Michigan MI Coordinated Health (MICH)
MI Coordinated Health (MICH) replaced MI Health Link on January 1, 2026. It is a single plan for adults 21 and older with Medicare and Medicaid in certain counties, covering long-term services and supports. This page is part of our Michigan Long-Term Care Medicaid guide.
Figures change periodically. Double-check current amounts before relying on them.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of program | Combined Medicare and Medicaid health plan |
| Who runs it | Michigan MDHHS and CMS |
| Age | 21 and older |
| Care need | Any |
| Michigan 2026 income rule (long-term care) | No fixed cap for nursing home care (income over the limit goes toward the cost of care) |
| Michigan 2026 asset limit (single applicant) | $9,950 |
| Waiting list | No |
MI Coordinated Health in brief
In short, MI Coordinated Health is run by Michigan MDHHS and CMS. It serves 21 and older, and the care requirement is: Any. As for waiting: No. The sections below repeat these points with more detail, and our state guide covers the Michigan rules that apply to every long-term care program. Other Michigan programs, and general guides on care at home, are linked at the end of this page for comparison with MI Coordinated Health.
What the program is
MI Coordinated Health plans are dual special needs plans that combine Medicare and Medicaid coverage. A care coordinator helps the member manage medical care, prescriptions, behavioral health and long-term services. Long-term services can include personal care and other home and community services, and nursing facility care. MICH replaced MI Health Link, a demonstration that ended on December 31, 2025, and serves the same regions.
Most older adults who qualify for Long-Term Care Medicaid also have Medicare. Medicare handles most medical bills first, and Medicaid picks up long-term care and cost sharing. A combined plan puts both programs under one card and one care team. See Dual eligibility.
Who qualifies in 2026
A person generally must meet all of these conditions:
- Is 21 or older
- Has Medicare and Medicaid
- Lives in a covered county
Income and assets. The person must have Medicare and Medicaid. Figures shown above are the 2026 Michigan long-term care limits from our state guide. Exempt items generally include the home within the equity cap, a car, household goods and a modest burial fund. If only one spouse needs MI Coordinated Health, spousal impoverishment rules protect assets and income for the other. See Spousal impoverishment rules.
What services it can pay for
The plan of care decides which services are used. MI Coordinated Health can cover:
- Medicare and Medicaid benefits
- Long-term services and supports
- Care coordination
No program pays for everything. MI Coordinated Health services are based on assessed need, and a family caregiver who is already helping is usually counted when the plan is written. If needs change, ask for a new assessment.
How to apply
Applying usually involves two decisions: one about money (financial eligibility for Medicaid) and one about care needs. In plain terms, the steps are:
- Check that you have Medicare and full Michigan Medicaid and live in a covered county.
- Compare MICH plans in your county.
- Enroll through Michigan’s enrollment broker or the plan.
- Your care coordinator contacts you to complete an assessment.
Our documents checklist and Applying for a waiver guide list the paperwork.
Waiting lists
MICH enrollment has no waiting list. People who qualify and live in a covered county can enroll.
See Waiver waiting lists for general tips.
How it relates to nursing home Medicaid
MICH plans cover nursing facility care as well as home care, so a member keeps the same plan across settings. Joining does not change Medicaid financial eligibility rules.
Where the nursing home rules still apply. As in nearly every state, Michigan’s financial rules for home and community programs follow its nursing home rules closely. The five-year look-back for gifts generally applies, so a gift or transfer for less than fair value can cause a period when Medicaid will not pay for long-term care services. Michigan MDHHS can also use estate recovery to seek repayment for long-term care services received after 55. Under MI Coordinated Health, income above an allowance may go toward the cost of care each month.
If a nursing home becomes necessary. A Michigan nursing home resident keeps a 2026 personal needs allowance of $60 a month, and most other income goes to the facility. Details are in our state guide.
Choosing a plan: questions to ask
- Are my current doctors, specialists, pharmacy and hospital in the plan’s network?
- Are my prescriptions on the plan’s drug list, and are there limits on any of them?
- How do I reach my care coordinator, and how often will we talk?
- How does the plan arrange home care, adult day services or a nursing home if my needs change?
- What extra benefits does the plan offer, such as dental, vision, hearing or transportation?
- How do I change plans or leave if it does not work for me?
Write down the answers and the date you asked. Plans can change their networks and extra benefits from year to year.
Tips for families
- Do not wait for a crisis. Lists and assessments for MI Coordinated Health take time, and the start date is usually when you first request help.
- Keep copies of every MI Coordinated Health form, notice and letter, and write down the name of each person you speak with and the date.
- Watch the deadlines on notices. A denial or cut can be appealed through a fair hearing, and a timely request can keep services going meanwhile.
- Report changes in income, assets, address or living situation to Michigan MDHHS when they happen.
- Expect yearly reviews of both Medicaid eligibility and the care assessment. See Renewals.
- Protect a spouse at home. Spousal protections must be claimed; a certified Medicaid planner or legal aid office can explain them for your family.
Common questions
What happened to MI Health Link? It ended, and MI Coordinated Health replaced it on January 1, 2026.
Which counties are covered? Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, Macomb, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Wayne and most of the Upper Peninsula.
Can I leave the plan? Yes. Dual-eligible members can change their Medicare coverage under Medicare’s enrollment rules.
Do I lose Medicaid benefits? No. The plan covers both programs.
Related pages
- Michigan Long-Term Care Medicaid guide
- Dual eligibility
- Three kinds of Long-Term Care Medicaid
- PACE programs
Last updated for 2026. General information only, not legal or financial advice. Medicaid Answers is a free educational resource published by Medicaid Answers Foundation.