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Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder announced that all systems are ready for the state to begin taking applications on April 1 for the expanded Medicaid plan.

(File photo)

LANSING — Michigan will start taking applications for its expanded Medicaid program on April 1.

State officials as recently as this week said it might not be ready until later in the month, but on Thursday announced that all systems are go for the program that’s expected to cover 320,000 Michiganders in the first year.

Officials advised residents to "stay tuned" for details regarding enrollment, including directions for a state website and phone hotline.

Eventually, the Healthy Michigan Plan is projected to cover 470,000 people by increasing the income limit for eligibility.

"Throughout the process of making the Healthy Michigan Plan a reality, our primary concern has been ensuring our systems are fully prepared for Michigan residents as they apply and once they are enrolled," Michigan Department of Community Health Director James Haveman said in a statement.

MDCH wanted to avoid the technical glitches that plagued the rollout of the federal health insurance marketplace last fall. Staff was meeting on a daily basis to review results of system tests.

"This decision was made within the last day and we wanted to make sure we got the news out as soon as possible," said spokeswoman Angela Minicuci.

Coverage will be retroactive to April 1 for applications submitted in April, or the first day of whatever month they apply.

Snyder and the Republican-led Legislature approved the Healthy Michigan Plan last year but the Senate did not give the measure immediate effect, delaying implementation until April 1. Michigan's program is different from other states' Medicaid expansions in that it requires premiums and co-pays from new recipients.

The plan is available to residents ages 19 to 64 who are not currently eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, and earn up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, which is about $16,000 for a single person and $33,000 for a family of four.

Residents can apply online, by phone or in person at a MDCH office. The official enrollment site and hotline have not been announced. In the meantime, find more information here.

People who may qualify under the traditional Medicaid requirements and applied on the federal government's Healthcare.gov are asked to reapply on the Michigan Bridges site. Glitches in the federal site delayed applications for more than 57,000 applications covering 84,000 residents.

Jonathan Oosting contributed to this story.

Email Melissa Anders at manders@mlive.com. Follow her on Google+ and Twitter: @MelissaDAnders. Download the MLive app for iPhone and Android.