Michigan Medicaid Updates: Over 1.4 Million Renewals Amidst Eligibility Review

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently reported significant updates regarding Medicaid renewals and eligibility in the state. Last month, the renewal process for Medicaid saw over 140,000 Michigan residents successfully continue their coverage, which has cumulatively surpassed 1.4 million renewals under both Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan. This development underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring healthcare coverage for its residents. However, alongside the renewals, the department noted a considerable number of individuals—14,688 in February alone—were removed from the Medicaid rolls due to eligibility or procedural issues. Since June 2023, the total figure of individuals losing Medicaid coverage has reached 701,589. This reduction is attributed to various reasons, including procedural lapses or changes in eligibility status. This trend represents a significant increase from the initial predictions made by the Michigan House Fiscal Agency, which estimated around 200,000 cuts post-pandemic. The increase is partly due to the cessation of a COVID-era policy that allowed Medicaid recipients to retain coverage without the need for annual reapplication, a measure put in place under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. The state has set clear income thresholds for Medicaid eligibility, with a single adult’s income capped at $18,000 annually. In light...