How to apply for Michigan Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan

Last verified: June 2026

Four ways to apply for Michigan Medicaid

Coverage effective date: if approved, Michigan Medicaid coverage typically begins the first day of the month in which you applied — not the date MDHHS issues the decision. Keep any medical bills incurred during that window.

Documents to gather before applying

MDHHS verifies income, identity, residency, and citizenship or immigration status. Having these documents ready speeds up processing. Not every applicant needs every item — the list below covers what MDHHS most commonly requests.

• Proof of identity — driver's license, state ID, or passport
• Social Security number (or proof of application for SSN) for each household member applying
• Proof of Michigan residency — utility bill, lease agreement, or official mail dated within 60 days
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status — birth certificate, U.S. passport, or immigration documents
• Proof of current income — recent pay stubs (last 4 weeks), employer letter, or self-employment records
• Proof of any unearned income — Social Security award letter, pension statement, unemployment benefit notice
• Health insurance information — if you have other coverage, bring the insurance card and policy details

Applicants who cannot gather all documents at once should still apply. MDHHS will request missing documents after the application is submitted and may accept electronic records, digital photos, or faxes. Delaying the application delays the coverage start date.

How long does Michigan Medicaid take to approve?

Federal regulation at 42 CFR 435.912 requires states to process most Medicaid applications within 45 days of the date of application. Applications for people with disabilities — where an SSI or disability determination is needed — may take up to 90 days. Michigan generally meets these federal timelines, though high-volume periods can extend processing.

Applicants who have urgent medical needs can ask MDHHS for expedited review. If coverage is denied, the denial notice will include appeal rights and instructions for requesting a fair hearing. Hearings are handled by the Michigan Administrative Hearing System.

Documents you may need

• Photo ID — Michigan driver's license, state ID, or passport
• Social Security numbers for all applying household members
• Proof of Michigan residency — utility bill, bank statement, or lease
• Income documentation — last 30 days of pay stubs, or most recent tax return
• Self-employment: profit/loss statement or last two years' tax returns
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status (for federal Medicaid; not required for all programs)
• For pregnant women: confirmation of pregnancy from a healthcare provider

How to apply — three ways

Step-by-step application guide

1. 1

   Gather your documents

   Collect ID, residency, and income documents for all household members. Have Social Security numbers available. Immigration documentation is required for federal Medicaid but not for emergency Medicaid.

2. 2

   Apply at MI Bridges (newmibridges.michigan.gov)

   One MI Bridges application screens for Medicaid, Healthy Michigan Plan, MIChild, Food Assistance, and cash assistance. You do not need to know which program you qualify for in advance.

3. 3

   Respond to verification requests

   MDHHS may request additional documentation. Log in to MI Bridges to upload, or contact your county MDHHS office. Promptly responding reduces processing time.

4. 4

   Receive your determination — within 45 days

   MDHHS must decide within 45 days (90 days for disability-based applications). If denied, the notice explains the reason and your right to a fair hearing within 90 days.

5. 5

   Choose a regional MCO and complete Healthy Michigan Plan requirements

   After approval, you choose a managed care organization for your county. If enrolled in HMP above 100% FPL, you will receive information about completing the annual Healthy Behavior Assessment and your MI Health Account.