Robert Thomas is dead, according to a letter he received from the state.

Thomas, who is in fact alive, said he received the letter and thought it was funny, reported WDIV-TV in Detroit.

"At first it was amusing to see I was legally dead," Thomas said about the letter sent in June. "Now, the joke is over, and I need help."

A representative for the Michigan Department of Human Services said the state mistakenly sent the letter.

Thomas, a Detroit resident, was told the problem would be corrected in three or four days. Instead, Thomas said, he was notified that his Medicaid coverage was being canceled due to his death.

Thomas said he is a diabetic and that he spends more than $1,000 a month on insulin and other medications. He said he couldn't afford his medication without the help of Medicaid.

Thomas said he was desperate for help.

The state has apologized to Thomas and promised to have his Medical benefits restored by next week.