Michigan Health Insurance

Michigan has moderate health insurance regulations. It's important to familiarize yourself with them, so you're confident in your health insurance choice and you're aware of your health insurance rights.

This guide:

  • Describes Michigan health insurance policy regulations

  • Lists rules Michigan health insurance companies must follow

Health insurance policies are regulated by each state's own health insurance laws. Michigan health insurance companies and policyholders alike must abide by established insurance laws.

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Michigan health insurance policy provisions

Some of the most important Michigan health insurance laws are the ones that influence the health insurance policy specifically. Certain provisions are required and others are controlled by Michigan health insurance laws.

For instance, Michigan health insurance policies ensure that your existing Michigan health insurance policy can be renewed each year, even if you become ill.

Secondly, Michigan health insurance laws permit health insurance policies to contain a six to twelve month exclusion period for pre-existing conditions. After this time has passed, the policy must cover the pre-existing condition.

Any condition you were treated for or diagnosed with in the six months before the beginning of the policy is considered a pre-existing condition.

Also, if you are switching health insurance plans, new pre-existing condition exclusion periods can be imposed. However, any pre-existing exclusion period you have met under your old Michigan health insurance policy can be used to credit your new policy's exclusion period. This is an important protection for you that can only be taken advantage of by maintaining constant coverage.

Regulating Michigan health insurance companies

Understanding the laws limiting Michigan health insurance companies is especially important in making sure your health insurance company continues to honor your original contract.

For instance, although most all Michigan health insurance companies are allowed to deny your application for health insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield must offer you a health insurance policy.

As stated earlier, unless you have violated a policy regulation, no Michigan health insurance company can refuse to renew your health insurance policy. Although your health insurance policy can be canceled for certain reasons, Michigan health insurance laws prohibit insurance companies from terminating your policy on the grounds of illness.

Under Michigan health insurance policies, premiums cannot be higher due to your health status. Premiums can significantly increase with age.

Temporary Michigan health insurance

There may be times when you have breaks in your major health insurance coverage. You should purchase a temporary Michigan health insurance policy in these instances. By doing so, you meet any pre-existing conditions on your next major insurance policy that you have met on your last one, ensuring you medical treatment continues on schedule.

Conversion policies are a good option for temporary health insurance in Michigan. If you have recently left a fully insured group policy and have exhausted your COBRA continuation coverage, you are eligible for a conversion policy.

The policy premiums for these plans will likely be more than you were originally paying and the coverage may not be the same. However, these plans offer adequate and affordable health insurance when you need it.

Applications for a conversion policy must be completed and returned within 30 days of the end of your previous Michigan health insurance policy.

More MI health insurance help

If you want more help getting a good health insurance policy, read our guide to health insurance.

Also see ourguide to Michigan small business health insurance.


To find out more about MI health insurance laws and regulations, contact the Michigan State Department of Labor and Economic Growth.