Access to comprehensive, affordable healthcare is the cornerstone of economic security. In Michigan, the primary bridge between employer-sponsored coverage and uninsured vulnerability is the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP).

Created through bipartisan state legislation (Public Act 107 of 2013) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Healthy Michigan Plan expanded Medicaid coverage to low- and moderate-income working adults across the state. Today, over one million Michiganders rely on HMP for preventive clinical care, prescription medications, mental health therapy, and dental restorations.

Unlike traditional Medicaid programs from decades past, HMP is designed for working individuals, freelance contractors, and gig-economy workers. It features zero asset tests, low or zero copays, and financial incentives for completing annual wellness checkups.

This comprehensive guide details the 2026 income eligibility caps, how to choose an accredited Medicaid managed care plan, and how to maximize your benefits through the Health Risk Assessment (HRA).

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1. 2026 Income Eligibility Thresholds (138% FPL)

Eligibility for the Healthy Michigan Plan is calculated using Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). The program covers Michigan residents aged 19 through 64 whose household income is at or below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level, plus a standard 5% statutory income disregard:

$$\text{Effective Income Limit} = 138\% \text{ of Federal Poverty Level}$$

Household Size	Maximum Monthly Income (138% FPL)	Maximum Annual Income (138% FPL)
1 Person (Single Adult)	~$1,732 / month	~$20,780 / year
2 Persons	~$2,351 / month	~$28,210 / year
3 Persons	~$2,969 / month	~$35,630 / year
4 Persons	~$3,588 / month	~$43,050 / year
5 Persons	~$4,206 / month	~$50,470 / year

Note: For households exceeding 5 persons, add approximately $620 per additional family member per month.

The Zero-Asset Advantage

A critical distinction of HMP compared to traditional aged, blind, or disabled Medicaid is the complete absence of an asset test. You cannot be denied coverage because you own a home, drive a reliable vehicle, or maintain modest personal savings. Eligibility depends exclusively on monthly taxable income.

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2. Comprehensive Covered Medical Benefits

The Healthy Michigan Plan provides expansive Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) mandated by federal and state statutes:

• Preventive Care: 100% covered with zero copays (annual physicals, mammograms, colonoscopies, immunizations, and blood panels).
• Primary & Specialty Care: In-person and telehealth visits with family physicians, internists, and specialist consultants.
• Hospital Care: Inpatient surgical care, trauma services, and intensive care units.
• Prescription Medications: Generic and brand-name drugs listed on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Common Formulary.
• Mental Health & Substance Use Treatment: Outpatient psychotherapy, counseling, and inpatient addiction rehabilitation.
• Adult Dental Coverage: Comprehensive oral exams, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, simple and surgical tooth extractions, and full/partial dentures.
• Vision Services: Annual diagnostic eye exams and prescription eyeglasses.

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3. The Health Risk Assessment (HRA) & MI Health Account

One of the unique features of the Healthy Michigan Plan is the MI Health Account and the Health Risk Assessment (HRA):

[Enroll in Healthy Michigan Plan]
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[Schedule Initial Wellness Exam with Primary Care Doctor]
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[Doctor & Beneficiary Complete HRA Form (DCH-1315)]
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[Select Healthy Behavior Goal (e.g., Blood Pressure Control, Nutrition)]
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[50% Reduction in Copays & Co-Insurance Applied to MI Health Account]

How the HRA Works

Within the first few months of enrollment, beneficiaries receive Form DCH-1315 (Health Risk Assessment). You take this form to your primary care physician during your initial wellness visit: 1. The physician reviews your medical history, checks vitals, and records biometric data. 2. Together, you select one achievable Healthy Behavior Goal (e.g., maintaining healthy blood sugar, participating in a smoking cessation program, or scheduling an annual dental checkup). 3. The clinic faxes the signed HRA to your health plan. 4. The Financial Perk: Completing the HRA cuts any required copays or monthly MI Health Account contributions in half, and beneficiaries with income under 100% FPL may see cost-sharing eliminated entirely.

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4. Selecting Your Michigan Medicaid Health Plan (MCO)

Once your application is approved by MDHHS, you will be assigned to a licensed Medicaid Health Plan operating in your geographic county, or you can select your preferred insurer:

• Blue Cross Complete of Michigan – Extensive statewide network affiliated with Michigan Blues.
• McLaren Health Plan – Strong hospital and clinic integration throughout Central and Eastern Michigan.
• Meridian Health Plan of Michigan – One of Michigan’s largest managed Medicaid networks.
• Molina Healthcare of Michigan – Robust urban presence across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
• Priority Health – Deep West Michigan provider network and innovative digital wellness programs.
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan – Broad regional physician coverage and nationwide infrastructure.

Beneficiaries have 90 calendar days from initial enrollment to switch to an alternative health plan if their preferred doctor or specialist is out-of-network.

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5. How to Apply via MIBridges

Applying for the Healthy Michigan Plan is streamlined through the state’s digital benefits hub:

1. Visit MIBridges: Navigate to newmibridges.michigan.gov and create a secure account.
2. Submit Verification Documents: Upload recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, or tax returns verifying household income.
3. Application Review: MDHHS caseworkers evaluate applications within 45 calendar days (often approved within 7 to 10 days for online submissions).
4. Coverage Start Date: If approved, coverage is typically retroactive to the first day of the calendar month in which you applied.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the income limit for the Healthy Michigan Plan in 2026?

Under the federal Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) standard, the Healthy Michigan Plan covers adults earning up to 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), plus a mandatory 5% income disregard, creating an effective income limit of 138% FPL. For a single individual, this equals approximately $20,780 annually; for a family of three, the limit is approximately $35,630.

Is there an asset test for the Healthy Michigan Plan?

No. Unlike traditional Medicaid for seniors and individuals with disabilities, the Healthy Michigan Plan evaluates eligibility strictly based on your household’s monthly income under MAGI rules. There is zero asset or resource test, meaning your home, vehicle, retirement accounts, and savings do not impact eligibility.

What is the Healthy Michigan Plan Health Risk Assessment (HRA)?

The HRA is a preventive health questionnaire completed by you and your primary care physician during your annual wellness visit. Completing the HRA and agreeing to a healthy behavior goal (such as smoking cessation, weight management, or annual dental exams) can cut your copays and MI Health Account contributions in half.

Does the Healthy Michigan Plan include dental and vision coverage?

Yes. The Healthy Michigan Plan provides robust adult dental coverage—including preventive cleanings, exams, fillings, extractions, root canals, and complete or partial dentures—as well as annual routine vision exams and corrective eyeglasses.

Which health insurance plans can I choose under Healthy Michigan Plan?

Beneficiaries select an accredited Michigan Medicaid Health Plan (MCO) operating in their prosperity region, such as Blue Cross Complete, McLaren Health Plan, Meridian Health Plan of Michigan, Molina Healthcare, Priority Health, or UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.