State programs
Michigan Home Help program
The Michigan Home Help program is a Medicaid-funded program that pays for in-home personal care for eligible people. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services runs it. A person needs active Medicaid, a need for help with at least one activity of daily living, and a medical certification.
Why it matters for your family
Home Help is a different path from the MI Choice Waiver. The client hires and directs the caregiver. The caregiver must be at least 18 and meet state enrollment and criminal history rules. A licensed provider must certify the medical need. Covered tasks include bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. Some tasks, such as heavy housework, are not covered. A common mistake is to expect it to approve any number of hours. The worker sets hours by a Time and Task document. Contact your county MDHHS office and ask for the adult services unit.
Source: michigan.gov
Read more: Home care in Michigan
Related terms
- MI Choice WaiverThe MI Choice Waiver is Michigan's Medicaid home and community-based services waiver for adults age 65 or older and adults 18 or older with a disability.
- Medicaid personal care servicesMedicaid personal care services are hands-on help with daily activities that Medicaid pays for.
- Activities of daily living (ADLs)Activities of daily living (ADLs) are the basic self-care tasks people do each day.
- Participant-directed Medicaid programA participant-directed Medicaid program lets a person, or a representative, direct their own Medicaid-funded services.
- Medicaid eligibilityMedicaid eligibility for long-term care depends on need, income, and assets.
- Personal care aide (PCA)A personal care aide (PCA) is a non-medical caregiver who helps with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, meals, housekeeping, and errands, and often provides company.
