H.R. 1 Medicaid Changes: What You Need to Know-💜

Details to Know About Medicaid Updates

Medicaid rules, renewal processes, and coverage options can change over time. These updates may affect your eligibility, your paperwork deadlines, provider access, and covered behavioral or physical health care.

Pontiac residents should be aware of these key factors:

• H.R. 1 changes begin in January, 2027
• Not everyone will be affected right away
• MDHHS will provide notices before changes take effect
• Many people will qualify for exemptions
• Some individuals may already meet the requirements
• Our team at CNS Healthcare is working closely with MDHHS and community partners

Within our organization, we expect that approximately 20% of persons-served may potentially be affected, while around 80% are expected to be unaffected.

Medicaid Changes Starting 2027

You can expext two major changes that will effect Medicaid eligibility rules. The first is that some members may need to meet new work requirements to remain eligible for your Healthy Michigan Plan. The second is that the frequency of renewals is changing.

New Work Requirements and Exemptions

Starting in January 2027, members of Healthy Michigan may need to fulfill new Medicaid work requirements unless they qualify for an exemption. Approved activities may include working, volunteering, attending school, or participating in a work program.

Many members will already meet this requirement. However, if you don't, you still may be able to qualify for an exemption. Exemptions include: pregnant or newly postpartum women, American Indians, Alaska Natives, those with complex health needs, and certain caregivers.

Medicaid Renewal Frequency



You may be used to renewing your Medicaid yearly. This may be changing to a frequency of every 6 months. If your renewal dates are changing you will receive an update from MDHHS.

A six month renewal schedule is not automatically standard for every Michigan beneficiary. Follow the renewal date and instructions on your official notice.

How to Prepare for Medicaid Changes in Pontiac

Use this checklist to stay organized without assuming you will lose coverage. Act early, keep copies, and ask for language or accessibility support when needed.

• Update your information in MI Bridges
• Read all MDHHS notices
• Respond to requests for additional information
• Stay informed about upcoming changes

Keep Contact Details Current

• Update your mailing address, phone number, email, and household information through the Michigan benefits system, MI Bridges.
• Check that notices reach you after a move, since missing mail can mean missing a deadline.

Review and Respond to Every Notice

• Identify the requested documents, response date, and instructions for reporting changes.
• Review any 30-day compliance notice promptly.
• Keep dated copies of uploads, mailed documents, submission confirmations, and conversations.

Verify Your Coverage Before Care Is Needed



Confirm active coverage, care plan details, and provider participation before appointments or prescription refills. For specialized services, ask whether an assessment, such as an institutional level of care need, affects authorization.

Your behavioral health care team or plan can help explain coverage paperwork, but the state makes final eligibility decisions.

Seek Urgent Support When You Need It

Do not let health insurance concerns prevent you from seeking immediate crisis support. 988 is available 24/7 and Common Ground’s 24-hour helpline is 1-800-231-1127. Call emergency services when there is immediate danger. CNS Healthcare in Detroit offers same day mental health urgent care if you need assistance.

Do Not Assume You'll Lose Your Coverage

While new work requirements for Medicaid coverage and 6 month renewals are changing eligibility, don't automatically assume that you'll be losing your coverage. Many members already meet these standards and won't see any changes. Stay informed and get updates at Michigan.gov/HMP.

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