Medicaid Work Requirements in Michigan

Beginning in January 2027, some Healthy Michigan Plan members ages 19 to 64 may need to meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption. MDHHS says the rules apply to renewals dated on or after March 1, 2027.

Updated October 30, 2026 · Based on official sources listed below · How we research

Jan 1, 2027

Start date · renewals from March 1, 2027

80 hrs or $580

per month, or half-time school

Healthy Michigan Plan

Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP)

1-800-642-3195

Medicaid Beneficiary Help Line (TTY 1-866-501-5656)

Check your situation in Michigan

When it starts in Michigan

July 23, 2026: MDHHS announced the requirements and the move to 6-month renewals for most HMP members.
October 22, 2026: MDHHS released the MI WEST interactive navigator.
March 1, 2027: renewals on or after this date include the requirement.

Who has to meet it

The rule applies to people ages 19 to 64 in Healthy Michigan Plan (the adult expansion group), unless they are pregnant, have Medicare, or are exempt. You meet it in a month with 80 hours of work, community service, a work program, or school (in any mix), by going to school at least half-time, or with at least $580 in monthly income.

You are exempt if, for example, you care for a child 13 or younger or a person with a disability, are pregnant or postpartum, are American Indian or Alaska Native, are medically frail, are a veteran with a total (100%) VA disability rating or TDIU, were in foster care at 18 and are under 26, are in drug or alcohol treatment, meet SNAP or TANF work rules, or left jail or prison in the last 3 months. See the full exemption list.

Court ruling, October 29, 2026. In Massachusetts v. Oz, a federal court struck down the CMS rule's extra "significantly impairs" test for the medically frail exemption. If you are in any of the five medically frail groups in the law, you qualify. Michigan was one of the parties that sued, so the court also gave Michigan six months of relief from federal enforcement of its medically frail decisions while it updates its systems. The January 1, 2027 start date did not change, and CMS may appeal. What the ruling means.

How Michigan checks and how to report

Months checked: At least one month between renewals.

Keep your information current in MI Bridges and use "Report My Changes" to report work status. Read MDHHS notices and answer requests for information quickly.

Other things to know in Michigan

MDHHS says implementation "will happen over time and not everyone will be affected right away."
The MI WEST navigator is for information only. It does not save or send your answers to MDHHS.

Official tools and contacts

Check if it applies: MI WEST interactive navigator
Report and upload: MI Bridges
Medicaid Beneficiary Help Line (TTY 1-866-501-5656): 1-800-642-3195
MDHHS: new Medicaid work requirements
Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

Federal protections that apply in Michigan

The state must check its own records before asking you for proof.
If it can't confirm you meet the rule, you get a notice and at least 30 days to respond, and your coverage continues meanwhile.
You get written notice and the right to a fair hearing before coverage ends, and you can reapply at any time.
If you lose Medicaid for not meeting the rule, you cannot get marketplace premium tax credits for those months. Learn more.

Frequently asked questions

When do Medicaid work requirements start in Michigan?

January 2027 (renewals from March 1, 2027). Current members are usually checked at their first renewal on or after that date.

How many months does Michigan check?

At least one month between renewals.

How do I report my hours or an exemption in Michigan?

Keep your information current in MI Bridges and use "Report My Changes" to report work status. Read MDHHS notices and answer requests for information quickly.

Who do I call about Healthy Michigan Plan work requirements?

Medicaid Beneficiary Help Line (TTY 1-866-501-5656): 1-800-642-3195

Can I lose Healthy Michigan Plan right away if I don't meet the requirement?

No. Federal law requires a notice, at least 30 days to show you comply or are exempt, continued coverage during that time, and fair hearing rights before coverage ends.