Men have a harder time obtaining financial aid if they are not insured with a third party payer or if they're on Medicaid as parents, caretaker relative, or are caring for a dependent child. To make this easier, here are gudelines for qualifying for a sliding scale payment process or for a Medicaid or Medicare plan:

1. To learn how to get health care coverage, go to Michigan Department of Community Health.

2. To learn about health care coverage for Michigan residents with incomes below the poverty level, go to Adult Benefits Waiver (ABW).

ABW/AMP provides basic medical care to low income, adults with no children who do not qualify for Medicaid. 
a. ABW/AMP medical coverage is limited (for example, inpatient coverage is not covered).
b. Pharmacy is included.
c. Some counties have a county health plan that you must be enrolled in to receive ABW/AMP benefits.
d. Some services may require prior authorization from the county health plan or state (if there is no health plan in the county of residence).
e. Contact the local MDHS office in your county to apply for this program.

Other options for Adult Men include:

3. Caretaker Relatives

Medicaid is available to eligible parents and people who act as parents, caring for a dependent child. These people are called caretaker relatives. There is an income test and an asset test (beginning May 1, 2006) for this program. If the income test is over the income limit, persons may incur medical expenses that equal or exceed the deductible and still qualify for this program. Beneficiaries receive a comprehensive package of health care benefits including vision, dental, and mental health services. Contact the local MDHS office in your county to apply for this program.

4. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a cash benefit to low income adults who are aged, disabled, or blind. The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines SSI eligibility. SSI beneficiaries are automatically eligible for Medicaid and the comprehensive package of health care benefits including, vision, dental, and mental health services. Medicaid may continue even if SSI stops. Contact the Social Security Administration to apply for this program.

5. Aged, Blind, Disabled

Medicaid is available to persons who are aged, blind, or disabled. There are income and asset tests. If the income is over the income limit, persons may incur medical expenses that equal or exceed the deductible and still qualify for this program. Most beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medicaid health plan and receive a comprehensive package of health care benefits including vision, dental, and mental health services. Contact the local MDHS office in your county to apply for this program.

6. Disabled Adult Children (DAC)

A person who had a disability or blindness that began before age 22 may be eligible to receive Medicaid benefits in his adult years. He must also be receiving DAC benefits from Social Security. Most beneficiaries are enrolled in a Medicaid health plan and receive a comprehensive package of health care benefits including vision, dental, and mental health services. Contact the local MDHS office in your county to apply for this program.

7. MIChoice

The MIChoice waiver provides home and community based health care services for aged and disabled persons. The program's goal is to allow persons to remain at home to receive health services. If they did not receive such services, these persons would require nursing home care. The cost of care at home must be less than the cost of care in a nursing home. MIChoice Beneficiaries are not enrolled in a Medicaid health plan but still receive a comprehensive package of health care benefits including vision, dental, and mental health services. In addition, the waiver may provide other benefits to help the person remain at home. Contact the local MDHS office in your county to apply for this program.

8. Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

The Medicare Savings Program pays for certain Medicare costs. There is an asset test. The income amount determines what is covered. The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) may help pay the following, depending on the income amounts:
• Medicare premiums
• Medicare coinsurance
• Medicare deductible
In some cases, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) may refund the beneficiary a portion of the Medicare Part B premium on an annual basis. Contact the local MDHS office in your county to apply for this program.

Hamilton Community Health Network

In addition, the Hamilton Community Health Network publishes a sliding scale of their fees for people who are uninsured and not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. The fees are based on family size and income and enable you to pay what is affordable when you seek care at the Federally Qualified Health Plan.