If you’re caring for a loved one in Michigan, you may already know how overwhelming it can be. From cooking meals to helping with bathing, managing medications, and simply keeping someone safe, the hours add up quickly. For many families, this work is unpaid, and it often comes at the cost of your own income, health, and peace of mind.
That’s why Michigan created the Home Help Program. It’s a Medicaid-funded program that allows family members to get paid for the care they’re already providing at home. At FreedomCare, we’ve helped families across the country navigate caregiver programs like this one, and we’re here to walk you through exactly how it works in Michigan.
Key Takeaways
- The Michigan Home Help Program is a Medicaid program that pays family caregivers for helping loved ones with daily activities.
- To qualify, the care recipient must have Medicaid, need help with daily living, and be able to direct their care or appoint someone to do so.
- Spouses and parents of minors usually cannot be paid caregivers. Adult children, siblings, and friends may qualify.
- The application process involves assessments, forms, and registration in the state’s CHAMPS system.
- FreedomCare helps families navigate each step — from eligibility checks to getting approved and paid.
What Is the Michigan Home Help Program?
The Michigan Home Help Program is designed to keep people in their homes, rather than moving into nursing facilities. Through this program, Medicaid members can hire a caregiver, often a family member, to help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as:
- Bathing and grooming
- Dressing
- Preparing meals and feeding
- Managing medications
- Mobility and transfers
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Transportation to medical appointments
Instead of hiring a stranger, the program recognizes that the best care often comes from the people who love you most.
Who Qualifies for the Home Help Program?
Eligibility depends on both the care recipient (the patient) and the caregiver (the person providing support).
Care Recipient Requirements
To qualify for the Home Help Program, your loved one must:
- Be a Michigan resident enrolled in Medicaid (Medicare alone does not qualify).
- Be 18 years or older.
- Need help with daily living activities (confirmed through a state assessment).
- Be able to direct their care or have a trusted representative do so on their behalf.
Caregiver Requirements
To become an approved caregiver, you must:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Be eligible to work in the U.S..
- Pass a background check (some criminal records may disqualify you).
- Register in Michigan’s CHAMPS system (Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System), which tracks hours and processes payments.
Important Note: Legal spouses and parents of children under 18 generally cannot be paid caregivers under this program.
How to Apply for the Michigan Home Help Program
The process can feel confusing if you try to do it alone, but FreedomCare makes it simple. Here’s what to expect:
-
- Check Eligibility
- Confirm your loved one has Medicaid and needs help with daily activities.
- FreedomCare can walk you through a quick eligibility check.
- Schedule a Needs Assessment
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will send a caseworker to assess what type of care your loved one needs and how many hours of support can be approved.
- Complete the Required Forms
- Medical Needs Form: Signed by your loved one’s doctor to confirm they need care.
- Financial Assessment: Verifies Medicaid eligibility and financial need.
- Caregiver Forms: Basic information about you as the provider.
- Register in CHAMPS
- This state system is where you’ll log hours and receive payment. FreedomCare will guide you through setup so nothing gets missed.
- Start Care and Get Paid
- Once approved, you can officially begin caregiving and receive payment for the work you’re already doing.
- Check Eligibility
How Much Do Caregivers Get Paid in Michigan?
Payment varies based on the number of hours approved and your loved one’s care needs. The more assistance required with daily living, the more hours are authorized, which increases the pay. While rates may differ by county, FreedomCare helps families understand exactly what they can expect during the application process.
Why Work with FreedomCare?
While you could technically apply on your own, many families find the process stressful. Forms get missed, deadlines slip by, and navigating CHAMPS can be intimidating. FreedomCare takes the guesswork out by:
- Handling the paperwork with you, step by step.
- Assigning you a dedicated case manager for support.
- Helping you stay compliant with state requirements.
- Providing ongoing assistance even after you’re approved.
Our mission is simple: to make sure family caregivers in Michigan are recognized, supported, and paid for their hard work.
FAQs About the Michigan Home Help Program
Can spouses be paid caregivers?
No, spouses are not eligible to be paid under the program. However, adult children, siblings, or even close friends may qualify.
Do I need special training or certification?
No. Family caregivers do not need CNA training or other certifications. What matters most is your ability to safely care for your loved one.
What if my loved one only has Medicare?
Unfortunately, Medicare alone does not cover caregiver pay. Your loved one must apply for and receive Medicaid to qualify.
How long does approval take?
MDHHS typically has up to 45 days to make an eligibility determination after forms are submitted. With FreedomCare’s help, families often move through the process more smoothly.
Can more than one caregiver get paid?
Usually, only one primary caregiver is approved per patient. Other family members can still provide support, but payment is limited to one caregiver.
Conclusion
Caring for a loved one is an act of love, but it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your financial stability. Through the Michigan Home Help Program, you may be able to get paid for the care you’re already providing.
At FreedomCare, we believe caregivers deserve recognition and support. We’ve helped thousands of families across the country navigate Medicaid caregiver programs, and we’re ready to help yours here in Michigan.
Check your eligibility today and let FreedomCare guide you every step of the way.
Helpful Resources for Michigan Caregivers
- How to Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Michigan by FreedomCare – Your trusted partner in becoming a paid caregiver. FreedomCare walks you through every step. From checking Medicaid eligibility to getting approved, registered, and paid. https://freedomcare.com/get-paid-as-family-caregiver-michigan/
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Official site for Medicaid and the Home Help Program
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs - CHAMPS (Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System) – Provider portal where caregivers must register
https://milogintp.michigan.gov - Michigan Medicaid – Information and Applications
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/medicaid - Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan (AAAAM) – Find local support, respite care, and caregiver resources
https://4ami.org - Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program – Advocacy for seniors and caregivers navigating long-term care
https://www.michiganltcop.org - AARP Michigan Caregiver Support – Guides, local resources, and community for family caregivers
https://states.aarp.org/michigan/caregiving - National Family Caregiver Support Program (via MDHHS) – Federal support for caregivers in Michigan
https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/national-family-caregiver-support-program