MIChild: Michigan's CHIP program for children

Last verified: June 2026

What is MIChild?

MIChild is Michigan's separate CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. It covers children whose household income is above the Michigan Medicaid threshold for children but not high enough to afford private insurance. MIChild is administered by MDHHS and funded jointly by the state and federal government, with a higher federal match rate than standard Medicaid.

Michigan Medicaid covers children up to 212% of the Federal Poverty Level. Children between the lower Medicaid threshold and 212% FPL are enrolled in Medicaid directly; children who do not meet Medicaid income criteria but need coverage may qualify for MIChild up to 212% FPL. In practice, the Michigan Medicaid income limit for children and the MIChild eligibility ceiling overlap in the same 212% FPL range — MDHHS determines which program applies based on the specific household's situation.

Approximately 60,000–80,000 Michigan children are enrolled in MIChild at any given time, per MDHHS program data. The program has operated continuously since 1998.

Who qualifies for MIChild?

To enroll in MIChild, a child must meet all of these criteria:

• Under age 19
• Michigan resident
• Household income above the Michigan Medicaid threshold for children but at or below 212% FPL
• Not eligible for Michigan Medicaid (MIChild is secondary to Medicaid)
• Not covered by other Michigan state employee health plans
• U.S. citizen or qualifying immigration status — MIChild follows federal CHIP citizenship requirements

Children who are uninsured and whose household income falls somewhere in Michigan's child coverage range should apply regardless of which program they expect to qualify for. MDHHS makes the determination.

What MIChild covers

MIChild benefits are comparable to Michigan Medicaid for children. Covered services include:

• Physician visits — preventive well-child checkups and sick visits
• Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
• Emergency room and urgent care
• Prescription drugs on the Michigan Medicaid formulary
• Dental care through Delta Dental of Michigan (DeltaCare Michigan Medicaid)
• Vision — eye exams and eyeglasses
• Mental health and substance use disorder services
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy when medically necessary
• Durable medical equipment
• Lab and X-ray services

MIChild does not provide the full EPSDT mandate that applies to children enrolled in standard Michigan Medicaid. Children in Medicaid receive any medically necessary service regardless of whether it is typically listed as a covered benefit; MIChild children receive the defined benefit package listed above.

MIChild premiums and cost sharing

MIChild charges a monthly premium of approximately $10 per child, with a family maximum. The exact premium amount is set by MDHHS and confirmed at enrollment. Families with multiple children enrolled in MIChild pay a capped maximum rather than a per-child amount for each additional child.

Copays for MIChild services are small — typically $2–$3 for office visits and prescriptions. Emergency services cannot be denied for unpaid premiums. MDHHS can disenroll a child from MIChild for non-payment of premiums after appropriate notice, though the family retains the right to re-apply.

Children enrolled in Michigan Medicaid (below the MIChild income tier) pay no premium and no copays. The premium structure applies only to MIChild.

How to apply for MIChild

Apply through MI Bridges at newmibridges.michigan.gov. The same application that evaluates household members for Michigan Medicaid also evaluates children for MIChild. There is no separate MIChild application form. MDHHS determines which program each child qualifies for based on income and other criteria.

Families can also apply by calling 1-855-275-6424 or visiting a local MDHHS service office. More detail on the application process is on the how to apply page.

What MIChild covers

MIChild provides comprehensive benefits through the same regional managed care organizations that serve Michigan Medicaid. The benefits package is similar to Medicaid, with the addition of a small monthly premium.

• Well-child visits and preventive care
• Primary care, specialist, and hospital visits
• Prescription medications
• Dental care through Delta Dental of Michigan — comprehensive coverage
• Vision care — eye exams and corrective lenses
• Mental health and behavioral health services
• Emergency and urgent care
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy when medically necessary
• EPSDT applies to MIChild enrollees under 21 — all medically necessary services must be covered

Michigan Medicaid vs MIChild: how they compare

The practical difference is minimal — both use the same MCOs and same Delta Dental benefit. The only differences are the income band and the small MIChild premium.

MIChild vs CHIP in neighboring states