What Michigan's Medicaid income limits are

Michigan's Medicaid income limits depend on which program you are looking at and how many people live in your household. There is no single number — the limit for a single adult differs from the limit for a parent with children, which differs from the limit for an elderly person or someone with a disability. The state uses the federal poverty level as the starting point, then sets its own limits above or below that depending on the program.

For most adults without children, the income limit is around 100% of the federal poverty level. For parents and caretakers, it is higher — Michigan covers parents up to about 200% of poverty. For seniors and people with disabilities, limits vary by program. These numbers change each year in January when the federal poverty level updates.

The actual dollar amount depends on your household size. A single person's limit is lower than a family of four's limit. You will need to know your gross monthly income — the amount before taxes — and your household size to know whether you fall within the limit.

Key Takeaways

  • Michigan Medicaid income limits are set as a percentage of the federal poverty level and change every January.
  • Parents and caretakers can earn roughly twice the poverty level; most other adults can earn around the poverty level itself.
  • Your household size determines the dollar amount of the limit, not just your income category.
  • You will need to report your gross monthly income and list everyone in your household to have your income checked against the correct limit.

How household size affects your income limit

Michigan counts your household as yourself, your spouse if you have one, and any children under 19 who live with you. Some programs also count parents or other relatives you support financially, but the basic rule is people living in your home who depend on your income.

The federal poverty level for 2024 is roughly $1,705 per month for a single person, $2,300 for a family of two, $2,900 for a family of three, and $3,500 for a family of four. If Michigan's limit for your program is 100% of poverty, those are your income limits. If the limit is 200%, you would double those numbers. The exact figures shift each January, so the numbers you see today may not be the same next year.

If you have a household size that is not listed on a chart, the pattern continues — each additional person adds roughly $600 to $700 per month to the limit, depending on the year and program.

Different programs, different limits

Michigan runs several Medicaid programs, and each has its own income rule. Medicaid for parents and caretakers (usually called Family Medicaid) covers people up to roughly 200% of the federal poverty level. A single parent with one child earning $3,400 per month might be within the limit; a parent earning $4,500 would likely be over it.

Medicaid for adults without dependent children (called Adult Medicaid) covers people up to roughly 100% of the federal poverty level. A single adult earning $1,705 per month might be within the limit; earning $2,000 would likely be over it.

Medicaid for seniors and people with disabilities has different rules depending on whether you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you receive SSI, your income limit is tied to the SSI limit, which is lower than the standard Medicaid limits. If you are not on SSI, you may have access to a higher income limit program.

Michigan also runs Healthy Michigan, a program for adults aged 19 to 64 without dependent children, which covers people up to 138% of the federal poverty level — higher than standard Adult Medicaid but lower than Family Medicaid.

What counts as income and what does not

Michigan counts your gross monthly income — the amount you earn before taxes, deductions, or anything else is taken out. This includes wages from a job, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, Social Security, pensions, and child support you receive. It also includes income from a spouse or parent if they live in your household and you are applying as a family.

Some income does not count. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments do not count toward your income limit if you are applying for Medicaid based on disability or age. Child support you pay out does not reduce your countable income, but child support you receive does count. Certain tax refunds and one-time payments may not count, depending on the program.

If you are self-employed, Michigan counts your net self-employment income — your earnings minus your business expenses — not your gross revenue. You will need to bring tax returns or profit-and-loss statements to prove what you actually earned.

How to find your exact income limit

The easiest way is to call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at 1-855-275-6424 or visit their website at michigan.gov/mdhhs. You can tell them your household size and which program you think you might may have access to for, and they can tell you the current income limit in dollars.

You can also use the online income limit chart on the MDHHS website, though the charts are updated in January and may not reflect mid-year changes. The chart will show limits by household size for each program.

If you are not sure which program fits your situation, start by telling the MDHHS worker your age, whether you have dependent children, and whether you have a disability or receive SSI. They can point you to the right program and its current limit.

What happens if your income is over the limit

If your income is above the limit for one program, you may still be within the limit for another. A single adult earning $2,000 per month would be over the Adult Medicaid limit but might be within the Healthy Michigan limit if that program is still open in your county.

If you are over the limit for all programs, you may still have other options. Some people with high medical costs can reduce their countable income through deductions or spend-down rules. Pregnant people have higher income limits in some cases. People with disabilities may have access to work incentive programs that allow them to earn more and still keep Medicaid.

If you are not sure whether you are over the limit or what your options are, contact MDHHS directly. The income limit is one factor, but not the only one that determines whether you can receive coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my spouse's income count if we are married but file taxes separately?

Yes. Michigan counts your spouse's income as part of your household income even if you file separate tax returns. If you are married and living together, both incomes are added together to check against the limit, regardless of how you file with the IRS.

What if my income changes after I am approved?

You must report income changes to MDHHS within 10 days. If your income goes up and you go over the limit, your coverage may end. If your income goes down, you may become newly within the limit. Changes are handled on a case-by-case basis, so contact your caseworker right away if your income shifts.

Do I have to count child support I receive as income?

Yes, child support you receive counts as income for Medicaid purposes. Child support you pay out does not reduce your countable income. If you receive child support and it pushes you over the income limit, you may still be within the limit for a different program.

Are there income limits for Medicaid for children?

Yes, but they are much higher than for adults. Michigan covers children up to roughly 350% of the federal poverty level, so most children in low-income households are within the limit. A family of four with income up to about $12,000 per month may still have their children covered.

Does my income limit change if I turn 65?

Possibly. Once you turn 65, you move into the seniors category, which has different income rules and may have access to different programs. Contact MDHHS to find out whether your limit changes and whether you should switch to a different program.