UPPER MICHIGAN (WLUC) – There’s a new health plan for those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid rolling out Jan. 1, 2026.
Upper Peninsula Health Plan business development specialist Jennifer Wieczorek says MI Coordinated Health, or MICH, will replace the MI Health Link program starting next year. The plan covers all Medicare benefits and most Medicaid benefits.
Wieczorek says MICH is a highly integrated dual eligible special needs plan, or HIDE SNP.
“HIDE SNPs are a type of Medicare advantage plan that integrates both Medicare and Medicaid benefits into one easy-to-use program,” Wieczorek said. “Benefits include medical, prescription drug, dental, vision and hearing, all using one card. Benefits are available at low to no out-of-pocket cost, they include benefits not included under original Medicare, and also person-centered coordinated health care.”
Wieczorek says it’s part of a federal requirement aimed at improving health care for those who have both Medicare and Medicaid.
Wieczorek says most folks who have MI Health Link will automatically transition over to MICH on Jan. 1, 2026. If you don’t have it, you can opt in during the Medicare Advantage annual enrollment period from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
To enroll with UPHP MICH, you must be 21 years old or above, be enrolled in both Medicare and full Medicaid and you must live in the U.P.
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