Your Complete Guide to the Michigan Home Help Program
Are you providing care for a family member or friend in Michigan? You may be eligible to get paid through the Michigan Home Help Program — administered by MDHHS to support residents who want to remain at home rather than move into a nursing home.
Wasiliana Nasi Kujifunza Zaidi
Ingia ili kujaza taarifa zako kiotomatiki
Data yako ni salama, ya faragha, na inazingatia HIPAA.
Program Overview
What is the Michigan Home Help Program?
The Michigan Home Help Program (also called the Medicaid Home Help Program) provides financial assistance directly to caregivers so loved ones receive care from trusted people they already know.
Under MDHHS this program is an entitlement — if you qualify for Michigan Medicaid and meet the medical criteria, you are guaranteed a spot. There is no waiting list.
Family Love Care makes the application process stress-free by handling paperwork, CHAMPS enrollment, and ongoing support so you can stay focused on your loved one.
2026 Pay Rates
Effective January 1, 2026 — driven by the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act
Base minimum wage
State minimum wage floor
Direct Care Worker supplement
Pass-through extended through Sept 30, 2026
Total — state direct
For caregivers working directly with MDHHS
Family Love Care rate
Higher rate based on care needs; bi-weekly direct deposit
Eligibility Requirements
Two separate steps: Medicaid financial eligibility, then a functional assessment by MDHHS
Step 2
Functional Assessment (Medical Need)
Unlike the MI Choice Waiver, a nursing home level of care is NOT required for Home Help — just demonstrated need for help with ADLs. An MDHHS adult services worker conducts an in-home visit to assess the following:
ADLs Assessed
- Bathing and personal hygiene
- Dressing and grooming
- Toileting and incontinence care
- Mobility and transfers
- Eating and feeding
IADLs Also Considered
- Medication reminders
- Health management and shopping
- Light housekeeping and laundry
Who Qualifies?
Person Receiving Care
- Active Michigan Medicaid required
- Must need help with at least one ADL
- Must be a Michigan resident in a private home
Family Caregiver
- Must be 18+ and pass a background check
- Must be legally authorized to work in the US
- Cannot be spouse or parent of a minor child
Required Forms
MDHHS-6200
Medical Needs Certification
Completed by a Medicaid-certified provider — most critical document
DHS-390
Adult Services Application
Basic applicant and household information
Caregiver Requirements
Family Love Care manages the entire process — CHAMPS enrollment, EVV setup, ongoing revalidation
Age
Must be at least 18 years old
Legal status
Must be legally authorized to work in the US
Background check
Must pass a criminal background check
CHAMPS enrollment
Must complete provider enrollment in Michigan's CHAMPS system
Eligible caregivers
Adult children, siblings, friends, neighbors
Ineligible
Spouses; parents of a minor child (under 18)
CHAMPS Enrollment
CHAMPS (Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System) is Michigan's required Medicaid provider portal. Errors delay approval and payment.
Family Love Care manages the full registration from start to finish, including revalidation (typically every 5 years) to prevent payment lapses.
Medical Requirements (Care Recipient)
Must be enrolled in Michigan Medicaid and require hands-on physical assistance with at least one ADL.
The MDHHS-6200 form (replacing DHS-54A) must be completed by a Medicaid-certified health professional.
The 4-Step Application Process
Submit Forms
DHS-390 + MDHHS-6200 (signed by healthcare provider)
In-Home Assessment
MDHHS caseworker reviews ADLs and determines care plan
CHAMPS Enrollment
Caregiver registers to obtain provider ID and clear background check
Start Care Plan
Begin providing care and logging hours per the approved plan
Services Covered
Care tasks approved under the Michigan Home Help Program
Daily Living (ADLs)
Hands-on daily activities
- Toileting & incontinence care
- Transfers & mobility
- Bathing & personal hygiene
- Dressing & grooming
- Eating & feeding
Personal Care
Everyday hygiene support
- Showering assistance
- Dental care
- Hair care
Household Maintenance
Basic home upkeep
- Light housekeeping
- Laundry
- Meal preparation
Errands & Shopping
Outside-home support
- Grocery shopping
- Medication pickups
Why Choose Family Love Care?
See how partnering with Family Love Care compares to working directly with the state
Pay rate
Pay frequency
Payment method
Time tracking
Application support
Ongoing support
Payroll & tax admin
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Michigan Home Help Program
Mtunze Mpendwa wako —
Na ulipwe!
Na Family Love Care, unaweza kulipwa kumtunza mwanafamilia au rafiki!
Unalipwa na Medicaid!
Wasiliana Nasi Kujifunza Zaidi
Ingia ili kujaza taarifa zako kiotomatiki
Data yako ni salama, ya faragha, na inazingatia HIPAA.