What Happens If the Care Recipient Loses Medicaid in Michigan?

To receive services through Michigan’s Medicaid Home Help Program, the care recipient must have active Medicaid coverage. But what happens if their Medicaid is suddenly closed, interrupted, or denied during the process?

This blog explains what to do if Medicaid is lost, how it affects your caregiver payments, and what steps to take to fix it.

⚠️ Why Medicaid Is Required

The Home Help Program is 100% funded through Medicaid. This means:

• The person receiving care must have active Medicaid at the time of application

• Their Medicaid must remain active for caregiver payments to continue

• If Medicaid coverage ends, Home Help services stop — even if the person still qualifies for care

🔍 Common Reasons Medicaid Coverage Is Lost

1. Failure to complete redetermination paperwork
   → Every year, Medicaid requires recipients to renew coverage.

2. Changes in income or assets
   → A sudden increase (e.g., receiving an inheritance) may temporarily make someone ineligible.

3. Missing documentation
   → Failure to submit requested proof of income, residency, or identity.

4. Loss of disability-related eligibility
   → If Medicaid was tied to a disability or SSI status, any change in that classification can affect benefits.

🛠 What to Do If Medicaid Is Closed

Step 1: Check MiBridges

Log in to the MiBridges portal to check the current status and view messages or notices from MDHHS.

Step 2: Contact Your Local MDHHS Office

Call or visit your local office. Ask:

• Why was Medicaid closed?

• What documents are missing (if any)?

• Can the case be reopened?

If Medicaid was closed in error or for missing paperwork, you may be able to reactivate it without submitting a new application.

Step 3: Reapply if Needed

If it’s not fixable, you can reapply through:
👉 https://www.michigan.gov/mibridges

🧾 What Happens to Caregiver Payments?

If Medicaid is inactive:

• No new caregiver hours will be approved

• You will not be paid for any services provided during the gap

• Previously approved services will be paused

Once Medicaid is reinstated, services may resume, but payments are not retroactive unless MDHHS approves a backdated coverage decision.

📝 How to Prevent Gaps in the Future

• Watch for renewal notices — these are often mailed or sent through MiBridges

• Keep contact info updated in MDHHS records

• Respond quickly to document requests

• Use calendar reminders to prepare for your redetermination period

🚨 Final Tip

Medicaid loss doesn’t mean you no longer qualify. Often, it's a paperwork or timing issue that can be corrected quickly. The sooner you act, the easier it is to avoid service interruptions.

👉 Visit michiganhomehelp.org for more helpful resources on keeping your case active.