The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services launched an online tool to help approximately 625,000 Healthy Michigan Plan enrollees navigate new federal work requirements that take effect January 1, 2027. The Michigan Work and Exemptions Screening Tool (MI WEST) guides beneficiaries through requirements needed to maintain health care coverage. The tool asks a series of questions to help identify whether someone may qualify for an exemption, is already meeting work requirements, or needs to take additional steps, and serves as an informational resource rather than an official application.
The tool was developed by Civilla, a nonprofit civic design firm, through a process that included interviews, user testing, and feedback from Medicaid beneficiaries and community organizations. Development was funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Certain Healthy Michigan Plan members between ages 19 and 64 may need to meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption to maintain coverage. Exemptions apply to parents or caregivers of children age 13 or under, people who are pregnant or recently gave birth, those with certain medical conditions or disabilities, and veterans with a total disability rating. Those who are not exempt can meet requirements through working, volunteering, attending school, or participating in a work program by earning at least $580 or completing a minimum of 80 hours of approved activities in one month between renewals.
"We are committed to helping beneficiaries understand and comply with these new rules so we can keep as many eligible Michiganders covered as possible," said Amy Epkey, acting MDHHS director. Most Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries will transition from annual to six-month coverage renewals. Although work requirements begin January 1, the implementation timeline differs for new and existing beneficiaries. New applicants subject to work requirements must meet them in the month before or month they apply, starting January 1. For current beneficiaries, work requirements will be reviewed at renewals starting on or after March 1. Those with January or February 2027 renewals will not be reviewed for work requirements until their 2028 renewals.