Priority Health is sharing information only; MDHHS administers and determines requirements/exemptions. Check the MDHHS website for the latest information.
Starting January 1, 2027, some adults in the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) will need to work or take part in other approved activities to keep their Medicaid coverage.
Many people may already meet this rule. Work, school, job training or other approved activities may count. Some people may also be exempt. This means they do not have to meet the work rule.
Who does this apply to?
The new work rules apply to some adults ages 19 to 64 who get care through Medicaid’s Healthy Michigan Plan.
If you are not sure whether you have Healthy Michigan Plan coverage, you can:
- Check your MI Bridges account
- Contact your health plan
- Call the Medicaid Beneficiary Help Line at 800.642.3195
Who may be exempt?
Some people do not have to meet the work rules. You may be exempt if you:
- Are pregnant or gave birth within the last 12 months
- Are a parent or caregiver of a child age 13 or younger
- Care for a person with a disability
- Have a disability or serious health condition
- Have a mental health condition or substance use disorder
- Are participating in a substance use treatment program
- Are a disabled veteran
- Were in foster care at age 18 and are under age 26
- Are an American Indian or Alaska Native
- Are currently incarcerated or were incarcerated within the last three months
- Are already meeting work requirements for SNAP or cash assistance programs
- Have a short-term hardship, such as a hospital stay, a disaster in your area or high unemployment where you live
MDHHS will use information it already has to find many exemptions. Some members may need to share more information about their exemption.
How can you meet the requirement?
If you are not exempt, you can meet the rule in one of two ways:
Option 1: Meet the monthly income requirement
You may meet the work requirement if you earn at least $580 in one month during the review period. This can include income from a job or self-employment.
Option 2: Complete 80 hours of approved activities
You may also meet the rule by doing at least 80 hours of approved activities in one month during the review period. These activities include:
- Paid employment
- Unpaid employment
- Internships
- Work programs
- Volunteering or community service
- High school or GED programs
- College or vocational education programs
You can add different activities together to reach 80 hours in a month.
When do current members need to take action?
For current Healthy Michigan Plan members, work rules will be reviewed during renewals on or after March 1, 2027. MDHHS will try to use information it already has to see if members meet the rule or are exempt.
If more information is needed, MDHHS will contact members using their preferred communication method in MI Bridges or by mail.
How to prepare now
To prepare, members should:
- Make sure contact information is up to date in MI Bridges
- Report any household or income changes
- Keep records of work, school, volunteer activities or training programs
- Watch for updates from MDHHS as more details become available
Frequently asked questions
When do the new work requirements start?
When do the new work requirements start?
The new Healthy Michigan Plan work requirements start January 1, 2027. Current members will usually be reviewed by MDHHS during renewals on or after March 1, 2027.
Will everyone on Medicaid need to meet these requirements?
Will everyone on Medicaid need to meet these requirements?
No. The rules only apply to some adults ages 19 to 64 enrolled in the Healthy Michigan Plan. Many people may be exempt.
What activities count toward the requirement?
What activities count toward the requirement?
Approved activities include work, internships, volunteer service, job programs, high school or GED programs and college or vocational education programs.
How many hours do I need?
How many hours do I need?
If you are not exempt, you can meet the rule by doing at least 80 hours of approved activities in one month during the review period.
I'm already working. Do I need to do anything else?
I'm already working. Do I need to do anything else?
You may already meet the rule. MDHHS will use information it already has when it can. You may still be asked for more information during enrollment or renewal.
What if I have a medical condition that prevents me from working?
What if I have a medical condition that prevents me from working?
Many people with disabilities, serious health conditions, mental health conditions, substance use disorders or other complex health needs may be exempt.
How will MDHHS contact me if they need information?
How will MDHHS contact me if they need information?
MDHHS will contact you using your communication preference in MI Bridges. If you did not choose one, information will be sent to you. Make sure your information is correct in MI Bridges so you get updates meant for you.
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