How to Keep Coverage
Coverage is Care
Step 1: Update Your Contact Information
Keeping your contact information up to date is one of the most important steps to keeping your Medicaid coverage. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) must be able to reach you when it is time to renew your Medicaid benefits.
If your address, phone number, or email is not current, you may miss important renewal notices. Many people lose coverage simply because they did not receive a letter or message about their renewal.
Home Address
Update if you have moved to a new location.
Mailing Address
Ensure renewal notices reach you.
Phone Number
Keep current so MDHHS can contact you.
Email Address
Receive digital notices and updates.
Household Size
Report any changes in who lives with you.
Income
Report changes that may affect your coverage.
Even small changes can affect how MDHHS communicates with you about your coverage. Update your information right away if you move, change your phone number, start using a new email address, or have a change in household size or income — even if your renewal is not due yet.
Where to Update: MI Bridges
You can update your information through MI Bridges, the State of Michigan's online benefits portal. In MI Bridges, you can:
- Update your contact information
- Check your renewal date
- Complete your Medicaid renewal
- Upload requested documents
What Happens If I Don't Update?
If MDHHS cannot reach you, you may miss:
- Renewal notices
- Requests for documents
- Instructions about how to complete your renewal
Missing these notices could cause delays or even result in your coverage ending.
Helpful Tip: If you recently moved or changed phone numbers, update your information in MI Bridges as soon as possible – even if you have not received a renewal notice yet.
Step 2: Check Your Renewal Status
Checking your renewal status helps you know when it is time to renew your Medicaid coverage and whether MDHHS needs information from you. Many people in Michigan must renew their Medicaid coverage to keep their health insurance. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will notify you when it is time to renew.
Some people renew every 6 months, while others renew every 12 months. MDHHS will tell you your exact renewal schedule.
Why Checking Your Renewal Status Matters
If you do not respond to a renewal notice, your Medicaid coverage may close — even if you still qualify. Staying on top of your renewal status is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health coverage.
Checking your renewal status helps you:
- Know when your renewal is due
- See if MDHHS needs documents from you
- Avoid missing important deadlines
- Complete your renewal on time
Helpful Tip: Check your mail, MI Bridges account, and text messages regularly so you do not miss important renewal information from MDHHS.
How to Check Your Renewal Status
You can check your renewal status through MI Bridges, the State of Michigan's online benefits portal. MI Bridges gives you a central place to manage your Medicaid renewal from start to finish.
Check Your Renewal Date
See exactly when your Medicaid renewal is due so you can plan ahead and avoid a lapse in coverage.
Read Messages from MDHHS
View official communications from MDHHS directly in your account, including notices and requests.
Upload Requested Documents
If MDHHS needs proof of your situation, you can securely upload documents right through MI Bridges.
Complete Your Renewal
Submit your Medicaid renewal entirely online — no need to mail forms or visit an office.
What If I Receive a Renewal Packet?
If MDHHS sends you a renewal packet, open it right away and read the instructions carefully. Do not wait until the last minute to complete your renewal – acting quickly helps ensure your coverage continues without interruption.
What if MDHHS Asks for More Documents?
Sometimes MDHHS may ask you to provide additional proof about your situation. You may receive something called a Verification Checklist. This means MDHHS needs more information before they can complete your renewal. Responding quickly can help prevent delays in your coverage.
If you receive a Verification Checklist, do not ignore it. Each item on the checklist is something MDHHS needs to verify your eligibility. Submitting your documents promptly gives MDHHS the information they need to process your renewal without unnecessary delays — helping you keep the coverage you depend on.
Step 3: Complete Your Renewal on Time
When it is time to renew your Medicaid coverage, MDHHS will send you renewal forms or a renewal notice. To keep your Medicaid coverage active, you must complete your renewal and return any requested information by the due date. Responding on time helps prevent interruptions in your health coverage.
What happens during Medicaid renewal?
During renewal, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reviews your information to confirm that you still qualify for Medicaid coverage. You may be asked to:
- complete renewal forms
- confirm your household information
- provide documents that verify your situation
If MDHHS receives the information they need, your coverage can continue.
Documents you may need
MDHHS may ask you to provide documents that verify your information. Send copies, not original documents. Examples of documents that may be requested include:
Identification or proof of age
- Birth certificate
- Driver's license
- State identification card
Proof of income
- Recent pay stubs
- Tax return
- Social Security benefit documentation
- Veterans benefits documentation
Financial information (if requested)
- Bank statements
- Retirement account information
- Other financial records
Citizenship or immigration documentation
- Birth certificate
- U.S. passport
- Voter registration card
- USCIS documentation
Disability documentation (if applicable)
- Social Security Disability documentation
- Other disability verification
Other insurance information
- Health insurance ID cards
- Medicare card
The exact documents requested may vary depending on your situation.
How to return your renewal
You can return your renewal in several ways:
Online
Log in to MI Bridges and submit your renewal electronically.
By Mail
Mail your completed forms to the MDHHS office listed on your renewal paperwork.
By Fax
Fax your completed forms to the number listed on your renewal materials.
In Person
Visit your local MDHHS office to return your forms or receive help completing your renewal.
Need more time to finish your renewal?
If you are missing a document or need more time to complete your renewal, contact your MDHHS specialist or local office before your due date. You may be able to request an extension.
Important things to remember:
- Do not ignore the deadline
- Request extra time if needed
- Extensions may help you keep your coverage
What if I receive a Verification Checklist?
Sometimes MDHHS may ask for additional proof before completing your renewal. You may receive something called a Verification Checklist.
If this happens:
- Read the checklist carefully
- Gather the documents requested
- Return the information as soon as possible
Responding quickly helps prevent delays or interruptions in your coverage.