Mission Home Help
Caregiver helping an elderly family member at home in Michigan

Michigan Medicaid Home Care Program

Already Caring for a Loved One? Michigan's Medicaid Home Help Program Pays You.

You may be eligible to earn up to $21 an hour for helping a parent, grandparent, sibling, or family member with daily tasks in the comfort of their own home through the Michigan Medicaid Home Help Program.

Medicaid-Enrolled ProviderDirect DepositNo Certification RequiredMichigan-BasedBackground CheckedWorkers' Comp Coverage

How It Works

4 Simple Steps to Get Started

We guide you through the entire process so you can focus on what matters most.

1

Speak with Our Team

Fill out our quick form or give us a call. We'll walk you through the program and answer any questions about how it works for your family.

2

We Determine Your Eligibility

We review your loved one's Medicaid status and care needs to confirm they qualify for the Home Help Program. Most families are eligible.

3

State Assessment & Paperwork

We handle the paperwork and coordinate with MDHHS. A caseworker visits your loved one to assess their needs and authorize care hours.

4

Care Begins

Once approved, your caregiver starts providing care and getting paid. We handle payroll, taxes, and compliance so you can focus on family.

Free. No obligation. Takes 2 minutes.

How the Program Works for Families

Adult children, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, and other family members become W-2 employees of our agency. We handle the Medicaid paperwork, the CHAMPS enrollment, the background check, and the payroll. Caregivers receive direct deposit with full tax withholding and workers’ compensation coverage, the same protections as any other employer job.

We started this agency because thousands of Michigan families are already providing unpaid care for the people they love. This program is how the state recognizes that work.

Caregiver sitting with elderly loved one on a park bench

Who Qualifies for This Program?

Two people need to qualify: the caregiver and the person receiving care. Here's what each requires.

Who Can Be a Paid Caregiver?

You don't need to be a stranger. Family members and close friends qualify.

  • Adult children
  • Siblings
  • Grandchildren
  • In-laws
  • Aunts & Uncles
  • Friends
  • Neighbors

Note: Spouses and parents of minor children cannot be paid caregivers under the MDHHS Home Help Program. Other family members in the household may qualify. Call us to find out.

Who Qualifies for Care?

Your loved one needs to meet a few requirements, and we'll help you verify all of them.

  • Michigan Medicaid

    Active coverage, or we help you apply

  • Needs help with daily activities

    Bathing, dressing, mobility, meals, and more

  • Any age

    Not just seniors. Adults with disabilities qualify too

  • Lives in Michigan

    Must reside in the state to receive Home Help services

No Medicaid yet? We help families apply through MI Bridges. Many people don't realize they qualify. let us check for you.

Not sure if you qualify?

How Much Can You Earn?

Our caregivers earn up to $21 per hour. The number of hours you can work depends on what MDHHS approves for your loved one’s care, typically up to 180 hours per month, but the actual authorization is based on the state’s needs assessment.

Pay is by direct deposit. Taxes are withheld. You receive a W-2 each January.

* Final hours and pay are determined by MDHHS based on their assessment of your loved one’s care needs.

Your Benefits

What’s included when you’re employed through our agency.

  • Federal & state taxes withheld, so no surprise tax bills at year end
  • Workers' compensation coverage if you're injured on the job
  • Real pay stubs for credit applications, leases, and mortgages
  • Legitimate employment history on your record
  • No nursing certification or CNA license required

Why Families Choose Us

Compassionate and tailored care

Every care plan is built around your loved one's unique needs. Your family chooses the caregiver, and we make sure they're supported every step of the way.

Direct deposit

Paid by direct deposit. No waiting, no delays.

No cost to your family

Michigan Medicaid pays our agency directly. Your family pays nothing out of pocket.

Free help with Medicaid paperwork

We handle MI Bridges applications, CHAMPS enrollment, and all state paperwork.

Enrolled with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as a Home Help Program provider.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Home Help Program

We hear the same questions from nearly every family. Here are honest answers.

Eligibility

Is this really free? What's the catch?
There is no catch and no cost to you. Michigan Medicaid pays our agency directly to manage the program. We handle enrollment, payroll, and compliance. You and your loved one pay nothing out of pocket. The only requirement is that your loved one qualifies for Michigan Medicaid and needs help with daily activities.
This sounds too good to be true. Is it legitimate?
It is completely legitimate. The MDHHS Home Help Program is a long-standing Michigan Medicaid entitlement program administered by the state. Thousands of Michigan families are already enrolled. We are enrolled with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as a Home Help Program provider.
What if my loved one doesn't have Medicaid yet?
We can help. Many families don't realize their loved one qualifies. We'll walk you through applying for Michigan Medicaid via MI Bridges (michigan.gov/mibridges) and help gather the necessary documentation. Approval timelines vary, but we stay with you through the entire process.
What does my loved one need to qualify for the program?
Your loved one must (1) be a Michigan resident, (2) have active Michigan Medicaid coverage, and (3) need hands-on help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, transferring, or mobility. A state-authorized assessor will confirm their level of need and determine the approved monthly care hours.

Employment & Pay

I'm my loved one's spouse. Can I get paid to care for them?
Under MDHHS Home Help Program rules, spouses are not eligible to be paid caregivers for each other. However, other family members can, including adult children, siblings, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or even close family friends may qualify. Call us and we'll help identify who in your household can enroll.
Do I need to be a CNA or have any certifications?
No certification is required. The Home Help Program is designed for family caregivers, not licensed medical professionals. You'll complete a brief orientation and any task-specific training required by the state, but you do not need a CNA, HHA, or any other credential to get started.
Am I a 1099 contractor or a W-2 employee?
You are hired as a W-2 employee of our agency. That means federal and state taxes are withheld from every paycheck, you're covered by workers' compensation if you're injured on the job, and you receive pay stubs and a W-2 at year-end, just like any other employer job. No surprise tax bills, no quarterly estimated payments.
How are taxes handled?
Because you're a W-2 employee, our agency handles all payroll tax withholding, including federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare. You'll receive a W-2 at the end of each year, just like any employer-issued W-2. You do not need to set aside self-employment taxes or file as a contractor.
What if I have a criminal record?
A background check is required by the state for all Home Help caregivers. Certain convictions are disqualifying under MDHHS rules, but many records do not automatically prevent enrollment. We review each situation individually and will be upfront with you about what we find. Call us. Don't assume you're disqualified without asking.
Can I do this part-time around my other job?
Yes. Many of our caregivers work other jobs and provide care during mornings, evenings, or on weekends. Your schedule is built around the care hours authorized by the state for your loved one, and you set the specific times with them. There is no minimum shift requirement from our agency.

The Program

Will my loved one's other benefits be affected?
In most cases, enrolling in the Home Help Program does not affect your loved one's other Medicaid benefits, Medicare coverage, or Social Security income. However, every situation is different. We strongly recommend consulting with a benefits counselor or Medicaid specialist for your specific circumstances. We can refer you to free resources in Michigan.
What sort of tasks can I get paid to do?
Caregivers in the Home Help Program are paid to assist with a wide range of daily living activities, including: Bathing, Meal Preparation, Dressing, Mobility, Toileting, Grooming, Housework, Shopping, Taking Medications, Laundry, Eating, Transferring, and more. The specific tasks you're approved for will be determined during the state assessment based on your loved one's care needs.
Can I choose which hours I work?
Yes. You and your loved one decide together when care happens. The state authorizes a set number of monthly hours based on the care recipient's needs, but you have full flexibility in how you schedule those hours throughout the week. Morning, evening, weekends, whatever works best for both of you.

Getting Started

How long does the approval process take?
From the time your loved one's Medicaid is confirmed, the State can take up to 45 business days to determine enrollment approval for the Home Help Program. This includes the MDHHS needs assessment, care plan authorization, caregiver background check, and agency onboarding. We manage every step and keep you updated throughout so there are no surprises.

Still have questions?

We're happy to help you figure out if this program is right for your family.

Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

(248) 988-9198

Serving Families Across Michigan

We work with families across all 83 Michigan counties. Caregiving happens in your home, and our team handles enrollment, paperwork, and payroll remotely, wherever you are in the state.

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DetroitWarrenSterling HeightsDearbornLivoniaTroySouthfieldAnn Arbor
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Ready to Get Paid for the Care
You Already Provide?

If you’re already helping a loved one with bathing, dressing, meals, or mobility, Michigan Medicaid may pay you for it. Direct deposit, no certification required.

Free. No obligation.

Michigan Medicaid-enrolled Home Help provider

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