Medicaid Basics

Here you'll find a brief overview of what Medicaid is and what role Blue Cross Complete of Michigan plays in your Medicaid-based health care.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a government-funded program that provides health coverage to qualified, low-income Michigan residents, including families with children and pregnant women, medically needy individuals, the elderly and people with disabilities.

What is Blue Cross Complete?

Blue Cross Complete is a health care plan contracted with the state of Michigan. We help Medicaid members get the health care they need in 32 Michigan counties in the Lower Peninsula. View our Overview Brochure to learn more about the programs and services available. For more information about our mission and values, visit our About Blue Cross Complete page.

How do I sign up for Medicaid?

Visit MI Bridges to apply for benefits, check your eligibility status, manage your account and explore resources. If you’re eligible for Medicaid or Healthy Michigan Plan health care coverage, call Michigan ENROLLS at 1-888-367-6557 (TTY: 1-888-263-5897) to select a health plan.

How do I update my address or note life events in my family?

It’s important to let Blue Cross Complete and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services know about significant changes in your family, such as a move, birth, death, marriage or divorce. It lets us know where to reach you with health reminders and information. It also tells us what kind of health care your family might need, such as special programs for new parents.

You can report changes in your phone number, email or address to MDHHS by visiting MIBridges. If you don’t have an account, create one by selecting “Register.” Once you’re logged in, you can make changes in both the profile section and the “Report Changes” area. The “Report Changes” area is what your local MDHHS office will use to update the address for your case. You can also contact your case worker.

To update your information with Blue Cross Complete, sign in to your online account through our website or mobile app. Or call Customer Service 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-228-8554. TTY users should call 1-888-987-5832. It’s important that you update your information with MDHHS and Blue Cross Complete.

How do I request a new ID card?

To request a new member ID card, call Customer Service at 1-800-228-8554 (TTY: 1-888-987-5832), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also access your member ID card digitally through our BCCMI mobile app. To download our app, search for "BCCMI" in the App Store® and Google Play™.

Blue Cross Complete Medicaid programs

The following Medicaid programs are administered by Blue Cross Complete.

Michigan Medicaid covers beneficiary medical expenses after any third party with a legal obligation to pay for some or all of the expenses has done so. We cover pregnant women, children, families and disabled individuals.

Healthy Michigan Plan is a program for Michigan residents age 19 to 64 who have income at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level. Approximately, 40 percent of Blue Cross Complete members are enrolled in Healthy Michigan.

Healthy Michigan Plan

Children’s Special Health Care Services is for children and some adults with special health care needs and their families. Children must have a qualifying medical condition and be under the age of 26. Those with sickle cell, cystic fibrosis or hemophilia may also qualify regardless of age.

MIChild provides a comprehensive package of health care benefits including vision, dental and mental health services for children under age 19. It's for underinsured and uninsured children.

Flint waiver provides additional Medicaid services for children up to age 21 and pregnant women who were served by the Flint water system since April 2014, and who have income levels up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level. 

What do you get with a Blue Cross Complete card?

The blue cross and blue shield are recognized and trusted symbols of quality coverage. We're committed to getting and keeping Michigan well. We strive to be your complete resource for your health care needs.

With Blue Cross Complete, you get more than great medical benefits. You get the care and personal service Blues members have come to expect. We also offer tips to help keep you well and other support and services to make it easier to manage your health.

 Blue Cross Complete of Michigan card

In addition to Michigan's Medicaid benefits, your card provides:

  • Access to many of Michigan's top doctors, specialists and facilities
  • Programs to help you prevent and manage illnesses, such as asthma and diabetes
  • Transportation services for rides to your medical appointments or to pick up prescriptions and durable medical equipment
  • Exclusive discounts on healthy products and services through our Blue365® discount program. Just log in to your account to view and redeem the discounts
  • Newsletters and reminders to keep you informed about your benefits, remind you of important health care screenings you may need and offer ideas for staying healthy