People with disabilities have access to many types of assistance programs through Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). These programs include, Food Assistance Program (FAP), Family Independence Program (FIP), State Emergency Relief (SER), healthcare coverage, Childcare assistance and State Disability Assistance (SDA).
Below is more information about these programs and how to apply:
MDHHS also has a program for those who need help with activities of daily living. In this program, people with disabilities would be able to choose who their providers are.
You can contact your local MDHHS office to fill out an application. Find your local MDHHS Office
More information about choosing your provider can be found here.
More information about the application for providers can be found here.
People with disabilities have access to publicly funded medical coverage through Medicaid and Medicare. Medicaid covers people with low income and resources. People with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify for Medicaid. There are many other ways to qualify.
Below are resources regarding information on the Medicaid program:
1. medicaid.gov
2. MDHHS Assistance Handbook (SEE pages 4-10)
3. MDHHS Medicaid Website
There are several different types of Medicaid plans. One of those plans is the Healthy Michigan Plan. You can contact your local MDHHS office to fill out an application. Find your local MDHHS Office.
In some cases, you may have to pay for some services in advance before you can receive Medicaid. This is called a deductible or spenddown. In other cases, you may qualify for a Medicaid Waiver. Two common ones are the MI Choice Waiver and the Children’s Waiver program. These waivers provide enhanced services but may not be available for everyone.
If you feel your rights have been violated when applying or getting services through Medicaid, you may file for a local appeal. If the appeal is denied you may file for Medicaid State Fair Hearing. More information about filing an appeal and Medicaid State Fair Hearings can be found here:
People with disabilities have access to publicly funded medical coverage through Medicaid and Medicare. Medicare covers people who turn 65 or people with disabilities who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
There are four parts for Medicare coverage:
1. Part A provides inpatient and hospital coverage.
2. Part B provides outpatient and medical coverage.
3. Part C is an alternate way to receive benefits. It is more commonly known as a Medicare Advantage Plan.
4. Part D provides prescription drug coverage.
Below are more resources for the Medicare program:
For any questions about Medicare and Medicaid you can contact the Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) at https://mmapinc.org/ or at 1.800.803.7174.
For more information and toolkits regarding public assistance programs you can go to Michigan Legal Help.
This information is a service of Disability Rights Michigan (DRM). It provides general information, based on the law at the time we wrote it, and is not legal advice. You do not have an attorney-client relationship with DRM. If you need legal advice, you should contact an attorney. If you would like more information about this topic or would like to receive this information in an alternative format call DRM at 800.288.5923.
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