The State of Michigan offers health plans that include doctors' visits for kids.
Some laid-off residents of Michigan continue employer-based health insurance coverage through a program called the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Those unemployed individuals must pay the full cost of the premium for their health coverage, which was previously partially covered by the employer. Not everyone can afford COBRA, and many opt not to continue health coverage. Further, COBRA expires after 18, 29 or 36 months. If you need alternative options and financial help for health insurance coverage, the State of Michigan offers and recommends several programs for its citizens to maintain basic access to health care.
Children
Children are usually dependent on their parents and guardians for health care coverage. When families suffer layoffs, it's important to continue to offer coverage to the most vulnerable. Children in Michigan have access to many sources of health care coverage, which include Medicaid, the Department of Community Health and the Social Security Administration. The age range reaches as high as 19 and 21 years of age for some of the plans and programs. Some kids who are on Medicaid for primary health care coverage can also cross-enroll in Healthy Kids, a program that provides supplemental dental, vision and mental health services. Some plans are income dependent, such as the MIChild program, but the premium is reasonable at $10 per month, offering health care insurance where there would otherwise be none.
Adults
Adult individuals who are blind, disabled or elderly are just as vulnerable as children when it comes to the need for reliable health care coverage. Because of this, Michigan has several programs that help out this target population. Here again, the Social Security Administration is a key provider, offering free Medicaid services for this group, but if an individual surpasses the income limit, there may be a deductible. Those people who were disabled prior to age 22 may simply continue coverage as an adult. Able-bodied, childless adults are covered in Michigan as well, though they may not qualify for Medicaid. Instead, these adults receive waivers and basic medical care if they satisfy the income test of the Adult Medical Program. Most adult benefits are handled through the local MDHS office.
Families
When you had health insurance through your employer, many of your coverage selections may have been for your whole family -- yourself, your spouse and your children. Michigan offers a few all-inclusive plans based on income tests and known as the Low Income Family (LIF) Program. If a family does not meet the income rules, they can still apply for cash assistance through the Family Assistance Program (FIP). Some of these plans are limited to a few months, but Michigan does have alternate plans to help families transition until they are self-sufficient. If you're an expectant mother, Michigan has plans that cover you from pregnancy until some months after birth. Income limitations do apply, but there are alternate plans with deductibles. Plans for families and pregnant women are available through the local MDHS.
Community Clinic
Many Michiganders may qualify for health coverage under plans for children, adults and families, but there are some who may still slip through the eligibility gaps. Those still without options for health insurance can visit free or low-cost community health centers, where patients pay what they can afford. They can also visit free clinics run by volunteers. There are also free programs for the homeless, U.S. veterans, Native Americans, migrants and those who live in rural areas. To find these services, you might want to start in places like shelters for the homeless, or visit Indian tribal officials and councils.
Tax Credit
You might qualify for a health coverage tax credit if you are unemployed and still managing to pay for health insurance. Medical insurers offer plans available to individuals and their families, which is not the same as employee group plans. Individual plans are more expensive because the pool of insured is not available to absorb health care costs. The IRS offers the Heath Coverage Tax Credit to help taxpayers reduce their overall tax bill. Keep good records and receipts of your payments for health insurance. Provide this information to your tax preparer or accountant. Unlike the other options, this financial assistance with your health insurance is realized in a lump sum, once a year during tax season.
Tags: health care, health insurance, care coverage, health care coverage, health coverage, Michigan offers
