“This is a significant step in
our ongoing efforts to ensure the health and wellbeing of all Michiganders,”
Snyder said in a press release. “A healthier Michigan is an important part of
our state’s continued comeback. It will help improve health and quality of
life, save money for taxpayers and job providers and boost our economy. I
appreciate the support of our legislative partners in this initiative and the
tremendous work of our departments of Community Health, Human Services and
Technology, Management and Budget to help ensure all systems are go and there’s
a smooth enrollment process. I encourage eligible residents to mark the date
and go online, call or visit a local DHS office on or after April 1.”
The Healthy Michigan Plan was
signed into law by the governor on Sept. 16, 2013. Since then, MDCH staff has
worked closely with the federal government and Michigan partners to get the
necessary information technology, federal approval, and program operations in
place.
Beginning April 1, Michigan
residents will be able to apply for the Healthy Michigan Plan online, by phone,
or in person at their local Michigan Department of Human Services office to
quickly and easily determine if they are eligible.
In the first year, the Healthy
Michigan Plan is anticipated to cover 320,000 Michiganders, eventually
providing care for 470,000. The plan emphasizes personal responsibility and
beneficiaries will be required to share in the costs. There also will be
incentives for individuals to take responsibility for their lifestyle choices
and to maintain or improve their health. Applicants for the Healthy Michigan
Plan must be between the ages of 19-64, not currently eligible for Medicaid,
not eligible for or enrolled in Medicare, and earning up to 133 percent of the
federal poverty level (approximately $16,000 for single person and $33,000 for
a family of four).
Jerry Wolffe is the
writer-in-residence/advocate-at-large at the Macomb-Oakland Regional Center. He
can be reached at 586 263-8950.
