Where to start your Michigan Medicaid application

You apply for Michigan Medicaid through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), not through a hospital, doctor's office, or insurance broker. The easiest way to start is through MiBridges, which is Michigan's online portal for benefits. You can also apply in person at your local MDHHS office, by mail, or by phone.

MiBridges lets you submit your application from home and check its status anytime. You will need to create an account with your email address and a password. The online form takes 20 to 30 minutes if you have your documents ready. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call your county MDHHS office directly — the number is on the MDHHS website under "Contact Us by County."

Paper applications are slower. If you mail one in, allow 30 to 45 days for processing instead of the typical 14 to 21 days for online submissions. In-person applications at your local office usually get processed faster because staff can spot missing information right away and ask you to fix it on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply through MiBridges online, by phone to your county MDHHS office, in person, or by mail — online is fastest.
  • You will need proof of income, residency, citizenship or immigration status, and identity; have these documents ready before you start.
  • Processing takes 14 to 21 days for online applications and up to 45 days for mail, though emergency Medicaid can cover you while you wait.
  • If you are denied, you have 30 days to request a hearing and present more information or challenge the decision.
  • Your county MDHHS office handles your case after approval, so keep their contact information and respond to any requests they send you.

Documents you need before applying

Gather these documents before you open MiBridges or call your county office. Having them ready cuts your application time in half and prevents delays.

Proof of income: Recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns from the past year, a letter from your employer stating your salary, or bank statements showing regular deposits. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and business records. If you have no income, you do not need this — just note that on the form.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and Michigan address. The document must be dated within the past 60 days. A driver's license alone is not enough.

Proof of citizenship or immigration status: A birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card (green card). If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your approval letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Non-citizens in certain categories can still get Medicaid — the form will ask which category you fall into.

Proof of identity: A driver's license, state ID, passport, or tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, call your county office — they can use other documents like a Social Security card plus a utility bill.

How to apply online through MiBridges

Go to mibridges.michigan.gov and click "Create Account" if you do not already have one. Enter your email address and create a password. You will receive a confirmation email — click the link to activate your account.

Log in and select "Apply for Benefits." Choose "Healthcare" and then "Medicaid." The form will ask for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. It will then ask about your household — who lives with you, their ages, and their income. Answer honestly; the form is not asking for anything you cannot verify with documents.

Upload photos of your documents directly into MiBridges. Take clear photos of both sides of your ID, your proof of residency, and your income documents. The system accepts JPG and PDF files. If a photo is blurry or cut off, it will be rejected and you will have to resubmit.

Review your answers, check the box confirming everything is true, and submit. You will see a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot. MiBridges will send you an email confirmation. You can log back in anytime to check your application status.

What happens after you submit your application

MDHHS will review your application and documents. If everything is complete and you meet the income and residency rules, you will be approved. If something is missing or unclear, MDHHS will send you a notice asking for more information — usually by email through MiBridges, sometimes by mail. You typically have 10 days to respond.

Processing takes 14 to 21 days for most applications. If you are in an emergency situation — you need medical care right now and cannot wait — you can ask for emergency Medicaid while your regular application is being reviewed. Emergency Medicaid covers you for up to 30 days and only for the specific emergency condition. Call your county MDHHS office to request it.

Once you are approved, you will receive a Medicaid card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your coverage starts on the first day of the month you applied, or sometimes the first day of the next month — the approval letter will tell you the exact date. You can use your Medicaid card at any doctor, hospital, or pharmacy that accepts Michigan Medicaid.

Income limits and what counts as income

Michigan Medicaid has income limits that depend on your household size. These limits change each year. For the most current numbers, check the MDHHS website or call your county office — they can tell you the exact limit for your situation in seconds.

Income includes wages from a job, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and rental income. It does not include food stamps (SNAP), housing assistance, or most tax refunds. If you are unsure whether something counts, list it on your application and let MDHHS decide — it is better to include something than to hide it and have your application denied later.

If your income is above the limit, you may still be able to get Medicaid through a spend-down program, where medical expenses reduce your countable income. Ask your county office whether you may have access to for this option.

If your application is denied

MDHHS will send you a written notice explaining why you were denied. Common reasons include income above the limit, not proving residency, or not responding to a request for more information in time.

You have 30 days from the date on the denial letter to request a hearing. You can request it through MiBridges, by phone, by mail, or in person at your county office. At the hearing, you can present new documents, explain your situation, and challenge the decision. You do not need a lawyer, though you can bring one if you want.

While you wait for your hearing, your Medicaid coverage does not restart automatically. If you believe the denial was wrong, request the hearing as soon as you can. If you gather new documents that prove you meet the rules, submit them with your hearing request.

Renewing your Medicaid coverage

Michigan Medicaid requires you to renew your coverage every 12 months. MDHHS will send you a renewal notice by mail or through MiBridges about 30 days before your coverage expires. The notice will tell you how to renew — usually by logging into MiBridges and updating your information, or by returning a paper form.

Renew on time. If you miss the deadline, your coverage will end and you will have to reapply from scratch. If you move, change jobs, or your income changes, report it to MDHHS right away — do not wait for the renewal notice. Changes can affect whether you stay covered.

You can renew online through MiBridges, by mail, or by phone. Online renewal is fastest and usually takes just a few minutes if nothing has changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you are a lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or in certain other immigration categories. You will need to provide proof of your status — a green card, USCIS approval letter, or similar document. Undocumented immigrants do not may have access to for regular Medicaid, but Michigan does offer emergency Medicaid for urgent medical conditions. Call your county office to learn what you can access.

How long does it take to get approved?

Online applications through MiBridges usually get approved or denied within 14 to 21 days. Mail applications take up to 45 days. If MDHHS asks for more information, the clock pauses while you respond — you typically have 10 days to send it back. Emergency Medicaid can cover you while you wait for a decision on your regular application.

What if I do not have all my documents ready?

You can still submit your application and upload documents later. MiBridges lets you save a draft and come back to it. However, your application will not be approved until MDHHS receives everything they need. The sooner you submit all documents, the sooner you get a decision. If you are struggling to find a document, call your county office — they can sometimes accept alternatives or help you get copies.

Can I use my Medicaid card right away?

Your coverage starts on the date listed in your approval letter, usually the first day of the month you applied. You will receive your physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you do not have to wait for it. You can give your Medicaid number (from your approval letter or MiBridges account) to your doctor or pharmacy immediately and they can verify your coverage.

What do I do if MDHHS asks for more information?

Respond within 10 days. MDHHS will send the request through MiBridges, by mail, or by phone. Upload documents directly into MiBridges if you can, or mail them to the address on the notice. Keep a copy for yourself. If you miss the deadline, your application may be denied, but you can request a hearing to explain why you were late.