What If You Don’t Qualify for Medicaid? Other Home Care Options in Michigan
Some Michigan families find out they don’t qualify for the Medicaid Home Help Program. This can happen for several reasons like income limits, assets, or missing forms. The good news is that other options are available to help you or your loved one stay safe and supported at home.
Care Plan Inc. is an agency that helps caregivers understand how the Michigan Home Help Program works. We educate families on what to expect, how to stay compliant, and how caregivers can get paid through the program once approved by the state. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) administers and decides eligibility for all Home Help Program cases.
Michigan Programs Outside of Traditional Medicaid
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, other state or local programs may help. These options are designed for people who need care at home but don’t meet Medicaid income or asset limits.
MI Choice Waiver Program
The MI Choice Waiver allows adults 65 and older or people with disabilities to receive care at home instead of in a nursing facility. Services include personal care, meal delivery, transportation, and homemaking.
A senior in Lansing who was above Medicaid’s asset limit qualified for MI Choice and began receiving help at home for daily care and mobility.
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)
You can also visit PACE Southeast Michigan
PACE serves adults 55 and older who qualify for nursing home care but want to live at home. It combines medical, social, and in-home services under one program. PACE accepts both Medicaid and Medicare, and some participants pay privately.
Community and County Resources
Every Michigan county offers support for seniors and people with disabilities through local aging agencies. These services may include help with cleaning, meal preparation, transportation, and caregiver relief.
Area Agency on Aging Association of Michigan
These programs are often free or low-cost and can help while you wait to qualify for state programs or if you no longer meet Medicaid requirements.
Private Pay and Sliding-Scale Care
If state programs aren’t an option, licensed home-care agencies can still provide care privately. Some agencies offer sliding-scale fees based on income or payment plans while families reapply for Medicaid.
Care Plan Inc. helps caregivers understand how these services connect with the Home Help Program and what records to keep for future eligibility reviews.
To learn more about how to prepare for the Home Help Program, read
How to Apply for the Home Help Program
Veterans’ Programs
Veterans and surviving spouses may be eligible for financial help through VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound Benefits. These benefits can help pay for home care, assisted living, or personal assistance.
A veteran in Grand Rapids combined VA Aid and Attendance with county support and was able to remain at home while receiving caregiver help several days a week.
Long-Term Care Insurance and Family Caregiver Agreements
Long-term care insurance can sometimes cover the cost of in-home care. Check with your policy provider for coverage details.
Families without insurance can create a written Family Caregiver Agreement to outline the hours, tasks, and payment for care. Having a signed agreement helps keep clear records and may support future Medicaid eligibility if care is later covered under the Home Help Program.
Reapplying When Finances or Medical Needs Change
If your situation changes, you can reapply for Medicaid at any time. Many families become eligible later because their income decreases or their medical expenses increase.
Read Michigan Medicaid Income 2025
When reapplying:
Collect new financial statements and proof of expenses
Ask your doctor to complete a current Medical Needs Form (DHS-54A)
Submit everything together to avoid delays
If you’re unsure where to start, review Who Qualifies for Michigan Home Help
Preparing for Home Help in the Future
Some families start with county or private care before moving into the Medicaid Home Help Program. Keeping organized records of care hours, costs, and daily tasks helps when you later qualify.
Read Tips for Family Caregivers
If you need help understanding what happens once approved, visit Approved Paid Family Caregiver
If You Receive a Denial or Reduced Hours
If your Home Help hours are reduced or denied, you can appeal through the state. MDHHS reviews all appeals, and additional documentation can help clarify your care needs.
Learn more in Appeal a Denial for the Home Help Program
Common Questions
Can I qualify if I own a home or car?
Yes. Michigan excludes one home and one vehicle when reviewing assets.
Are there programs that help while waiting for Medicaid?
Yes. Many aging agencies offer short-term or limited in-home support for those waiting on approval.
Can my spouse get paid to care for me if we are not on Medicaid?
Sometimes. Certain private-pay arrangements allow a spouse to provide care with a formal agreement. Learn more in Spouse Get Paid to Care in Michigan
Care Plan Inc. provides education and support to Michigan caregivers who want to understand how the Home Help Program works. We are not affiliated with MDHHS and do not make eligibility decisions.
Our goal is to help families understand the process and stay informed about caregiver options in Michigan.
Check your eligibility or enter your information on our Contact page.