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.
A smiling woman sits on an examination table

A smiling woman sits on an examination table
young girl smiling and sharing a meal with family

What is Medicaid?

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

Learn more about Medicaid
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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 58 Michigan counties in the Lower Peninsula. View our Overview Brochure (PDF) 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™.

What do you get with a Blue Cross Complete card?

Blue Cross Complete Card of Michigan ID card for Medicaid

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.

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

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 people, 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.

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 people 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. 

Public benefit programs

As a Medicaid member, you may be eligible for certain public benefit programs. These programs provide low- or no-cost access to resources that can improve your health and living situation. If you need help applying for these programs, call Blue Cross Complete’s Customer Service at 1-800-228-8554, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. TTY users, call 1-888-987-5832.

You can also call Customer Service to complete a Health Assessment. A representative will ask questions about your areas of need and can connect you with local resources. 

There are several programs that can make it easier to put food on your table. 

If you or someone in your household is pregnant, breastfeeding, or has a child under 5 years of age, you may qualify for the Women, Infants and Children program. WIC provides food, referrals and education. Apply at michigan.gov/mibridges.

If you have little to no income and are struggling to cover food or household expenses, you may qualify for the Food Assistance Program. This includes if you’re a migrant or seasonal farmworker. This program is sometimes called SNAP or EBT. Apply at michigan.gov/mibridges.

The State Emergency Relief program can help with relocation payments to avoid homelessness. It can also help with mortgage, insurance or property tax payments to stop forfeiture, foreclosure or tax sale. For help with rent or house payments, you’ll need to show that you have enough income to pay housing costs in the future. Apply at michigan.gov/mibridges. 

If you’re in need of job training or career support, Michigan Works! can help connect you with resources. To find a Michigan Works! office near you, visit michiganworks.org. 

The Child Development and Care program can help parents pay for child care. Parents may apply if they can’t provide child care due to work, high school completion classes, approved education or training courses, or approved treatment for a health or social condition. Apply at michigan.gov/mibridges.

If you are pregnant, a person with a disability, a refugee, or have a child, you may qualify for Cash Assistance to help with your expenses. Decisions are made within 30-60 days, depending on which programs you’re eligible for. Apply at michigan.gov/mibridges.

The State Emergency Relief program can help you cover the cost of unexpected problems with your living situation. For example, if your utilities were disconnected, if you’re at risk of foreclosure, or if you have an unexpected home repair. This program can also help you cover burial costs. Apply at michigan.gov/mibridges. 

The Weatherization Assistance Program can help lower your utility costs by making sure your home and appliances are using energy efficiently. Services will vary based on your household needs. They may include a home energy audit, air sealing, a furnace tune-up or replacement, or programmable thermostat installation. Find the Weatherization Assistance Program contact in your county. 

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