Michigan Home Help Program
Looking at the rising number of elderly people in Michigan, we have noticed that many of them face difficulty doing the usual work that they used to do very easily on their own. Parents are the most important part of a family, and it’s difficult to see them getting older and struggling to do things they used to do very easily. Their daily tasks include bathing, changing clothes, organizing things, and getting around the house. Someone needs to step in to help them because that’s what family does, but in the back of our minds, we wonder if there’s any support available for that or any program that could make things a little better and easier.
The good news is, there is. It is called the Michigan Home Help Program, and thousands of Michigan families are already using it. Some people are qualified for the program, but they have never heard about it. If your loved one needs in-home care and is already enrolled in Medicaid, this program could cover the cost of that care. Not just that, in many cases, a family member like you can get paid for giving them the help that you are already providing.
Here is everything you need to know about the Michigan Home Help Program, from what it covers to who qualifies to how to apply step by step.
What Is the Michigan Home Help Program?
Let’s start witht he basic. The first thing that comes to mind is what the Home Help Program is, who qualifies and how to qualify for this program. “The Michigan Home Help Program is a Medicaid-funded benefit administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, commonly referred to as MDHHS.” It provides personal care services to elderly and disabled residents of Michigan who need hands-on help with regular activities so that they can remain safe and comfortable in their own homes rather than moving into a nursing home.
Unlike the traditional home help agencies, the Michigan Home Help Program gives the person receiving care more control. It gives them the option to decide who they choose as their caregiver, including a trusted family member, neighbour, or even a close friend. That chosen caregiver is then compensated through Medicaid funding for the hours of care they provide.
Approximately 61,000 families in Michigan are now enrolled in the Home Care program. Thousands more families are also eligible for the program, but they have not enrolled because they have no idea about this program or find the application process too complex to navigate alone. This is exactly why this guide is designed: to help you understand the program and the application process.
What Services Does the Michigan Home Help Program Cover?
The programs assist in providing daily living support, such as bathing & toilet use and also provide assistance in other areas, including assisting clients with laundry or grocery shopping. The programs offer all forms of support that can help an individual be able to maintain their independence while still living in their own home. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are those activities which require assistance from others. In the case of individuals who have difficulty performing these types of activities, they may need assistance from another individual. These activities include:
- Personal hygiene and bathing
- Dressing and grooming
- Helping in moving around the house, such as moving from bed to a chair, etc.
- Assistance with eating
- Toileting support, etc.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) covers the broader household and errand-based tasks that allow them to achieve independent living. These include light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, shopping for groceries and essentials, and medication reminders.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Michigan Home Help Program covers personal care and household assistance. But it does not provide skilled nursing services or clinical care. If your loved one needs medical assistance along with personal care support, you can speak to a Medicaid coordinator for combined programs to meet those needs.
Who Qualifies for the Michigan Home Help Program?
Eligibility falls into two parts. The first one, who receives care, and the second one, those who qualify as caregivers or to provide care. Understanding both of these clearly before starting the application process will save time and confusion.
To Receive Care, Your Loved One Must:
- Be a Michigan resident
- Be actively enrolled in Michigan Medicaid
- Require physical assistance with at least one activity of daily living
- Live at home, not in a nursing facility, adult foster care home, or assisted living residence
- Be able to direct their own care or have someone designated to do so on their behalf
The Home Help Program is designed especially to promote independence and delay institutionalization. Therefore, this service or program is not available for those who are living in a nursing home or adult foster care home.
In terms of finances, the applicant’s monthly income should not exceed $1,255, and if they are a couple, their combined income limit is $1,703 based on 2024 figures set per the Federal Poverty Level. That being said, having assets or income above that limit does not automatically disqualify someone. There are ways, planning strategies that can help families come up with solutions, and speaking with a Medicaid specialist is worth trying before giving up.
To Be a Paid Caregiver, You Must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be capable of safely providing the required care
- Not be the legal spouse of the person receiving care
- Not be the parent of a recipient who is under 18 years old
- Have no disqualifying criminal record
- Register in Michigan’s CHAMPS system to receive payment
Adult children, siblings, or even a close friend can qualify for this program. Family caregivers do not even need any CNA training or any certificates. What matters more is your ability to take care of your family who needs it.
How to Apply for the Michigan Home Help Program
The application process consists of a few steps, but if you know what to expect, it’s easier to manage. Here’s how it works from start to end:
Confirm Medicaid Enrollment
Enrollment in the Michigan Home Help Program is a must. If your loved one is not enrolled yet, start here. There are two ways: either apply through MI Bridge’s online portal or contact your local MDHHS office directly.
The Medicaid application process might take 3 months from start to receipt of the determination letter.
Contact Your Local MDHHS Office
Once your Medicaid is confirmed, contact your county MDHHS office to request an assessment for the Michigan Home Help Program. A caseworker will be assigned to guide you through the process. He will provide a thorough explanation about the program’s important details, eligibility requirements, and paperwork. You can ask anything if you still have any doubts about anything.
Complete the In-Home Assessment
It’s a must to conduct an in-home assessment to determine the level of eligibility for an adult services worker. During this visit, the caseworker evaluates what daily tasks your loved one needs help with and determines how many hours of care per week will be approved.
Do not skip or reschedule this step without coordinating with your caseworker, as it is required for the application to move forward.
Submit the Required Forms
To complete the application process, you need several documents. The documents include: Medical Needs Form signed by your loved one’s doctor confirming their need for care, caregiver registration forms, and financial documentation for the Medicaid eligibility review. The best part is that MDHHS allows adult services workers a total timespan of 45 days to make an eligibility determination after the form is submitted. It’s very important to complete the form and submit it very carefully.
Register as a Caregiver and Begin Care
Caregivers must get registered in the State of Michigan’s CHAMPS system in order to receive payment for their services. Once it’s approved, you can start providing care officially and get paid through the state’s automated system based on the hours logged and the level of care authorized.