Adult Medical Program (AMP) -- also known as Adult Benefits Waiver (ABW) or County Health Plan A

The Adult Medical Program (AMP) provides health coverage to uninsured individuals who are unable to qualify for Medicaid and who have monthly income below 35% of the federal poverty level ($316 for an individual, $425 for a couple) and cash assets (bank accounts, securities, cash) totaling less than $3,000. When evaluating income eligibility for AMP, the Department of Human Services (DHS) considers gross income, but excludes the first $200 plus 20% of the remainder of an applicant’s earned income.

AMP is also known as the Adult Benefits Waiver (ABW) program.

Although DHS determines eligibility for AMP/ABW, the health coverage for eligible recipients is provided either by the Department of Community Health (DCH) or, in some counties, by the County Health Plan. When the AMP/ABW coverage is provided by the county, it usually is known as County Health Plan A.

Individuals who submit applications to DHS on or after March 1, 2009 and before May 31, 2009 shuold be approved for AMP/ABW, if they qualify.  

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Although the federal poverty levels for 2009 were published in January 2009, DHS has not yet raised the income limits for ABW/AMP.  Individuals who have income above the 2008 level ($304 for a single person, $413 for a married couple) but below the 2009 levels ($316 for a single person and $425 for a couple) should seek legal advice if they are denied.  See “FINDING LEGAL HELP” below for information on getting legal help.

ANOTHER IMPORTANT NOTE:  Unlike Medicaid, AMP/ABW policy does NOT require proof of identity or U.S. citizenship, unless questionable.  See DHS Program Eligibility Manual Items 220 and 225. (DHS bulletins and policy manuals are available online at http://www.mfia.state.mi.us/olmweb/ex/html/ or by using the quick link at the Michigan Poverty Law Program (MPLP) website, http://mplp.org/.)  However, applicants who may be eligible for Medicaid because they are disabled or have children in their care may be required to apply for Medicaid, which does require proof of identity and citizenship.

Individuals who do not have a photo ID or proof of citizenship and are asked to provide those documents should seek legal advice.  (see “Finding Legal Help”, below.)  

YET ANOTHER IMPORTANT NOTE: During past open enrollment periods, DHS refused to approve AMP/ABW for individuals whose applications for medical coverage were PENDING in the open enrollment period if their applications were SUBMITTED prior to the start date of enrollment. Therefore, individuals who have an application for medical coverage pending at DHS should submit a new application -- or meet with their DHS caseworker to update and re-sign their pending application -- during March 2009.

Get the word out about the open enrollment period.

Share this information with other agencies or organizations that work with very low income, uninsured, childless adults -- including persons with disabilities who may not meet the stringent standard for disability-based Medicaid, persons who are homeless, domestic violence survivors, etc.

Get the word out to local medical providers, including free clinics and federally qualified health centers.

Share this information with attorneys who represent Social Security and SSI disability applicants, to assist those who need medical coverage but may be unable to establish Medicaid eligibility while their RSDI/SSI case is pending.

Assist clients who are being asked to submit citizenship or identity verification documents by contacting the caseworker or the supervisors about the requirement.  Clients who are denied because they fail to provide citizenship or identity documents should request a hearing.

If you are uninsured or have County Plan B coverage should submit an application to DHS during March 2009 or before May 30, 2009. Check the box for "medical assistance."

If you already have applied for medical assistance or Medicaid, you must RE-APPLY if your application was submitted before March 1, 2009. You can re-apply by meeting with your caseworker to update and re-sign you pending application if it has not been approved or denied yet. It must be re-signed after February 28, 2009 and before May 31, 2009.

If you cannot complete the full application form, you can
(1) submit an 1171F "Filing Document" to protect your application date, or
(2) submit the application with just your name, address, birth date and signature.

DHS must help you fill out the application if you ask them for help. The Filing Document is available at DHS or online at http://michigan.gov/fia (click on "Doing Business with FIA" and "Forms & Applications").

Clients who are being asked to submit citizenship or identity documents should contact an advocate immediately.  Clients who are denied because they fail to provide citizenship document should request a hearing. 

Most legal aid and legal services offices handle these types of cases, and they do not charge a fee.

You can locate various sources of legal and related services, including the free legal aid office that serves your county, at MichiganLegalAid.org.

You can also look in the yellow pages under "attorneys" or call the toll-free lawyer referral number, (800) 968-0738.