Are you currently enrolled in Medicaid? Are you looking to get covered? Here is a quick and easy breakdown of the Medicaid program.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income adults (including pregnant women), low-income individuals age 65 and older, children and people with disabilities. It started in 1965. In April 2021, more than 75 million Americans were enrolled in Medicaid. It is one of the largest sources of health care funding in the US. In Michigan, more than 2.6 million people have Medicaid.
Most people on Medicaid get coverage through a private health plan, like Priority Health. We work with the government to provide health services through our network of doctors and hospitals. There is a list of services that must be covered by law. States can choose to cover more services like dental care, vision, and physical therapy.
What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is a federal health care program for people aged 65 or older and some people with disabilities. Income is not a factor. Medicaid is a state and federal health care program for those who have a low income. Age is not a factor. In Michigan, there is an expanded Medicaid program called the Healthy Michigan Plan. It has more benefits than regular Medicaid.
Medicare is for elder care. Medicaid provides aid to those with a low income.
What is the Healthy Michigan Plan?
The Healthy Michigan Plan is Michigan’s expanded Medicaid program. It provides health benefits at a low cost. The plan covers more than original Medicaid. It includes services like chiropractor visits and home health care. For a list of covered services, visit the Healthy Michigan Plan Handbook.
To be eligible for the Healthy Michigan Plan, you must:
- Be 19-64 years old
- Have an income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level
- Not be enrolled or qualified for Medicare
- Not be pregnant at the time of application
Since 2014, the Health Michigan Plan has allowed members to access to a huge range of health care services. It has helped nearly 700,000 members see a primary care doctor. It has also led to:
- 5 million preventive care visits performed
- 4 million dental visits
- 370,000 mammograms
- 100,000 enrollees screened for colon cancer
To learn more about Medicaid, visit here.
N4001-04 Approved MH10182021
