Michigan Medicaid Eligibility: Income Limits, Asset Rules & How to Apply

Michigan Medicaid is administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and funded by federal and state dollars, providing health coverage to low-income Michiganders including children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Michigan’s Medicaid program has a distinctive identity shaped by the state’s industrial economy and policy history. The state’s ACA expansion program — the Healthy Michigan Plan — was one of the first expansions to incorporate a mild cost-sharing element (copayments or contributions for those above 100% FPL), similar to Indiana’s HIP POWER account model but less extensive. It remains one of the most enrollment-successful expansions in the Midwest, covering hundreds of thousands of auto industry workers, gig workers, and service employees.

Michigan is also the fourth state in this series that does not use a QIT — joining Maine, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Michigan uses a medically needy pathway rather than a Qualified Income Trust for long-term care applicants with income above $2,901/month. The HCBS waiver for seniors is called the MI Choice Waiver — a distinctive name reflecting the state’s emphasis on consumer choice in care settings.

The state’s Restaurant Meals Program is active in select counties — allowing eligible seniors and disabled Medicaid recipients to use EBT at participating restaurants. And like Indiana, Michigan participates in the RMP covering select counties.

Michigan’s auto industry geography — the Detroit metro, Flint, Lansing, and communities across southeast Michigan — creates a unique Medicaid population that includes laid-off manufacturing workers, retirees with pension income near the eligibility threshold, and gig economy workers who have replaced traditional factory employment.

This guide covers every major Michigan Medicaid program, 2026 income and asset limits, the 60-month look-back rule, and how to apply through MI Bridges. For a quick eligibility check, use our Medicaid Eligibility Calculator before applying.

Michigan Medicaid Programs

Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid

An entitlement program with no waiting list — everyone who qualifies is guaranteed coverage. It funds care in nursing facilities, hospitals, and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID).

Applicants must demonstrate a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC). Michigan’s nursing home industry is substantial, concentrated in the Detroit metro area, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Flint. Rural Michigan — particularly the Upper Peninsula and rural northern Lower Peninsula — has limited local nursing facility options, making the MI Choice Waiver especially critical in these areas.

MI Choice Waiver — Home and Community Based Services

Michigan’s primary HCBS waiver for seniors and disabled individuals is the MI Choice Waiver, covering in-home personal care, adult day services, delivered meals, home modifications, and other community-based supports.

The MI Choice Waiver is a non-entitlement program with limited slots and waiting lists. Demand is particularly high in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties in the Detroit metro — but the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula have especially long wait times relative to available slots given the limited home care workforce in those regions.

Apply as early as possible. While waiting, many Michiganders also qualify for food assistance — see our Michigan SNAP benefits page.

Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled)

Covers elderly, blind, or disabled Michiganders with lower income and assets, without requiring nursing-level medical need. No look-back period applies.

Michigan offers a medically needy spend-down pathway — if income exceeds $967/month, qualifying medical expenses can be deducted to reach the eligibility threshold. SSI recipients are categorically eligible.

For seniors on Social Security who also need food assistance, see our guide on whether seniors on Social Security can get food stamps.

Healthy Kids — Children and Pregnant Women

Healthy Kids is Michigan’s Medicaid and CHIP program for children, covering children up to age 19 at income limits up to 252% FPL ($3,294/month for a single-person household). No asset test applies.

Pregnant women qualify at the same 252% FPL threshold, with coverage extending 12 months postpartum. Families who qualify may also be eligible for WIC nutrition support — see Michigan WIC income guidelines or use our WIC Eligibility Calculator.

Healthy Michigan Plan — ACA Expansion for Adults

The Healthy Michigan Plan covers adults aged 19–64 without dependent children earning up to 138% FPL ($1,799/month for a single person) with no asset test. Michigan expanded Medicaid under the ACA in April 2014.

Participants above 100% FPL may have modest cost-sharing requirements — copayments or contributions — as a condition of full benefits. Those at or below 100% FPL are exempt from cost-sharing.

Michigan’s large auto industry and manufacturing workforce — including parts suppliers, assembly plant workers, and Tier 2 suppliers throughout southeast Michigan — relies heavily on the Healthy Michigan Plan. Starting January 2027, federal work requirements will apply to Healthy Michigan Plan adults. Michigan previously attempted to implement work requirements under a waiver before federal courts blocked them — the 2027 federal mandate revisits that policy debate.

General Eligibility Requirements

• Michigan Residency: You must currently reside in Michigan.
• Citizenship / Immigration Status: U.S. citizens, nationals, and qualifying immigrants — including permanent residents with 5+ years in the U.S., refugees, and asylees — are eligible. Michigan’s significant Arab-American community in Dearborn and southeast Michigan includes many qualifying for Medicaid. Undocumented immigrants are generally not eligible for full Medicaid, though emergency services may be covered.
• Income: Varies by program — see limits below.
• Assets: Limits apply for long-term care and aged/blind/disabled programs only.
• Medical / Functional Need: Nursing home Medicaid and the MI Choice Waiver require documented NFLOC.

2026 Income Limits for Michigan Medicaid

Michigan uses the standard 48-state FPL figures. Children and pregnant women both qualify at 252% FPL. Income limits below are expressed as monthly amounts.

Important Notes on Income

No QIT in Michigan — Medically Needy Pathway Instead: Michigan does not use a Qualified Income Trust (QIT) for nursing home or MI Choice Waiver applicants with income above $2,901/month. Michigan is the fourth state in this series (after Maine, Maryland, and Massachusetts) to use a medically needy pathway instead.

Under Michigan’s medically needy system, qualifying medical expenses — including nursing home costs — are applied against income to reduce it to the $967/month medically needy standard for a single person. The difference goes toward care costs, and Michigan Medicaid covers the nursing home’s Medicaid rate for the remainder.

This is a different planning approach than QIT states. Work with a Michigan-licensed attorney or Certified Medicaid Planner who understands Michigan’s specific medically needy rules.

Michigan’s Personal Needs Allowance for nursing home residents is $60/month — above the lowest in the series (Alabama, Illinois at $30) and similar to Connecticut ($60).

Healthy Michigan Plan cost-sharing: Participants above 100% FPL may owe modest copayments or contributions. Those at or below 100% FPL are exempt from cost-sharing requirements.

Married couples, one spouse applying: Only the applicant’s income counts toward the $2,901 limit. The community spouse may retain income up to a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA) of $3,948/month, provided housing and utility costs exceed $793.13/month (effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026).

Use our FPL Calculator to check where your household falls, or see our Michigan Medicaid income eligibility page for the full breakdown.

2026 Federal Poverty Level Reference (48 States & D.C.)

Asset Rules for Michigan Medicaid

Asset tests apply only to long-term care (Nursing Home / MI Choice Waiver) and Regular Medicaid for the aged, blind, and disabled. Healthy Michigan Plan adults, Healthy Kids children, and pregnant women face no asset test.

Long-Term Care Medicaid (Nursing Home and MI Choice Waiver)

Countable asset limits:

• Single applicant: $2,000
• Married, both applying: $3,000 total
• Married, one applying: $2,000 for the applicant; up to $157,920 for the non-applicant spouse (Community Spouse Resource Allowance, or CSRA)

Home equity limit: $730,000. The primary home is exempt if the applicant or their spouse lives there or intends to return, provided equity stays under $730,000.

Most Michigan residential markets are well under this cap. However, properties in Grosse Pointe, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and waterfront homes on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, or inland lakes in northern Michigan can approach or exceed $730,000. Michigan’s upper-end suburban Detroit and lakefront markets have seen significant appreciation. Applicants in these areas should verify their equity position before applying.

Non-countable (exempt) assets include:

• Primary home (subject to the $730,000 equity cap)
• One vehicle
• Household goods and personal effects
• Pre-paid funeral contracts (irrevocable, up to reasonable limits) — Michigan’s phrasing differs slightly from other states; confirm the current dollar limit with a Certified Medicaid Planner
• Medicaid Compliant Annuities
• Life insurance with a face value of $1,500 or less

Michigan’s 60-Month Look-Back Rule

Michigan enforces a standard 60-month (5-year) look-back period for Nursing Home Medicaid and the MI Choice Waiver. All asset transfers within that window are reviewed.

Gifts or transfers below fair market value — including transfers of Michigan real estate, investment accounts, or lakefront/cottage property to family members — can trigger a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility.

Michigan’s cottage culture is a significant look-back risk. Up North cottages on Houghton Lake, Torch Lake, Glen Lake, and hundreds of other inland lakes are frequently gifted to children as part of family estate planning — and if done within 5 years of a nursing home application, these transfers can create multi-month or multi-year penalty periods. Many Michigan families have transferred cottages or seasonal properties without understanding the look-back implications. Consult a Certified Medicaid Planner before making any such transfers.

There is no look-back period for Regular Medicaid.

Michigan’s Medicaid Estate Recovery Program

After a Michigan Medicaid long-term care beneficiary passes away, Michigan’s Estate Recovery Program seeks reimbursement from the estate. Michigan’s cottage properties — which have often appreciated significantly — are frequently subject to estate recovery claims when they pass through the probate estate without planning.

Consult a Michigan elder law attorney or Certified Medicaid Planner to explore protective strategies for cottage and vacation property, including trust structures appropriate under Michigan law.

Regular Medicaid (Aged, Blind, and Disabled)

Asset limit is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. No home equity cap and no look-back period apply. Michigan’s medically needy spend-down pathway is available here when income exceeds the limit.

Medical and Functional Requirements

For Nursing Home Medicaid and the MI Choice Waiver, applicants must demonstrate a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC) through a formal evaluation of:

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, mobility
• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs): cooking, shopping, managing finances, taking medications
• Cognitive or behavioral issues — including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A diagnosis alone does not satisfy NFLOC; documented functional limitations are required.

For Regular Medicaid covering the aged, blind, or disabled, applicants must document disability or blindness per Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. NFLOC is not required for this program.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula faces particular NFLOC assessment and nursing facility placement challenges — some UP communities are 1–2 hours from the nearest nursing facility, making the MI Choice Waiver home-based alternative especially important for UP seniors who want to remain in their communities.

What Federal Policy Changes Mean for Michigan Medicaid

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 4, 2025, introduces Medicaid changes phasing in through 2028. Michigan’s prior work requirement attempt gives the state specific context for navigating the 2027 federal mandate.

Work Requirements (Starting January 2027): Federal work requirements will apply to Healthy Michigan Plan adults aged 19–64. Michigan previously implemented work requirements under a waiver before federal courts blocked them — giving MDHHS administrative experience with the infrastructure required.

Michigan’s auto industry workforce — including Tier 2 suppliers with variable production schedules and seasonal layoffs — and gig economy workers in the Detroit metro will need to document qualifying activity carefully, particularly during production shutdowns or model changeover periods. Seniors, disabled individuals, pregnant women, and children are exempt.

Reduced Retroactive Coverage (Starting January 2027): Coverage will only extend back 2 months from application, down from 90 days. Michiganders who delay applying after a health event will face more uncovered medical debt.

More Frequent Eligibility Renewals (Starting December 2026): Renewals every 6 months instead of annually. Michigan’s large rural population in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula — with limited internet access — may face higher renewal lapse rates.

New Out-of-Pocket Costs (Starting October 2028): Non-exempt beneficiaries may owe up to $35 per specialist visit. Primary care and preventive services remain free.

Funding Cuts: Projected federal Medicaid cuts of approximately $1 trillion over 10 years may significantly affect Michigan’s safety-net hospitals in Detroit, Flint, and rural UP communities — where Medicaid is the dominant payer and hospital margins are already thin.

For how these changes affect SNAP benefits alongside Medicaid, see our article on Big Beautiful Bill SNAP changes.

Options If Your Income or Assets Exceed the Limit

Medically Needy Pathway (No QIT Required): Michigan uses a medically needy pathway rather than a QIT. Under Michigan’s system, qualifying medical expenses are applied against income to reduce it to the $967/month medically needy standard. Once income is at or below $967/month on paper, Michigan Medicaid covers the remaining nursing home costs.

This approach requires careful documentation of medical expenses and proper structuring. Work with a Michigan-licensed attorney or Certified Medicaid Planner who understands Michigan’s medically needy rules — not a planner applying QIT templates from Indiana or Ohio.

Pre-paid Funeral Contracts: Michigan allows irrevocable pre-paid funeral and burial arrangements as exempt assets. Confirm the current dollar limit with a Certified Medicaid Planner, as Michigan’s phrasing differs from states with explicit IFT caps.

Asset Spend-Down: Converting countable assets into exempt ones — home improvements, vehicle purchase, paying off debt — can reduce countable assets below $2,000. Cottage and vacation property owners must be especially careful to avoid look-back violations.

Medicaid Compliant Annuities: In spousal situations, converting excess assets into a compliant annuity can reduce the applicant’s countable assets while generating protected income for the community spouse.

Certified Medicaid Planners: Michigan’s no-QIT medically needy system, cottage property look-back complexity, auto industry pension income considerations, and estate recovery exposure on vacation property make professional planning valuable. Seek a planner with specific Michigan medically needy experience.

While addressing a Medicaid income or asset issue, check whether SNAP food assistance is available in parallel — see SNAP income limits for Michigan.

How to Apply for Michigan Medicaid

Michigan centralizes most benefit applications through the MI Bridges Portal, which handles Medicaid, SNAP, and other MDHHS programs together.

Application Methods

Online via MI Bridges (Recommended): Apply at mibridges.michigan.gov. Before applying, use our Medicaid Eligibility Calculator to confirm which program applies. For step-by-step guidance, see our Michigan Medicaid application guide.

Phone: Call the MDHHS Assistance Line at 1-855-276-4627 for assistance.

In-Person or Mail: Download a paper application from michigan.gov/mdhhs and submit to a local MDHHS office. Michigan has MDHHS offices in all 83 counties — in-person access is available even in remote UP counties, though distances can be significant.

Long-Term Care Support: Contact the Michigan Office of Aging and Adult Services or a local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-803-7174 for help with MI Choice Waiver applications and NFLOC assessment coordination, especially important for UP residents.

Documents You’ll Need

• Proof of Michigan residency
• Proof of income (pay stubs, pension statements, Social Security award letters, tax returns, auto industry benefit documentation)
• Proof of assets (bank statements, investment accounts, property records, cottage/vacation property deeds) — for long-term care applications
• Medical expense documentation — for medically needy spend-down applications
• Proof of citizenship or qualifying immigration status
• Medical records documenting functional limitations (for Nursing Home / MI Choice Waiver applications)
• Disability documentation per SSA criteria (for Regular Medicaid aged/blind/disabled)

Processing Times

Standard applications: Up to 45 days

Disability-based applications: Up to 90 days

Pregnant women: May qualify for presumptive eligibility for outpatient care while the full application processes.

Starting January 2027, retroactive coverage drops to 2 months before application. Apply promptly after any health event that generates significant medical bills.

Michigan Medicaid and Other Benefit Programs

SNAP (Food Stamps): Many Michigan Medicaid recipients also qualify for SNAP. MI Bridges handles both applications. See our Michigan SNAP page or Michigan SNAP application guide.

If you already receive benefits, see how to check your SNAP balance in Michigan.

Restaurant Meals Program: Michigan participates in the Restaurant Meals Program in select counties — eligible elderly, disabled, and homeless Medicaid recipients can use their EBT card at participating restaurants for hot meals. See our guide on restaurants that accept EBT for participating Michigan locations.

WIC: Pregnant women and young children qualifying for Medicaid typically also qualify for WIC. See Michigan WIC income guidelines.

EBT Discounts: Michigan EBT cardholders may access discounts at certain retailers. See EBT discounts available in Michigan.

Medicare: Many Michigan seniors use both Medicare and Medicaid simultaneously. Understanding the difference between Medicare and Medicaid is essential — Medicare covers short-term skilled nursing while Michigan Medicaid (through the MI Choice Waiver or nursing home Medicaid) covers long-term care costs Medicare does not.

SNAP Work Requirements: Healthy Michigan Plan adults who also receive SNAP should know both programs will have federal work requirements starting in 2027. Auto industry workers with variable production schedules should document employment carefully during shutdown periods. Read our guide on SNAP work requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Medicaid

What is the Healthy Michigan Plan?

The Healthy Michigan Plan is Michigan’s ACA Medicaid expansion program for adults aged 19–64 earning up to 138% FPL ($1,799/month for a single person). Michigan launched it in April 2014.

Unlike standard Medicaid in most states, the Healthy Michigan Plan includes a mild cost-sharing element — participants above 100% FPL may owe copayments or contributions. Those at or below 100% FPL are exempt from any cost-sharing. Despite this, the Healthy Michigan Plan has enrolled hundreds of thousands of Michiganders who lacked prior coverage.

Does Michigan Medicaid require a QIT (Miller Trust)?

No — Michigan does not require a Qualified Income Trust for nursing home or MI Choice Waiver applicants with income above $2,901/month. Michigan is one of four states in this series (with Maine, Maryland, and Massachusetts) that uses a medically needy pathway instead.

Under Michigan’s medically needy system, the income standard is $967/month for a single person. Qualifying medical expenses — including nursing home costs — are applied against income to reduce it to this level. Work with a Michigan-licensed Certified Medicaid Planner who understands this approach specifically, as it differs significantly from QIT planning in neighboring states like Indiana and Ohio.

What is the MI Choice Waiver in Michigan?

The MI Choice Waiver is Michigan’s primary HCBS program for seniors and disabled individuals who meet nursing facility level of care criteria but want to remain at home. The “Choice” in the name reflects Michigan’s emphasis on consumer-directed care options.

The MI Choice Waiver covers personal care aides, adult day services, meal delivery, home modifications, and respite care. Slots are limited — waiting lists apply, and wait times are particularly long in the UP and northern Lower Peninsula. Apply early.

Does Michigan Medicaid count cottage property as an asset?

Yes — Up North cottages, vacation homes, and seasonal properties that are not the primary homestead are countable assets for long-term care Medicaid purposes. Michigan’s cottage culture — with hundreds of thousands of families owning seasonal properties on inland lakes — means this is one of the most common long-term care Medicaid planning issues in the state.

Transferring a cottage to children within 5 years of applying for nursing home Medicaid can create a penalty period measured in months or years, proportional to the cottage’s value. Consult a Michigan Certified Medicaid Planner before making any cottage transfers.

Can I get Medicaid in Michigan if I have a UAW pension?

It depends on the amount. For the Healthy Michigan Plan (income-based, no asset test), UAW pension income counts toward the 138% FPL income limit ($1,799/month for one). Many retired auto workers with modest pensions qualify, particularly if the pension is their primary income source.

For long-term care Medicaid (nursing home or MI Choice Waiver), pension income counts toward the $2,901/month income limit. If pension income exceeds this, Michigan’s medically needy pathway — where nursing home costs are applied against income — can still establish eligibility. A Certified Medicaid Planner can model the specific numbers for your situation.

What is Michigan’s medically needy income standard?

Michigan’s medically needy income standard is $967/month for a single person for long-term care Medicaid. This is the target income level after medical expenses — including nursing home costs — are deducted from countable income.

This is notably higher than Maryland’s $350/month and Maine/Maryland’s $350 floor, and equal to the Regular Medicaid income limit. In practice, it means the nursing home’s Medicaid-covered cost is applied against income until income reaches $967/month, and Medicaid covers the nursing home’s Medicaid rate for the remainder.

Does Michigan Medicaid cover dental for adults?

Michigan Medicaid covers limited dental services for adults — primarily emergency extractions and basic restorative care. Coverage levels have varied with state budget priorities. Verify current adult dental coverage with MDHHS or your Medicaid managed care plan.

See our full guide on what dental services Medicaid covers.

Does Michigan Medicaid cover prescriptions?

Yes — all major Michigan Medicaid programs include prescription drug coverage. See our article on Medicaid prescription coverage.

This guide reflects 2026 federal and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines. Rules change — verify current requirements with MDHHS at michigan.gov/mdhhs or by calling 1-855-276-4627 before making eligibility decisions.