Why Is Medicaid Changing
The federal government is making changes to Medicaid through a law called H.R. 1 that was passed on July 4, 2025. H.R. 1 adds restrictions to how Medicaid works across the nation, including in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will implement these changes and communicate with patients when action is needed.
That is why it is important to keep your contact information up to date, watch for mail from MDHHS and reach out if you have questions. Grace Health is here to help you understand your next steps and stay connected to care.
What Is Changing with Medicaid Eligibility
The new federal Medicaid rule will change how eligibility is reviewed for some people in Michigan.
These changes may affect:
- Some patients enrolled in the Healthy Michigan Plan (ages 19 – 64).
- Work requirements for some Healthy Michigan Plan members – show you are working, in training, in school or volunteering 80 hours/month
- How often Healthy Michigan Plan enrollees need to renew their coverage.
- How far back Medicaid can cover past medical bills.
- Eligibility for some lawfully present non-citizens.
The most important step to take right now – update your information online at MI Bridges or with your local MDHHS office.
- If you are the head of the household and have a MI Bridges account:
- Verify your identity to view benefits, letters and appointments, report changes, and renew benefits.
- Make sure to report changes in both the Profile section and Report Changes area.
- Local office staff will use the Report Changes area to update the address for your case.
- Do not create an account if you already have one.
- If you are the head of the household and do not have a MI Bridges account:
- Go to Michigan.gov/MIBridges
- Select Create an Account and follow the steps to fill out your information.
Changes You May Hear About
Effective: January 1, 2027
- Work requirements for some Healthy Michigan Plan members. Some Healthy Michigan Plan members may be required to show they are working, in training, in school or volunteering 80 hours/month to keep coverage. Many people may be exempt or qualify for a hardship exception.
- More frequent eligibility checks for Healthy Michigan Plan members. Some Healthy Michigan Plan members will need to renew their coverage every six months (instead of annually). This can increase the chance of coverage problems if contact information or paperwork is missing.
Changes To How Far Coverage Will Go Back
Effective: January 1, 2027
If someone applies for Medicaid and has a gap in coverage because paperwork was not turned in, Medicaid will no longer cover medical bills for the previous 90 days.
- Healthy Michigan Plan coverage can go back one month.
- Other Medicaid programs can go back two months.
Changes For Some Lawfully Present Non-Citizens
Effective: October 1, 2026
Some people who are legally present in the United States may no longer qualify for full Medicaid coverage and may instead qualify only for emergency services coverage.
If your Medicaid coverage changes, financial assistance programs, including sliding fee discounts, may be available so you can continue to seek care.
These changes can be overwhelming. The most important step right now is to make sure your mailing address, email, and phone number are up to date.
Three steps to take to help you prepare for the upcoming Medicaid changes:
Step1: Update your contact Information
- Review and update your
- Mailing address
- E-mail address
- Phone number
Step 2: Report any changes to your household or income
Step 3: Watch for updates
- Watch your e-mail, texts, and mail for messages from MDHHS. After MDHHS reviews your case, you will receive a letter. It will tell you one of the following:
- You are eligible to keep your Medicaid.
- You are no longer eligible for Medicaid.
- We need more information to see if you are eligible for Medicaid
Questions About Medicaid?
We are here to help you understand what these changes mean and what to do when the time comes. Bring your questions to your next appointment or call our office at (269) 965-8866 and ask to talk with one of our Patient Accounts Representatives. We are here for you.
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