What's the difference between Medicaid programs?

Learn about the difference between Medicaid, Healthy Michigan Plan, MIChild and Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) plans.

Page last updated on: 4/08/26

What’s the difference between Medicaid, the Healthy Michigan Plan, MIChild and Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)?

Michigan has several health coverage programs to help people get medical care at a low cost. These programs are Medicaid, the Healthy Michigan Plan, MIChild and Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS).

Each program is for different people, based on age, income, and health needs.

Quick overview of plans

  • Medicaid: Health coverage for people of all ages with low income
  • Healthy Michigan Plan: Low‑cost health coverage for adults ages 19–64
  • MIChild: Health coverage for children in Michigan
  • CSHCS: Extra help for children and some adults with special health care needs
ProgramWho it's forIncome rulesAgeSpecial health needs
MedicaidLow-income individuals and familiesYesAll agesNot required
Healthy Michigan PlanLow‑income adultsYes19-64Not required
MIChildUninsured childrenYes (higher limit)Under 19Not required
CSHCSChildren and some adultsNoUnder 21 (some adults)Required

What Is Medicaid?

Medicaid is a health insurance program for people with low income. It helps people of all ages pay for medical care.

Best for: Individuals and families who meet income and other rules.

Medicaid usually covers:

  • Doctor visits
  • Hospital care
  • Medications
  • Mental health care
  • Preventive care, like checkups

Some people who may qualify include:

  • Children
  • Pregnant individuals
  • Adults
  • Seniors
  • People with disabilities

What Is the Healthy Michigan Plan?

The Healthy Michigan Plan is a type of Medicaid for adults ages 19 to 64. Some people may have to pay a small monthly amount, based on income.

Best for: Low‑income adults who do not qualify for regular Medicaid.

You may qualify if:

  • Your income is at or below 133% of the federal poverty level
  • You do not get Medicare
  • You do not qualify for another Medicaid program
  • You are not pregnant when you sign up

This plan covers:

  • Doctor visits
  • Prescriptions
  • Hospital care
  • Mental health services

What Is MIChild?

MIChild is health insurance for children under age 19 in Michigan.

Best for: Children whose families earn too much for Medicaid but still need help paying for care.

It is for families who:

  • Do not qualify for Medicaid
  • Do not have private health insurance
  • Still need affordable coverage

MIChild covers:

  • Checkups
  • Shots and vaccines
  • Dental and vision care
  • Prescriptions

What is Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)?

CSHCS helps children under age 21 and some adults who have serious or ongoing health needs.

Best for: Children (and some adults) with special health care needs.

Important things to know:

  • Income does not matter
  • A child or adult must have a medical condition that qualifies
  • It helps with care related to that condition

CSHCS may cover:

  • Specialist visits
  • Medical equipment
  • Care coordination

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Sometimes:

  • A child can have Medicaid and CSHCS
  • CSHCS can work with other insurance to help cover special care

When you apply, Michigan will check which program you qualify for. Some people may qualify for more than one program at the same time. 

When someone qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid, this is called "dual-eligible". Learn the difference between Medicaid and Medicare.

The best program depends on:

  • Your age
  • Your income
  • Whether you are pregnant
  • Whether you or your child has special health care needs

Applying through Michigan’s health coverage system can help find the right program.

Some people qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. This is called being dual‑eligible. Medicare usually pays first, and Medicaid helps cover extra costs.

Most people pay little or no cost. Some adults in the Healthy Michigan Plan may pay a small monthly amount based on income.

If your income changes, you should report it through MIBridges. You may move to a different program, but you usually will not lose coverage right away.

  • Children may leave MIChild at age 19
  • Children leave CSHCS at age 21
  • Adults may qualify for another program, like the Healthy Michigan Plan

If you do not qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to buy health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace®. If you're eligible, you can receive both a premium tax credit and cost-sharing reductions to help pay for care.

When you shop for a MyPriority® plan, we'll check for both types of assistance.

Have a question? We're here to help.

Contact Customer Service at 888.975.8102 (TTY 711)

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