Michigan residents have several options for receiving healthcare that is either completely free or does not require premiums. Employees may be able to receive free coverage as a job benefit, though as of 2011 this was subject to legislative review in the case of public employees. A range of state-funded medical plans also exist for people on low incomes.
Private Employer
Michigan employers who offer group plans to employees must admit any employee who meets the eligibility criteria. This means there can be restrictions such as length of service or type of work. These restrictions cannot relate to medical history, disability or genetic information, though employers can impose limited exclusions for pre-existing conditions. A private insurer's group plan can be entirely employer-funded with no direct contributions from the employee. However, this is a decision of the employer and Michigan residents do not have an inherent right to free healthcare as a benefit.
Government Employer
Some government employees may be able to receive healthcare as an employment benefit without any direct contribution. However, as of June 2011 the Michigan legislature was examining proposals to change the law so that all public employees were required to contribute at least 20 percent of the cost of premiums. As the issue was still under debate, it is unknown if any resulting law will be applied retroactively or to new employees only.
Family Plans
Michigan runs three family-related healthcare plans, all three of which are subject to recipients meeting limits on monthly family income. Plan First! is available to those ages 19 to 44 and covers the costs of birth control and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Healthy Kids is available to children 19 and under as well as adult women who are pregnant. MICHild is available for children under 19. Both these programs offer a wide range of medical services. Plan First! is free of charge. Healthy Kids is free, though pregnant women 21 or over may have to make small co-payments for treatment. MIChild carries a $10 per month fee that covers all children in the family.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a national program for low-income people, administered on a state-by-state basis. In Michigan, people under 21 are eligible for free coverage if they meet income and asset tests; people who exceed the income limit must pay a deductible based on their incomes. Medicaid is automatically available to those receiving Supplemental Security Income, which covers those who are on low incomes and blind, disabled or over 65. Pregnant women who do not meet the income test for Healthy Kids can receive Medicaid but must pay a deductible based on their incomes. Low-income parents or caretaker relatives who care for a dependent child qualify for Medicaid.
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