While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides comprehensive free or low-cost healthcare benefits to children whose parents or guardians do not qualify for Medicaid. CHIP is a federal program, and each state/territory has flexibility to design their own CHIP program within federal guidelines. Therefore, CHIP benefits may differ in each state/territory
CHIP benefits may include annual check-ups, hospital visits, dental insurance, vision insurance and more. All services are provided through medical providers that participate in the CHIP program. Not all doctors and medical facilities accept CHIP patients.
Learn more about CHIP benefits here.
The Michigan state CHIP program is called MIChild. It is administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). For more information about MIChild, click here.
A child may receive CHIP benefits in Michigan for as long as he or she qualifies for the program. A participant’s qualifications are determined by their age and their household’s monthly gross income. To learn more about eligibility and qualifying for MIChild, click here.
If a child is eligible for CHIP, the following services will be covered:
Other services may also be covered depending on the child’s needs.
For more information about the services covered and what medical assistance you can receive, call the Michigan Health Care Helpline at 1 (800) 789-5610, call MIChild at 1 (888) 988-6300, or review the Michigan CHIP brochure here.
To qualify for CHIP in Michigan, a child must meet the following criteria:
For more information on Michigan’s household income limits and other eligibility criteria to qualify for CHIP, click here.
The premium for MIChild is $10 per month per family, regardless of the number of children enrolled in MIChild coverage. There are no copays for MIChild.
For more information on the cost of CHIP benefits in Michigan, visit the Michigan MIChild page here. Or call the Michigan Health Care Helpline at 1 (800) 789-5610.
Before applying for MIChild, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
To apply for CHIP online, you can create an account through Michigan MI Bridges here.
To apply for CHIP in person, click here to find your nearest Michigan Department of Health and Human Services office.
To apply for CHIP by phone, call the Michigan Health Care Helpline at 1 (800) 789-5610.
To apply for CHIP by mail, fill out the Application for Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs found here and send it to the following address:
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Health Insurance Affordability Program
P.O. Box 8123
Royal Oak, MI 48068-9985
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
If you apply for MIChild online, you will be able to view whether or not your children are eligible for benefits right away.
If you apply for MIChild by mail, in person, or by phone, you will receive a determination letter in the mail notifying you of your eligibility for CHIP within two weeks of applying. This timeline may be extended if the Department of Health and Human Services requires more information from you to process your application. If approved for CHIP, you will be sent instructions to enroll in health coverage.
For more information about what happens after you apply for MIChild, you can contact the Michigan Health Care Helpline at 1 (800) 789-5610.
If you do not agree with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to deny your CHIP benefits, you can file an appeal after you receive your eligibility determination in the mail.
You can file your appeal by mail, in person, or over the phone.
To request an appeal by phone, call 1 (800) 318-2596.
To send your appeal by mail, complete the Request for Hearing form found here and send it to your local Department of Health and Human Services office. Click here to find your nearest Michigan DHHS office.
To request an appeal in person, visit your local office in person.
If you have any further questions regarding the appeals process, you can contact the Michigan Marketplace at 1 (800) 318-2596.
To transfer your child from your current insurance to CHIP benefits, you will need to contact your current health insurance provider and ask a representative to discontinue their insurance coverage.
You can find your insurance company’s customer service number on your health insurance card.
If you have any questions about the insurance transfer process, contact the Michigan Health Care Helpline at 1 (800) 789-5610.
If you have any further questions about MIChild or CHIP, call the Michigan Health Care Helpline at 1 (800) 789-5610 or MIChild at 1 (888) 988-6300.
You can also contact your local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services office for assistance. Find your nearest office location and contact information here.
Services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Children’s Health Insurance Program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free CHIP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
