Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan's Medicaid Home Help Program

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.