The University of Michigan Health System welcomes patients with all types of insurance. You should contact your health plan if you have questions regarding your benefit coverage or how your services will be covered at the University of Michigan Health System and plan future appointments or procedures accordingly.
If the University of Michigan Health System is a participating provider with your health plan, your out-of-pocket costs are usually limited to co-payments, co-insurances, and/or deductibles.
If your insurance plan does not participate with University of Michigan Health System, your insurance company will be billed as a courtesy, but any amounts unpaid by your plan are your responsibility.
If your insurance requires that you coordinate your care through a primary care physician or stay within a specific network of healthcare providers, you can ask your social worker for help locating healthcare providers in your area to minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
If you don’t have medical insurance, there are financial assistance programs and government support if you meet eligibility criteria. To apply online for Michigan Medicaid (also known as MiChild or Healthy Kids), please visit the website at www.michigan.gov/mdch.
Children’s Special Health Care Services is a program that covers children based on diagnosis and not income. This program offers coverage for both uninsured and insured patients, as well as State-sponsored support programs for parents. To find out if your child qualifies for this program, talk to your social worker or contact the CSHCS Enrollment Coordinator at 734-936-6925.
Referrals and Authorizations
Many insurance plans require referrals and/or authorizations in order for services to be covered. A referral is permission from your primary care physician and your health plan to see a particular provider or to have specific procedures done. If your plan requires a referral, your primary care physician must provide the referral prior to services being rendered. If you arrive for services without a referral in place, you may be asked to sign a waiver that holds you financially responsible for the services you receive.
Authorizations are often required for procedures such as surgery or MRI. If an authorization is required, University of Michigan Health System clinic staff will obtain the authorization from your health plan prior to the service. If you have questions about whether a service will be authorized, please call your health plan.
For more information visit www.uofmhealth.org/insurance.