Michigan Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in Michigan.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Processing Time
45 days for standard applications, up to 90 days for disability determinations, 5-10 days for expedited cases
Michigan Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Michigan, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). Michigan follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,982/month
Married Couple (One Applying)
$2,982/month per applicant
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$9,950
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$162,660 (community spouse)
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
Michigan Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $11,200/month average (the average monthly nursing home cost in Michigan).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in Michigan
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in Michigan once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $11,200/month average. Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Assisted Living Coverage
MI Choice in Assisted Living: Michigan does not have a Medicaid program that pays for room and board in assisted living facilities. However, individuals enrolled in MI Choice or MI Health Link can receive Medicaid-covered services while living in assisted living, including physical therapy, nursing care, eating assistance, medication management, and toileting/dressing assistance. Participants can live in adult foster care homes or homes for the aged (similar to assisted living), but must pay room and board costs themselves.
Note: This program covers personal care services but does not cover room and board costs. Residents need approximately $1,500-$2,500/month from Social Security or other income to cover housing expenses.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Michigan offers 3 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
MI Choice Waiver Program
Michigan's primary waiver serving elderly (65+) and disabled adults (18+) at risk of nursing home placement. Provides home modifications, adult day care, meal delivery, personal emergency response systems, personal care assistance, and nursing services. Available through approximately 20 regional Waiver Agencies (many are Area Agencies on Aging).
Program Details →MI Health Link
Integrated care program for individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, coordinating all healthcare services through managed care organizations.
Program Details →Habilitation Supports Waiver
Serves individuals with developmental disabilities who require intermediate care facility level of care, providing community-based supports and services.
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in Michigan
Michigan Medicaid applications typically take 45 days for standard applications, up to 90 days for disability determinations, 5-10 days for expedited cases. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in Michigan through:
- Online at newmibridges.michigan.gov
- Phone: 1-888-367-6557 (Michigan ENROLLS)
- MiBridges HelpDesk: 1-844-799-9876 (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm)
- In-person at local MDHHS office
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in Michigan from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
Michigan-Specific Programs and Resources
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Comprehensive medical and social services for frail elderly (55+) who meet long-term care criteria. Available in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Kent, Ottawa, and Allegan counties. Recent 2025 changes greatly increased asset limits to $9,950, making PACE more accessible.
Learn MoreMI Coordinated Health Waiver
Note: Due to Medicare ruling, agencies in Menominee, Gogebic, and Chippewa counties can no longer participate in MI Coordinated Health as of 2026.
Learn MoreCommunity Spouse Asset Protection
Minimum spousal share increased to $32,532 in 2026. If couple has $65,064 or less in countable assets, at-home spouse can keep $32,532. Maximum protection up to $162,660.
Learn MoreNeed Help with Michigan Medicaid?
Contact Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.
Main Office Phone
1-800-642-3195Application Helpline
1-888-367-6557