Medical Insurance and Financial Assistance for Children
When a child needs medical care, it can be hard on a family without insurance. This page includes information on programs available for pregnant women and children without insurance. Many of the programs have eligibility requirements.
Government Sponsored Insurance Programs
Social Security Administration Disability Programs
The Social Security Administration answers questions about retirement and disability benefits, Social Security Disability (SSD), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare. Call the Social Security Administration toll-free at 800-772-1213 or visit online at www.ssa.gov for all of their online services and information.
Medicaid
The state of Michigan provides medical insurance through the Michigan Medicaid program. To qualify you must be financially eligible and meet one of the following eligibility criteria.
- Under the age of 21
- Over the age of 65
- Pregnant
- Disabled
- Blind
- A parent or close relative living with a child under the age of 18
Contact the local MDHHS office in your county to determine your eligibility.
Maternal Infant Health Program
The Maternal Infant Health Program, formerly known as MSS/ISS, is a referral-only, state of Michigan program funded by Medicaid for pregnant women between conception and 8 weeks postpartum, and infants up to their first birthday. Its purpose is to provide support to women identified as having a pregnancy that can or may be at risk for harm, complications, or neonatal or postnatal loss. Such risk factors include, but are not limited to: age; number of children; fetal/maternal health; housing/living conditions; substance use/abuse; domestic issues; cognitive/developmental/mental health issues; income level; work skills/abilities; and smoking.
The program is staffed by an interdisciplinary team of social workers, registered nurses and nutritionists, as well as an administrative/management team. To learn more call 734-936-9758.
To contact us with a referral, call or fax information to:
Maternal Infant Health Program
Department of Social Work
Donna Genyk, Program Administrator
Mott F-4770, Box 0718
Phone: 734-936-9758
Fax: 734-936-8767
Maternity Outpatient Medical Services Program
The goal of the MOMS program is to provide immediate health coverage for pregnant women. It provides outpatient prenatal coverage only. Prenatal services will be covered for the entire pregnancy and for two months after the pregnancy ends. There are income eligibility requirements. Contact the local MDHHS office in your county to apply for this program or apply online at www.michigan.gov/mibridges.
Healthy Kids for Pregnant Women
Medicaid is available for an eligible pregnant woman while she is pregnant and for two months after the pregnancy ends. There is an income limit for this program. Apply by calling 888-988-6300.
MIChild
MIChild is a health insurance program for uninsured children of working families. To qualify, your child must have no health insurance and meet income and residency requirements. MIChild covers a variety of health care services for a monthly premium of only $5. There are no co-pays or deductibles. Minimum income per month is $1,522 (including Social Security benefits) to qualify. Contact the local MDHHS office in your county to apply for this program or apply online at www.michigan.gov/mibridges. Call 800-988-6300 for more information.
Healthy Kids
Healthy Kids is a program that provides a wide range of health care coverage and support services for babies and children under age 19 who meet income eligibility requirements. It covers most medically- necessary health care. You can apply by calling 888-988-6300.
Women, Infant and Children’s Program
Women, Infant and Children's Program (WIC) is a food and nutrition program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture through local agencies, such as health departments and non-profit organizations. WIC helps to correct or prevent malnutrition in low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who recently had a baby, and infants and children up to 5 years old who are at health risk due to inadequate nutrition. WIC provides supplemental food, offers professional nutrition education and makes referrals based on health screening and assessments of need. Learn how to apply for this program.
County Health Department Programs
Free or Low-cost Health Care
Your health department may offer a variety of free or low cost health and social services to residents of your area. These services may include well-child clinics, prenatal care, breast and cervical cancer screening, family planning, immunizations and other related programs. Services and eligibility vary from county to county and in some cases appointments are necessary. Some county health departments have arranged for people without health insurance to receive primary health care from local doctors and clinics. Contact your county Health Department for details.
Washtenaw Health Plan
Washtenaw Health Plan (WHP) is a basic health care program (HMO) for low-income Washtenaw County residents who are uninsured and meet eligibility requirements. The program is a collaborative effort of the University of Michigan Health System, St. Joseph Mercy Health System and the Washtenaw County Health Department. Enrollees receive routine or primary care from either a University of Michigan or St. Joseph’s health care provider. For more information call 800-440-7548 or visit the WHP website.
Children's Special Health Care Services
Children's Special Health Care Services is a program within the Department of Community Health. It is for children and some adults with special health care needs and their families. Children must have a qualifying medical condition and be 20 years old or younger. Persons 21 and older with cystic fibrosis or certain blood coagulation disorders may also qualify for services.
CSHCS covers more than 2,700 diagnoses. Some common medical conditions that may qualify for CSHCS are cancer, cerebral palsy, cleft palate/cleft lip, myelodysplasia/spina bifida, hemophilia/blood clotting disorders, cystic fibrosis/other chronic lung conditions, insulin-dependent diabetes, muscular dystrophy, neurological disorders, and sickle cell anemia. For more information contact your local CSHCS office, call our CSHCS Family Phone Line at 1-800-359-3722 or email the Family Center at [email protected].
Income Benefits Programs
Michigan Family Independence Program
The Family Independence Program (FIP) provides cash assistance to families with children and pregnant women to help them pay for living expenses such as rent, heat, utilities, clothing, food and personal care items. FIP applicants and recipients may be assigned to Work First for assistance in finding a job or to develop needed job skills. Help with transportation, childcare and other needs related to employment and training may be provided.
To qualify for FIP your children must be under age 18, or age 18 or 19 and attending high school full-time and expected to graduate before age 20. There are also certain eligibility requirements regarding residency and income.
Michigan Disability Assistance Eligibility Requirements
Your child must meet certain eligibility requirements regarding his or her medical condition, residency, income and assets to receive Michigan disability assistance. You must also apply for any other benefits that your child may be able to receive. Contact your local Department of Human Services office to determine your eligibility.
If You Have Any Questions
Please contact the UMHS Guest Assistance Program at 734-764-6893 if you have any questions about any of the programs described. In addition, our financial counselors are available to answer questions about medical bills, provide individual financial counseling for hospital and professional services, and assist with insurance benefit questions, payment plans, and charge estimates