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Financial Assistance

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

Medicaid

The state of Michigan provides medical insurance through the Medicaid program. To qualify you must be financially eligible and meet one of the following eligibility criteria.

Contact your local Department of Human Services office to determine your eligibility.

Maternal and 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 your local Department of Human Services office to determine your eligibility.

Healthy Kids for Pregnant Women

Medicaid is available for eligible pregnant women while she is pregnant and for two months after the pregnancy ends. There is an income limit for this program. Apply for by calling toll-free 888-988-6300

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. If you think you or your child qualifies for CSHCS, please call 800-359-3722.

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. Call 800-988-6300 for more information. Minimum income per month is $1, 522 to qualify for MIChild (including Social Security benefits). If you are trying to cover a minor child and the parent lives with their adult child’s home, the adult child’s income does not count.

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 toll-free 888-988-6300

Programs Through the County Health Department

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
WHP is a 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. WHP. 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 Web site.

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.

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. If you think you or your child qualifies for CSHCS, call 800-359-3722.

Income Benefits Programs

Family Independence Program

The Family Independence Program 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 as well as certain eligibility requirements regarding residency and income. A person can sometimes be eligible for FIP when there is no child in the group – such as a pregnant woman; or parents whose child is in foster care but is expected to return home within one year.

Michigan State 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.