In order to aid the low-income group in Michigan, a new health care program launched in April. Dubbed as ‘Healthy Michigan Plan,’ the state releases a program that uses the funding from the Affordable Care Act mandate under a special agreement with the federal government. This is to reduce to cost of the low income’s insurance bills as long as the enrollee complies with the agreement of several health provisions, such as losing weight or quit smoking.
The state program launched in April after the deadline of the ACA enrollment. One can be eligible if they are
- within the 19-64 age range
- not enrolled in Medicare
- earning income below 133% of the poverty level (for family of four is under $33,000 a year and a single person, $16,000 annually)
How to enroll:
- Find a local provider and have a health assessment done
- Appointment should be within 60 days
- The enrollee will enter a contract with a doctor to meet a goal that will improve their health
Healthy Michigan Plan was created in 2013 with the support of Gov. Rick Snyder. However, the Legislation disclosed that they will not support the traditional Medicaid program but insisted on a cost-sharing portion instead. The MDCH and Department of Human Services anticipated a 320,000 initial signups and 470,000 enrollees further on.
The coverage includes:
- Visual
- Dental
- Mental
- Hospitalization
- Ambulatory services
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative services
- Laboratory services
- Preventive and wellness
- Chronic disease management
- Emergency services
Residents of Michigan can gain coverage but they will have to share in the cost of their health insurance for-low income individuals by paying 2% of the annual household income co-pay. The total cost will be not more than 5% of the individual’s income. One can enroll at any time and the coverage will be available to the first day of the month after enrollment.