Starting Oct. 1, 2026, federal rules will change Medicaid eligibility for certain noncitizens. Members impacted by this change will transition to Emergency Services Only (ESO) coverage through the state of Michigan and will no longer have Priority Health Medicaid coverage, effective immediately.
Why is this change happening?
A federal law passed in July 2025 set new Medicaid eligibility requirements. The legislative change impacts Medicaid plans in all states, including Michigan. More information can be found on the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) website.
Which noncitizens are impacted?
The following noncitizens will no longer be eligible for federally funded full Medicaid benefits:
- Refugees
- Asylees
- Noncitizens paroled into the US for at least one year
- Noncitizens granted withholding of deportation
- Noncitizens granted conditional entry prior to Apr. 1, 1980
- Noncitizens subject to battery or extreme cruelty by their US citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) relative
- Trafficking victims
- Amerasian immigrants
- Lawfully residing veterans/active-duty service members and certain family members
- American Indians born in Canada or American Indians who are members of a federally recognized tribe
- Humanitarian parolees
- Other lawfully residing noncitizens
These groups will still be eligible for full Medicaid benefits:
- Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) after the five-year waiting period
- Cuban/Haitian entrants
- Compacts of Free Association (COFA) migrants
- Pregnant individuals
- Children under the age of 21
Based on the above, approximately 450 Priority Health Medicaid members are expected to lose coverage.
What is ESO coverage?
ESO coverage, administered by MDHHS, covers emergency medical conditions but does not include routine care, preventive services, most prescriptions or treatment for chronic conditions. Individuals who transition to ESO coverage will not have Priority Health coverage after October 1.
Have impacted members been notified?
Yes. MDHHS sent letters to impacted members. Priority Health also notified members who may be impacted via email and text.
What if the member’s immigration or eligibility status has changed?
To report changes, members should visit michigan.gov/mibridges and use the Report My Changes function. They can also contact their local office.
Are there other Medicaid eligibility changes coming?
Yes. The most notable change will be the new work requirements going into effect for Healthy Michigan Plan members beginning Jan. 1, 2027. More frequent redeterminations (every six months) will also begin for Healthy Michigan Plan members in 2027. More information can be found on the MDHHS website.