This month I wanted to talk about some of the changes that are happening to Medicaid here in Michigan. Medicaid is health care coverage that is jointly provided by the federal and state governments and is intended to primarily serve people who are lower income or who have disabilities or other health conditions. In July 2025 Congress passed HR 1, which changes who can qualify for Medicaid and adds some requirements that recipients must meet in order to maintain Medicaid coverage. In Michigan, those changes will go into effect in the last quarter of 2026 and the beginning of 2027.
This week I spoke with Tamekka Bennett, at the WE Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, about some of the changes to Medicaid and what local organizations are doing to ensure that everyone is aware of what is going on. With her help, I put together a short FAQ about the changes.
Drew: Thanks for joining me, Tamekka! I have heard about these changes but am looking forward to learning more about them. When are things changing?
Tamekka: Most of the major changes begin January 1, 2027, but not everyone will be affected at the same time. For people applying for the Healthy Michigan Plan, the new work requirements begin January 1. For people who are already enrolled, MDHHS will begin checking the work requirements for renewals on or after March 1, 2027. Another important change is that Healthy Michigan Plan eligibility will be reviewed every six months instead of once a year. That is one of the reasons we are encouraging people to start preparing now rather than waiting until they receive a renewal notice.
Drew: Who will be affected?
Tamekka: It is important for people to understand that these changes do not mean that everyone on Medicaid is going to be affected or lose their coverage. The new work requirements specifically apply to some adults ages 19 through 64 who receive coverage through the Healthy Michigan Plan. (Interviewer’s note: Healthy Michigan Plan is the program for adults who qualify for Medicaid based on having an income at or below 133% of the Federal Poverty Line, which is equals $29,863 for a household of two, or $45,540 for a household of four.) There are also a number of exemptions, including for certain parents and caregivers, people with disabilities or serious health conditions, pregnant and postpartum individuals, and others.
Our message is: don’t assume that you will lose coverage or that the new requirements automatically apply to you. Find out what applies to your individual situation and get help if you need it.
Drew: What are the new work requirements?
Tamekka: For Healthy Michigan Plan members who are subject to the requirement and do not qualify for an exemption, there are several ways to meet it. It isn’t limited to having a traditional job. People can meet the requirement through at least 80 hours of approved activities in a month, which can include paid or unpaid work, volunteering or community service, internships, job programs, college or vocational education, or high school or GED programs. There is also an earned-income pathway.
For people who are already enrolled, MDHHS will look at whether the requirement was met during at least one month between renewals. That distinction is important because people may hear “80 hours a month” and think they have to submit paperwork every single month. That is not how Michigan’s current guidance describes the renewal process.
Drew: How will people be notified?
Tamekka: MDHHS will communicate with people using the communication preference they selected in MI Bridges. If someone doesn’t use MI Bridges or hasn’t selected a communication preference, notices will be mailed to the address on file. This is why one of the most important things people can do right now is make sure their address, phone number, email and other information are current in MI Bridges and pay attention to any notices they receive. We have instructions for doing these things on our Stay Covered Kalamazoo! website (staycoveredkalamazoo.com).
We also know that receiving a notice and understanding what to do next are two different things. That is why the community work happening now is so important. The W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and United Way of South Central Michigan have been leading this work and bringing together organizations across Kalamazoo County to prepare for these changes.
Through the Medicaid Access Coalition and Stay Covered Kalamazoo, we are working toward a stronger network of trusted community organizations and navigators so residents know where they can turn for help understanding the changes, responding to notices, completing renewals, and navigating barriers to coverage. The goal is bigger than simply telling people Medicaid is changing. We want Kalamazoo County residents to have access to clear information and hands-on support so that people who remain eligible have the best opportunity to stay covered.
You can get more information about these changes (including a full list of exemptions and a full list of immigrant groups affected) at staycoveredkalamazoo.com
Drew Johnson lives in Kalamazoo and is the Director at South County Community Services. He has a small quarter acre homestead with chickens, bees, and hops (and more!), a wonderful wife, and three energetic children. He can be reached at 649-2901 or ajohnson@southcountycs.com. For more information on South County Community Services, please check out our Facebook at facebook.com/southcountycs or visit our website: southcountycs.com.
