Michigan Health Insurance
Michigan HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAMS
Public Health Insurance for Parents
Parents have access to public health insurance coverage primarily through plans that target “families”, with significant variation by state in the types of plans that are available and in the eligibility criteria that parents must meet. Most family plans are funded through Medicaid, but a handful of states have waivers to use State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) funds to cover parents. In both cases, programs are funded through a combination of federal and state funds, with states establishing income eligibility limits and other key rules within federal parameters.
Public Health Insurance for Children
The two major federal funding sources for low-income children’s public health insurance are Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). States enjoy some flexibility in their Medicaid programs for children, but federal requirements establish minimum benefit packages and strictly limit cost-sharing. SCHIP funds allow states to increase coverage for children through expanding their Medicaid programs (“Medicaid SCHIP”) and/or creating separate SCHIP programs. Medicaid expansions must meet regular Medicaid requirements; states have greater flexibility in designing separate programs.
Common Health Conditions in Michigan
- Lupus
- Obesity
- Gilles De LA Tourette's Syndrome.
Michigan Health Insurance Regulations
Some of the most important Michigan health insurance laws are the ones that influence the health insurance policy specifically. Certain provisions are required and others are controlled by Michigan health insurance laws. For instance, Michigan health insurance policies ensure that your existing Michigan health insurance policy can be renewed each year, even if you become ill. Secondly, Michigan health insurance laws permit health insurance policies to contain a six to twelve month exclusion period for pre-existing conditions. After this time has passed, the policy must cover the pre-existing condition. Any condition you were treated for or diagnosed with in the six months before the beginning of the policy is considered a pre-existing condition. Also, if you are switching health insurance plans, new pre-existing condition exclusion periods can be imposed. However, any pre-existing exclusion period you have met under your old Michigan health insurance policy can be used to credit your new policy's exclusion period. This is an important protection for you that can only be taken advantage of by maintaining constant coverage. Understanding the laws limiting Michigan health insurance companies is especially important in making sure your health insurance company continues to honor your original contract. For instance, although most all Michigan health insurance companies are allowed to deny your application for health insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield must offer you a health insurance policy. As stated earlier, unless you have violated a policy regulation, no Michigan health insurance company can refuse to renew your health insurance policy. Although your health insurance policy can be canceled for certain reasons, Michigan health insurance laws prohibit insurance companies from terminating your policy on the grounds of illness. Under Michigan health insurance policies, premiums cannot be higher due to your health status. Premiums can significantly increase with age. There may be times when you have breaks in your major health insurance coverage. You should purchase a temporary Michigan health insurance policy in these instances. By doing so, you meet any pre-existing conditions on your next major insurance policy that you have met on your last one, ensuring you medical treatment continues on schedule. Conversion policies are a good option for temporary health insurance in Michigan. If you have recently left a fully insured group policy and have exhausted your COBRA continuation coverage, you are eligible for a conversion policy. The policy premiums for these plans will likely be more than you were originally paying and the coverage may not be the same. However, these plans offer adequate and affordable health insurance when you need it. Applications for a conversion policy must be completed and returned within 30 days of the end of your previous Michigan health insurance policy.
Michigan
Capitol View Building, 201 Townsend Street, Lansing, Michigan 48913
Website: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch
Phone: 800-649-3777
