Work Requirements and Renewals

New federal changes will affect how Medicaid is provided in Michigan. These changes only apply to some adults ages 19 to 64 enrolled in the Healthy Michigan Plan.

1. Six-month renewals – Healthy Michigan Plan members will have to confirm eligibility every six months instead of annually. This will take effect January 1, 2027.
2. Work requirements – Work requirements mean that some Medicaid members need to show that they’re working or completing other approved activities to keep their Healthy Michigan Plan coverage. Work requirements will begin to affect members applying for the Healthy Michigan Plan in January 2027. They may affect current Healthy Michigan Plan members as early as March 2027. 

It’s important to keep your information up to date in MI Bridges. Click “Report My Changes” to update changes such as contact information, work status, qualifying activities or household size. This helps the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reach you with information or questions. Respond to notices from the state right away. 

Some people may be exempt from work requirements. This means they don’t have to report work hours. MDHHS will use available data sources to check for exemptions but you may also need to notify MDHHS about your exemptions.

You may be exempt if you:

• Are pregnant or gave birth within the past 12 months
• Care for a child age 13 or younger
• Care for a person with a disability
• Are a person that was in foster care at age 18 and is currently younger than age 26
• Have a complex or serious health condition
• Are an American Indian or Alaska Native
• Are a disabled veteran
• Are living with or in a treatment program for a substance use disorder
• Are living with a mental health disorder
• Are living with a physical, intellectual or developmental disability that makes it hard to do daily activities
• Are already subject to work requirements for food (SNAP) benefits
• Are already meeting work requirements for cash (TANF) benefits
• Are in jail or prison now or in the past three months
• Are experiencing temporary hardship, including:
  • Receiving care in a facility such as a hospital, nursing facility, psychiatric hospital, facility for people with intellectual disabilities, etc.
  • Traveling outside of your community for medical care for yourself or a dependent because it’s not available in your community
  • Living in federally declared disaster areas
  • Living in an area with a high unemployment rate

MDHHS will try to process exemptions automatically. They may contact you if they need more information.

You will not lose coverage without warning. If you do lose coverage, you will need to reapply and show that you meet all eligibility rules. Be sure to read and respond to any notices you get from MDHHS.