Blue Shield Blue Cross of Michigan and group based HMO plans must be written as Guarantee issue plans only. All other carriers are not restricted in this way. Other Michigan health insurance carriers can be underwritten individually.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan requires that all plans have the same community rate. And the Guarantee issue rule states that no one is restricted or rated up due to a health condition, whether current or not. This prevents those who would be excluded coverage elsewhere a fair shot at coverage.

All the other individual carriers have less restrictions. They may determine benefits on their own factors. They may base a persons plan on their health conditions. They can use limitations and exclusions. They can exclude pre existing conditions for up to 12 months with no need for prior coverage credit.

Unlike the community rating restriction given to BCBS of MI, individual health carriers may base their rates on any factors they see fit. They often rate up due to medical condition or age. Typical rates are based on location, age groups and medical conditions.

Michigan has low income options for the cistizens as well. For those who can not afford individual health insurance there are plans such as MIChild. This is a health plan just for children of low income families. Children can go to the doctor, see a dentist, visit an ER or get help for mental health or substance abuse, just to name few.

The Michigan Department of Human Services may determine you eligible for many other options. These other low income options are available through the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH).

Speaking of the MDCH, they offer a huge resource of information for health insurance seekers. Whether your looking for individual, Medicaid or just health questions ion general. It is a good site to find out about providers and carriers as well.

The State of Michigan currently has a rate of 11.4% of uninsured individuals. They wish to reduce this by offering the resources for all to find the health options that best meets their needs.