How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Reapplying for the Michigan Home Help Program?
Every year, thousands of Michigan families reapply for the Home Help Program to continue receiving care at home. The process is meant to make sure each person still meets the requirements set by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Even when families have already been approved before, small errors during reapplication can delay or reduce hours. Understanding what to expect can help you stay prepared and avoid interruptions in care or pay.
Care Plan Inc. helps caregivers stay organized, meet program requirements, and get paid $17 or more per hour weekly after MDHHS approval.
Why You Must Reapply
The Home Help Program requires regular reassessments to confirm that medical needs and living conditions have not changed. This ensures that care hours reflect the current level of support a person needs.
MDHHS typically reviews cases once a year, but reviews can also happen sooner if there are changes in health, Medicaid coverage, or living arrangements.
Common Mistake 1: Missing or Expired Medical Forms
One of the most common reasons for delay is an expired or incomplete Medical Needs Form (DHS-54A). This form must be current and signed by the care recipient’s doctor.
If the form expires or has missing information, MDHHS cannot approve or renew hours.
For example, if your medical form was filled out more than a year ago, you may need to have a new one completed before your renewal can be processed. Always check that the form is dated within the current year and signed properly by the doctor.
Learn more about the form in DHS-54A Medical Needs Form
Common Mistake 2: Unreported Changes in Health or Living Situation
MDHHS bases care hours on medical need and daily activity levels. If health conditions or living arrangements change, it must be reported.
For example, if a person moves to a new address or gains additional help from another program, MDHHS must be notified. Failure to report changes can cause a delay or loss of eligibility.
It is always better to update your case worker before the annual review rather than wait for the reapplication process to begin.
Common Mistake 3: Missing Deadlines
When you receive your reassessment notice, it will include a deadline to return documents or schedule your Adult Services Worker (ASW) visit. Missing these dates is one of the easiest ways to lose coverage temporarily.
To prevent this, set reminders as soon as you receive the notice and respond right away. You can also stay organized with Care Plan Inc.’s Forms resources
Common Mistake 4: Not Preparing for the ASW Visit
The Adult Services Worker visit is a key part of your reapplication. They confirm the care being provided, verify household conditions, and ensure services match the person’s needs.
Some families assume the visit is only paperwork, but the worker will observe and ask questions about daily routines.
Before the visit, make sure to
Keep timesheets, receipts, and care notes available
Be ready to discuss any changes in health or daily activity
Have your most recent medical forms ready for review
If a worker cannot complete the visit due to missing documentation, your renewal can be delayed until a follow-up occurs.
Learn more about preparing in Adult Services Worker Visit
Common Mistake 5: Not Reviewing Medicaid Eligibility
The Home Help Program is available only to those with active Medicaid coverage. If Medicaid lapses due to income or paperwork issues, Home Help payments will stop until coverage is restored.
Always confirm Medicaid status before your reapplication period. If you recently spent down assets or renewed your Medicaid, bring proof to the reassessment meeting.
Read about qualifying financially in Michigan Medicaid Income 2025 – https://www.michiganhomehelp.org/blog/michigan-medicaid-income-2025
Common Mistake 6: Incomplete Timesheets or Records
If the caregiver is missing timesheets or did not record tasks properly, it can cause confusion during reassessment. MDHHS uses these records to confirm that care hours were used as approved.
For example, if a caregiver worked 40 hours one week but only 25 hours were logged, MDHHS may question the accuracy of hours. Keeping a clean record avoids delays and helps ensure continued approval.
Care Plan Inc. provides education and guidance on how to record and submit timesheets correctly.
Common Mistake 7: Ignoring Notices or Requests
MDHHS will send letters or calls if there is missing information or a document that needs to be updated. If you do not respond within the requested timeframe, your case can close automatically.
If you receive a notice, contact your case worker right away to confirm what is needed. Always keep copies of your paperwork and communication in one place.
What to Do if You Make a Mistake
If you miss a form, deadline, or appointment, contact your Adult Services Worker immediately. In most cases, they can help correct the issue and re-open your case without requiring a full reapplication.
For example, if you forgot to renew the DHS-54A form, getting it signed again and resubmitting it quickly can often resolve the problem.
The key is communication and documentation. The sooner you correct the issue, the less likely you are to experience a gap in hours or pay.
How Care Plan Inc. Helps Caregivers
Care Plan Inc. is not part of MDHHS and does not decide who qualifies or how many hours are approved. Our agency helps Michigan caregivers understand the Home Help Program, stay compliant, and get paid $17 or more per hour weekly after MDHHS approval.
We also help caregivers understand what to expect during reassessments and how to stay organized throughout the year.
Read Maintaining Eligibility for the Home Help Program and Appeal a Denial for the Home Help Program
Care Plan Inc. supports Michigan caregivers with clear guidance and weekly pay for approved hours under the Home Help Program.
Check your eligibility or enter your information on our Contact page for inquiries.