Understanding Work Requirements and the Healthy Michigan Plan
Recently the State of Michigan has made a change to the eligibility requirements for Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP). The HMP provides health care benefits to Michigan residents at a low cost so more people can have health care coverage. We at Family Health Care want to be sure you are aware of the new requirement so you and your family can stay enrolled and insured.
Beginning January 1, 2020, Michigan law requires individuals and their families who have MI Health Accounts under the HMP to report work, school, or other qualifying activities to maintain health coverage. Paying your copays remains in effect, but it’s not enough to keep your coverage. Under this new rule, those with coverage through HMP must also verify they work or do other activities, like job searching, for at least 80 hours each month. These activities must be reported each month. This can be done by:
- Online – If you have an MI Bridges account, use the MI Bridges Portal located at michigan.gov/mibridges. (Family Health Care has kiosks at each site with internet access)
- By phone – Call the HMP Work Requirements and Exemption Reporting Line at 1-833-895-4355. (TTY 1-866-501-5656).
- In-person – you can get help at your local MDHHS office.
Work and other activities must be reported if you are between the ages of 19-62 years of age, have the Healthy Michigan Plan, and do not have a reason to be exempt (excused) from this new requirement. You may use any combination of these work or other activities to report the 80-hour requirement:
- Job or income
- Job search
- Student
- Job training
- Tribal employment program
- Rehab (substance use disorder treatment)
- Volunteering or internship
If you do not report and verify work, school or job searching activities, you may lose your HMP coverage. You can reapply once you meet the requirement but will receive a delay in coverage with a one-month penalty.
In some cases, you may be excused from the new requirement. Some people will qualify for an exemption (excuse). Many people have already received their exemption from these requirements. Reasons you may be eligible for an exemption include, but are not limited to:
- Are pregnant or were pregnant within the last two months
- Are the main caretaker for a family member under the age of six
- Are a full-time student
- Are medically frail
- Have a medical condition that limits work
- Care for a dependent with a disability
If you have questions or problems, call the Beneficiary Help Line at 800.642.3195 or TTY 866.501.5656. For a complete list of exemptions, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website at https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/ and click on the link for Healthy Michigan Plan. You can also contact a certified specialist at Family Health Care who can help you understand the new rule, assist you in applying for exemptions or reporting required activities. They are here for all community members, not just patients of Family Health Care. For more information on work requirements, visit https://live-familyhealthcare.pantheonsite.io/work-requirements.
