Michigan Launches Healthy Michigan Plan Enrollment Activities

For Immediate Release: April 1, 2014

MDCH Contact: Angela Minicuci, (517) 241-2112

DHS Contact: Dave Akerly, (517) 373-2059

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Departments of Community Health (MDCH) and Human Services (DHS) today kicked off the state’s Healthy Michigan Plan enrollment activities to begin providing healthcare coverage to nearly half a million more Michigan residents.

“Today’s launch marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts for a healthier Michigan,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “The Healthy Michigan Plan is about improving the health and wellbeing of our citizens, saving money for taxpayers and job providers and ensuring our state’s continued comeback. I encourage all eligible Michiganders to enroll by going online, calling or visiting a local DHS office.”

Directors James K. Haveman and Maura Corrigan were on hand in Detroit to begin enrolling Michigan residents into the Healthy Michigan Plan. MDCH is kicking off the program in conjunction with a comprehensive enrollment campaign which includes television, cable, radio, online, outdoor, transit, and minority print marketing. Working with partners, the campaign focuses on how the Healthy Michigan Plan will work to improve the health status of Michigan residents. This is an important message consistent with Governor Snyder’s Health and Wellness 4x4 Plan and his special message on healthcare.

“In making Michigan a healthier, stronger state, we’ve have placed a significant focus on improving the health status of residents,” said James K. Haveman, Director of the MDCH. “The Healthy Michigan Plan is another positive step forward in helping Michiganders make healthier choices, and have access to healthier options.”

Beginning today, Michigan residents will be able to apply for the Healthy Michigan Plan online at www.HealthyMichiganPlan.org, by phone at (855) 789-5610, or in person at their local DHS office. MDCH and DHS staff has worked closely with state and federal partners to get the necessary information technology, federal approval and program operations in place. Extensive IT testing and progress has been made to assure the necessary system requirements are ready for enrollment.

"Our staff has worked hard and with diligence for many months, along with our partners, to make this happen," said Maura Corrigan, DHS director. "We know it will pay off with a system that allows more Michigan citizens access to better and affordable health care under the Healthy Michigan Plan."

In the first year, the Healthy Michigan Plan is anticipated to cover 320,000 Michiganders, eventually providing care for 470,000. The plan emphasizes personal responsibility and beneficiaries will be required to share in the costs. There also will be incentives for individuals to take responsibility for their lifestyle choices and to maintain or improve their health.

Applicants for the Healthy Michigan Plan must be between the ages of 19-64, not currently eligible for Medicaid, not eligible for or enrolled in Medicare, and earning up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level (approximately $16,000 for single person and $33,000 for a family of four).

Health coverage under the Healthy Michigan Plan includes both federally and state mandated Essential Health Benefits such as ambulatory patient services, emergency services, hospitalization, mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment, prescription drugs, rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, laboratory services, preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management, pediatric services including oral and vision care, and other medically necessary services as needed.

For more information about the progress of the Healthy Michigan Plan or to enroll, visit http://www.healthymichiganplan.org/ or call (855) 789-5610.

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