — a recent pay stub, tax return, or a letter from your employer. If you receive benefits like unemployment or Social Security, bring the award letter or a recent statement. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years.

You also need proof you live in Michigan: a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and current address. For citizenship or immigration status, bring a birth certificate, passport, green card, or work permit. If you are applying for a child, bring their birth certificate.

If anyone in your household receives income, you will need to report it — even if it is a spouse, adult child, or parent living with you. MDHHS counts household income to decide if you meet the limit. Bring documentation for every person's income, not just your own.

The online application through MI Bridges

Go to mibridges.michigan.gov and create an account with your email and a password. You will answer questions about your household size, income, expenses, and citizenship. The form takes 20 to 30 minutes if you have your documents ready.

After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen — write it down. MDHHS will send you a letter within a few days telling you what happens next. Some applications are approved right away. Others ask you to send documents by mail or upload them through your MI Bridges account to prove what you reported.

You can check the status of your application anytime by logging back into MI Bridges. The portal shows whether MDHHS received your documents and how much time is left before a decision.

Income limits and which Medicaid group you fit into

Michigan Medicaid has different income limits depending on who you are. Parents and caretakers can earn up to about 41% of the federal poverty level — roughly $900 per month for a single person in 2024, though this changes yearly. Children under 19 can earn up to 211% of poverty, which is much higher. Pregnant people can earn up to 213% of poverty. Seniors and people with disabilities have different limits again, often higher than working-age adults.

The exact dollar amounts shift every January, so call 1-855-275-6424 or check the MDHHS website to confirm the current limit for your situation. If your income is above the limit for one group, you might still fit another — for example, a parent earning too much might still cover their child.

MDHHS counts only the income you actually receive, not assets like a car or savings account (with some exceptions for seniors). If you are self-employed, they count your net profit after business expenses.

What happens after you submit your application

MDHHS has 30 days to make a decision. During that time, they may ask you to send more documents or to clarify something you reported. If they ask, respond within the deadline they give you — usually 10 days. If you miss the deadline, they may deny your application, but you can reapply.

You will receive a letter in the mail with the decision. If you are approved, the letter tells you your coverage start date (usually the first of the month you applied), what services are covered, and how to use your card. If you are denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to ask for a hearing.

Coverage starts on the first day of the month you applied, even if the approval letter arrives weeks later. This means if you apply on March 15, coverage could start March 1 — you do not have to wait for the decision.

If your application is denied

The most common reasons for denial are income above the limit, not proving citizenship or residency, or not responding to a request for documents. If you are denied, the letter will say which reason applies to you.

You have the right to ask for a fair hearing within 90 days of the denial letter. To request one, call 1-855-275-6424 or write to your local MDHHS office. At the hearing, you can present documents and explain your situation to a hearing officer who did not make the original decision. Bring pay stubs, tax returns, or any other proof of your actual income and household size.

You can also reapply at any time. If your income has changed, your household size is different, or you have new documents, a new application might be approved even if the first one was denied.

Changes to report after you are approved

Once you have coverage, you must report certain changes to MDHHS within 10 days. These include a change in income (a new job, a raise, or loss of a job), a change in household size (someone moves in or out), a change in address, or a change in citizenship status. You can report changes through MI Bridges, by phone, or at your local office.

If you do not report a change and MDHHS finds out later, they may ask you to repay benefits you were not supposed to receive. If your income goes up, your coverage might end or change to a different Medicaid group. If your income goes down, you might become covered under a different category with better benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and some other legal immigrants can get Medicaid. Undocumented immigrants cannot get regular Medicaid, but Michigan does offer emergency Medicaid for urgent medical conditions. Call 1-855-275-6424 to discuss your specific status.

How long does it take to get a decision?

MDHHS has 30 days from the date you apply. If they ask for more documents, the clock pauses while you send them — it restarts when they receive them. Online applications often get decisions faster than mail-in ones because there is less back-and-forth.

What if my income changes between when I apply and when I get approved?

Report the change to MDHHS as soon as it happens. If your new income is above the limit, your application may be denied or your coverage may be different. If your income went down, you might become covered under a better category. Do not wait for the approval letter to report a change.

Can I work while I have Medicaid?

Yes. Medicaid does not prevent you from working. However, your income from work counts toward the income limit. If you earn enough to go over the limit, your coverage will end or change. Some people stay covered under a different Medicaid group even if they earn too much for the main group.

What if I need coverage before my application is decided?

If you have an urgent medical need, you can go to an emergency room and explain that you have applied for Medicaid. The hospital will treat you, and if you are approved, Medicaid may cover the bill retroactively. Do not delay emergency care while waiting for a decision.