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2027 Medicaid Changes: What Patients Need to Know
Changes to Medicaid are coming in late 2026 and 2027 that may affect some Michigan residents. While not everyone will be impacted, some Medicaid members may need to renew coverage more often, provide additional documentation or meet new eligibility requirements.
To avoid interruptions in coverage, watch for notices from Michigan Medicaid and make sure your mailing address, phone number and email address are up to date in the MI Bridges portal.
Need Help?
Henry Ford Health's Medicaid Redetermination Team can help answer questions and connect you with resources.
Phone: (313) 874-7854
Email: medicaidhelp@hfhs.org
What Should I Do Now?
To help avoid interruptions in your health coverage:
- Make sure your contact information is up to date in the MI Bridges portal.
- Watch for and respond to any letters about your coverage from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) or your Medicaid health plan, such as HAP CareSource.
- Complete renewal forms and submit requested documents by the deadlines provided.
- Check your account regularly through MI Bridges for updates and important notices.
- Contact the Henry Ford Health Medicaid Redetermination Team at (313) 874-7854 or medicaidhelp@hfhs.org if you need assistance.
What Changes Are Coming?
New federal Medicaid requirements will change how some Michigan residents qualify for and maintain Medicaid coverage. While many Medicaid members will not experience immediate changes, several new requirements will be implemented over the next several months.
The most pressing changes are going into effect on October 1, 2026, and on January 1, 2027.
Medicaid coverage changes for some non-citizens – effective October 1, 2026
Federal Medicaid eligibility changes for certain non-US citizens went into effect October 1, 2026. The following groups will continue to receive full coverage:
- Lawful permanent residents after a five-year waiting period.
- Cuban/Haitian entrants.
- Compacts of Free Association migrants.
- Most pregnant individuals and children under 21 who lawfully reside in Michigan.
People with immigration statuses not covered by this list will move to Emergency Services Only (ESO) coverage, which only covers treatment for emergency medical conditions and does not cover routine or preventive care.
Changes affecting Healthy Michigan Plan members (adults ages 19-64) – effective January 1, 2027
The Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) is Michigan’s Medicaid expansion program created under the Affordable Care Act. It provides low-cost healthcare coverage to Michigan residents so more people can get the care they need.
More frequent eligibility renewals
- Many Healthy Michigan Plan members will move from annual Medicaid renewals to renewals every six months.
- This means patients will more frequently have to verify eligibility and submit required documentation to maintain coverage. Missing renewal deadlines or requests for information could place coverage at risk, even for individuals who remain eligible.
New work requirements
- Beginning in 2027, certain Healthy Michigan Plan members ages 19-64 will be required to demonstrate compliance with new work requirements or qualify for an exemption to maintain Medicaid coverage.
- Individuals who are not exempt may be able to satisfy requirements through employment, education, volunteer service or participation in approved workforce-related activities.
- Some individuals will qualify for exemptions, including certain caregivers, pregnant and postpartum women, American Indians and Alaska Natives and some individuals with complex health needs.
Changes affecting all Medicaid members – effective January 1, 2027
Retroactive coverage limits
Currently, Medicaid may cover eligible healthcare expenses incurred before a person applies for coverage. These federal changes will limit retroactive Medicaid coverage, which could result in some patients having fewer protections against unexpected medical bills for services received before enrollment.