Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
WAIVING MEDICAID AND MI CHILD WAITING PERIOD
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
House Bill 4740 as reported from committee
Analysis available at
Sponsor: Rep. Alabas A. Farhat http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Committee: Insurance and Financial Services
Complete to 10-14-23
SUMMARY:
House Bill 4740 would amend the Social Welfare Act to require, beginning January 1, 2024,
that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) waive the five-year waiting period
for immigrant children and pregnant people who are otherwise eligible to enroll in Medicaid
or the MI Child program. The bill would also require DHHS to extend coverage under these
programs to children up to 21 years of age and to pregnant people regardless of whether they
have lived in the United States for less than five years.
Proposed MCL 400.107c
BRIEF DISCUSSION:
According to committee testimony, the option for states to waive the five-year waiting period
has existed since 2010. Supporters of the bill stated that Michigan is one of only fifteen states
that have not exercised this option. They argued that providing access to these programs can
be critical for refugees fleeing crises, who can’t afford to wait five-years.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would have no new fiscal impact on DHHS or the state’s Medicaid program, as
appropriations for FY 2023-24 include $26.4 million Gross ($6.4 million GF/GP) to eliminate
the five-year Medicaid waiting period for legal migrants up to 21 years of age or who are
pregnant. During budget development, DHHS estimated that approximately 8,000 eligible
residents would apply for the waiver.
POSITIONS:
A representative of the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health testified in support of
the bill (10-5-23).
The following entities indicated support for the bill:
• Department of Health and Human Services (10-5-23)
• Michigan League for Public Policy (10-5-23)
• Michigan Health and Hospital Association (10-12-23)
• Michigan Catholic Conference (10-12-23)
• Michigan Association of Health Plans (10-12-23)
Legislative Analyst: Alex Stegbauer
Fiscal Analysts: Kent Dell
Kevin Koorstra
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
House Fiscal Agency Page 1 of 1


Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 400.1, 400.119