• MDHHS
• Assistance Programs
• Medicaid

Health Care Programs Eligibility

Health care coverage is available to individuals and families who meet certain eligibility requirements. The goal of these health care programs is to ensure that essential health care services are made available to those who otherwise do not have the financial resources to purchase them.

It is for the low income uninsured children of Michigan’s working families

It is very important that individuals and families obtain health care coverage. In Michigan, there are many health care programs available to children, adults, and families. Specific coverages and the applicant’s citizenship status (some non-citizens may be limited to coverage of emergency services only). The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) determines eligibility for most of the health care programs that are administered by the State of Michigan).

All of the health care programs in Michigan have an income test, except Children’s Special Health Care Services, and some of the programs also have an asset test. These income and asset tests s, the applicant may have income that is over the income limit and still be able to obtain health care benefits when their medical expenses equal or exceed their deductible (formerly known as spend-down) amount.

U-19 U-19 is a Medicaid health care program for low-income children under age 19. There is only an income test. There is no monthly premium for this Medicaid program. Most children who are eligible for U-19 Medicaid are enrolled in a Medicaid health plan. This program provides a comprehensive package of health care benefits including vision, dental, and mental health services. Contact the local MDHHS office in your county to apply for this program or apply online at

MIChild MIChild is a health care program for children who are under age 19 administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. MIChild has a higher income limit than U-19 Medicaid. There is only an income test. There is a $10 per family monthly premium for MIChild. The $10 monthly premium is for all of the children in one family. The child must be enrolled in a MIChild health and dental plan in order to receive services. Beneficiaries receive a comprehensive package of health care benefits including vision, dental, and mental health services. Contact the l ocal MDHHS office in your county to apply for this program or apply online at For more information, v isit the MIChild website at

Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) Children’s Special Health Care Services is a program within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that provides certain approved medical service coverage to some children and adults with special health care needs. Children must have a qualifying medical condition and be under 21 years of age. Persons 21 and older with cystic fibrosis or certain blood coagulating disorders may also qualify for services. Click here for more information about Children’s Special Health Care Services .

Under 21 Medicaid is available to eligible persons under age 21. There is an income test and an asset test for this program. If income is over the income limit, the person is assigned a deductible. Persons may incur medical expenses that equal or exceed the deductible and still qualify for this program. Beneficiaries receive a comprehensive package of health care benefits including vision, dental, and mental health services. Contact the local MDHHS office in your county to apply for this program or apply online at

The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines SSI eligibility. The beneficiaries are automatically eligible for Medicaid and they receive the comprehensive package of health benefits including vision, dental, and mental health services. Most beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medicaid health plan. Medicaid may continue even if SSI stops.