According to the state of Michigan, more than 139,774 uninsured adults in Michigan have gained health care coverage through the state’s Healthy Michigan Plan since April 1. The state anticipates that eventually more than 470,000 people will be eligible for the plan, which is Michigan’s Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The expansion extends Medicaid access to adults who have annual income up to approximately $16,100 for a single person, or about $32,900 for a family of four. This law closes the coverage gap for people who don’t earn enough to qualify for a subsidy on a marketplace plan, but who earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid. Not only does the Healthy Michigan Plan provide low-income Michigan residents access to affordable health coverage, but it also encourages healthy behavior and personal responsibility and reduces uncompensated care that shifts costs onto businesses and taxpayers. Blue Cross Complete, the Blues’ Medicaid plan, now serves members enrolled in the state of Michigan’s Healthy Michigan Plan. People who are eligible for Medicaid choose a Medicaid health plan, such as Blue Cross Complete, to access their Medicaid benefits. The Healthy Michigan Plan expands Medicaid coverage to include people who:
- Are residents of Michigan
- Are ages 19 to 64
- Have annual income up to approximately $16,100 for a single person, or about $32,900 for a family of four (up to and including 133 percent of the 2014 federal poverty level; 138 percent after an automatic 5 percent income adjustment)
- Are not eligible for or enrolled in Medicare
- Are not eligible for Medicaid under current program guidelines
- Are not pregnant when they apply
If you know someone who may qualify, he or she can apply online at michigan.gov/mibridges, by phone at 855-789-5610, or in person at a local Department of Human Services office. Members enrolled in Blue Cross Complete through the Healthy Michigan Plan have the same benefits, care and personal service that Blues Medicaid members have come to expect, plus some additional benefits such as dental care. In addition, Blue Cross Complete offers special programs to get and keep members healthy. So far, more than 4,000 people eligible for the state’s Healthy Michigan Plan have chosen Blue Cross Complete. They join the nearly 50,000 members the Blues already serve in Livingston, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. Blue Cross Complete has served Medicaid members since 2007.
