LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Healthy Michigan Plan is now providing health care coverage to more than 850,000 low-income residents.
In March, the plan only covered 682,000 Michiganders. Healthy Michigan Plan coverage is available to Michiganders ages 19-64 years old who have an income at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level – or $16,971 annually for a single person – and meet other eligibility requirements, such as not qualifying for other Medicaid programs.
“Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is committed to expanding access to health care coverage for Michiganders, said MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. “I’m proud that Michigan has been able to provide this coverage to hundreds of thousands of our residents. Coverage has improved their health outcomes – and when people are healthier they are better able to take care of their families and our state is more productive.”
2017 research from the University of Michigan found that the Healthy Michigan Plan more than doubled primary care usage, reduced enrollees’ reliance on the emergency room by 58 percent, cut uncompensated care by nearly 50 percent, and added $2.3 billion to our state’s economy.
“Every Michigander deserves quality, affordable health care, especially during a pandemic. As Senate Democratic Leader, I was proud to work across the aisle with a Republican governor and legislature to expand health coverage for Michiganders through the Healthy Michigan plan,” said Governor Whitmer. “Now, as we continue working to eradicate COVID-19 and with the Affordable Care Act under constant attack in the courts, it’s more important than ever that we protect the Healthy Michigan plan and ensure health care for Michiganders across the state. I will continue working with everyone who wants to protect and expand health care for Michiganders.”
To find out more about the Healthy Michigan Plan call the Michigan HealthCare Helpline at 855-789-5610.
