How to Keep Your Coverage

Step 1: Keep Your Contact Information Up to Date

One of the best ways to keep your Medicaid coverage is to make sure your contact information is current.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) needs to be able to reach you when it’s time to renew your benefits.

If you’ve moved, changed your phone number, or have a new email address, update your information right away. If your contact information isn’t up to date, you could miss important letters, emails, or text messages about your renewal—and you could lose your Medicaid coverage.

Home Address

Update if you have moved to a new location

Mailing Address

Make sure your renewal notices reach you.

Phone Number

Keep your phone number up to date so MDHHS can reach you.

Email Address

Keep your email current

Household Size

Report changes to who

Income

Report income changes that may affect your coverage.

Even small changes can make a big difference. Keep your information up to date so MDHHS can contact you about your Medicaid coverage.

Update your information as soon as anything changes, including your:

  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Household (who lives with you)
  • Income

Don’t wait until it’s time to renew. Reporting changes right away can help you avoid delays or gaps in your Medicaid coverage.

Step 2: Check Your Renewal Status

Checking your renewal status helps you know when it’s time to renew your Medicaid coverage and whether MDHHS needs anything from you.

Most people in Michigan must renew their Medicaid to keep their health coverage. When it’s your turn to renew, MDHHS will send you a notice with instructions and let you know if you need to provide any information.

Some people need to renew their Medicaid every 6 months, while others renew every 12 months. MDHHS will let you know when it’s time for you to renew.

Letter from MDHHS

Watch your mail for your official Medicaid renewal letter. It will tell you your renewal due date and what you need to do.

Text or Electronic Notice

MDHHS may send you a text message or email to let you know your Medicaid renewal is coming up.

MI Bridges Message

Log in to your MI Bridges account to check your renewal status, read important messages, and see if MDHHS needs any information from you.

Step 3: Complete Your Renewal on Time

When it’s time to renew your Medicaid, MDHHS will send you a renewal form or a renewal notice.

To keep your Medicaid coverage, complete your renewal and return any requested information by the due date. Turning everything in on time can help you avoid a gap in your health coverage.

When you renew your Medicaid, MDHHS will review your information to make sure you still qualify for coverage.

You may be asked to:

  • Complete a renewal form
  • Confirm who lives in your household
  • Send documents that verify your information

If MDHHS gets everything they need, your Medicaid coverage can continue.

You can return your Medicaid renewal in the way that’s easiest for you:

  • Online: Log in to MI Bridges to complete and submit your renewal.
  • By Mail: Mail your completed renewal forms to the MDHHS office listed on your renewal notice.
  • By Fax: Fax your completed forms to the number listed on your renewal notice.
  • In Person: Take your forms to your local MDHHS office or get help completing your renewal.

If you need more time to complete your Medicaid renewal or are waiting for a document, contact your MDHHS specialist or local office before your due date. You may be able to get more time.

Remember:

  • Don’t ignore the deadline.
  • Ask for more time if you need it.
  • Getting an extension may help you keep your Medicaid coverage.

Sometimes MDHHS needs more information before they can finish your Medicaid renewal. If that happens, they may send you a Verification Checklist.

If you receive one:

  • Read it carefully.
  • Gather the documents listed on the checklist.
  • Send the information back as soon as you can.

Sending your documents on time can help prevent delays or gaps in your Medicaid coverage.

MDHHS may ask you to provide documents that verify your information. Send copies, not original documents. Examples of documents that may be requested include:

Identification or proof of age

  • Birth certificate
  • Driver’s license
  • State identification card

Proof of income

  • Recent pay stubs
  • Tax return
  • Social Security benefit documentation
  • Veterans’ benefits documentation

Financial information (if requested)

  • Bank statements
  • Retirement account information
  • Other financial records

Citizenship or immigration documentation

  • Birth certificate
  • U.S. passport
  • Voter registration card
  • USCIS documentation

Disability documentation (if applicable)

  • Social Security Disability documentation
  • Other disability verification

Other insurance information

  • Health insurance ID cards
  • Medicare card

The exact documents requested may vary depending on your situation.

Changes to Medicaid are coming for some lawfully present noncitizens.

Who may be affected:

  • Refugees and people granted asylum
  • People with humanitarian parole
  • Certain survivors of domestic violence
  • Survivors of human trafficking
  • Some other humanitarian immigration statuses

What you should do now:

  • Update your contact information (mailing address, email & phone number)
  • Watch for and respond to letters from MDHHS
  • Use your coverage now: schedule appointments and fill prescriptions
  • Ask for help: Honor can help you understand what the changes mean