Michigan Health Insurance Guide

From the Great Lakes to vibrant cities and forested retreats, Michigan remains a beautiful and affordable place to call home — and understanding your health insurance options here is key to protecting your health and finances.

As of 2025, the uninsured rate in Michigan continues to improve, thanks to expanded coverage options and steady enrollment. If you’re currently without insurance, here’s what you need to know about getting covered in the Great Lakes State.

Health Insurance Options in Michigan

Michigan offers a range of health insurance options tailored to residents’ needs, depending on age, income, employment, and family size. Here are the most common coverage types available:

Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Many Michigan residents receive health insurance through their employer. If your workplace offers coverage, this is often the most cost-effective and convenient way to get insured.

ACA Marketplace Plans

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows individuals and families to buy health insurance through federal or state Marketplaces. These plans include essential health benefits, free preventive care, and protection for preexisting conditions.

If you don’t have employer coverage, you may qualify for subsidies to lower your premiums. Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check your eligibility.

Starting this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requiring income verification to confirm eligibility for premium subsidies. As part of this, CMS may reduce subsidies by $5 per month for individuals automatically re-enrolled in fully subsidized plans without verified eligibility.

ACA Plan Types

ACA marketplace plans in Michigan are offered in four metal tiers—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—with varying coverage levels:

• Bronze: Low monthly premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs; ideal for minimal healthcare use.
• Silver: Moderate premiums and costs; may qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
• Gold: Higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs; good for frequent healthcare users.
• Platinum (if available): Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket expenses.

Metal Tier Breakdown

Medicaid

Michigan’s Medicaid program, known as the Healthy Michigan Plan, provides free or low-cost coverage to eligible low-income residents. Medicaid benefits include preventive services, hospital and doctor visits, mental health care, and prescription medications.

Short-Term Plans

Short-term medical (STM) plans offer temporary health coverage and can be a practical solution for individuals who are between jobs, recently lost employer coverage, waiting for ACA or Medicare eligibility, or need affordable protection during a coverage gap.
These plans are available in Michigan and follow federal rules. However, they are not regulated by the ACA. This means they can deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions and typically don’t include benefits like maternity, mental health, or preventive care.

While STM plans are not a replacement for long-term insurance, they may be suitable for bridging short gaps in coverage due to life changes.

STM Plan Enrollment

Unlike ACA-compliant plans, you can enroll in short-term health plans year-round.

Quick Coverage Start: Many short-term plans can begin as soon as the next day after your application is approved.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Michigan’s CHIP program is called MIChild. It helps children and pregnant women in families earning too much for Medicaid but needing affordable coverage. MIChild provides comprehensive services including medical, dental, vision, and mental health care.

Student Health Insurance

Michigan college students have multiple health insurance options—staying on a parent’s plan until age 26, enrolling in school-sponsored coverage, or buying coverage through the ACA Marketplace. Depending on income and eligibility, students may also qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or short-term options. Learn more about Michigan student health insurance options.

Medicare

Medicare is available for residents aged 65+ and younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. Plan options include:

• Medicare Advantage (Part C): A bundled alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers; may include drug coverage, dental, vision, and other extras.
• Prescription Drug Plans (Part D): Provides prescription coverage, available standalone or within a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Helps cover costs Original Medicare doesn’t, like coinsurance and deductibles.

COBRA Coverage

If you’ve lost job-based insurance, COBRA lets you temporarily continue your employer’s group health plan, usually at full cost.

Enrollment Periods in Michigan

Open Enrollment for 2026 Coverage
November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
During this time, all eligible residents can enroll in or change ACA Marketplace plans.

Special Enrollment Period
Available year-round for those with a qualifying life event (QLE) such as:

• Loss of coverage
• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Relocation
• Major income changes

You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll.

Health Insurance Providers in Michigan

As of 2025, several insurers offer ACA-compliant plans in Michigan, including:

• Blue Care Network of Michigan
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
• McLaren Health Plan Community
• Meridian Health Plan of Michigan
• Molina Healthcare of Michigan
• Oscar Insurance Company
• Physicians Health Plan
• Priority Health
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
• U.S. Health and Life Insurance Company

Plan availability may vary by region.

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

Familiarizing yourself with cost-related terms is essential:

• Premium: Your monthly payment to keep coverage.
• Deductible: What you pay before insurance kicks in.
• Copayment (Copay): Fixed fees for services.
• Coinsurance: Your share of costs after deductible.
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Yearly cap on what you pay for covered care.
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Using in-network providers saves money.

Review this insurance glossary for more helpful definitions.

Bottom Line

Health insurance in Michigan includes many choices—from job-based plans to Marketplace coverage, Medicaid, and Medicare. By understanding your options and applying during the right enrollment period, you can get affordable, reliable coverage.

Need help choosing a plan? Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to see if you qualify for financial assistance, or speak with a licensed insurance agent for expert help.