What Disabilities Commonly Qualify for Michigan’s Home Help Program?
Michigan’s Medicaid Home Help Program is designed to support people who need help with daily living tasks due to a physical, cognitive, or developmental condition. But what types of disabilities typically meet the requirements?
This blog explains the most common qualifying disabilities and how eligibility is determined.
🧾 What Does “Qualify” Mean?
To be approved for the Home Help Program, the care recipient must:
Have active Medicaid
Need help with at least one Activity of Daily Living (ADL)
Have a documented medical condition or disability that limits their ability to perform basic tasks
The disability must be clearly outlined on the DHS-54A Medical Needs form, which must be filled out by a licensed medical provider.
♿ Common Disabilities That Qualify
Here are some of the most frequently approved conditions:
1. Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease
Memory loss, confusion, and judgment issues can cause safety risks
Often paired with supervision or redirection hours
2. Parkinson’s Disease
Muscle rigidity, tremors, and mobility challenges often lead to ADL support needs
3. Stroke or Brain Injury
Individuals may lose function on one side of the body or experience cognitive impairments
4. Spinal Cord Injuries
Can limit mobility, bladder control, and self-care ability
5. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Progressive disease affecting strength, balance, and daily independence
6. Developmental Disabilities
Includes autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other conditions that affect functioning
7. Severe Arthritis or Joint Disorders
Can affect dressing, bathing, and mobility, especially in older adults
8. Mental Illness (when functioning is impaired)
Conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may qualify if they impact ADLs
9. Amputations or Physical Deformities
May require full or partial assistance with grooming, bathing, or transferring
10. Blindness or Severe Vision Loss
May require help with safety, dressing, or navigation in the home
📋 Disability Alone Is Not Enough
To qualify, the disability must directly result in the need for hands-on help with daily living. A diagnosis by itself won’t qualify someone — it must be linked to a functional limitation.
✅ Example: A person with arthritis who cannot button shirts or walk unaided may qualify.
🚫 A person with arthritis but no loss of independence may not.
📝 Documentation Tips
Be specific when describing the disability’s impact
Use medical terms (when possible) on the DHS-54A form
Include any assistive devices used (e.g., walker, wheelchair, grab bars)
🧭 Final Thoughts
There’s no single list of “approved” disabilities, but if a condition limits someone’s independence in basic tasks, they may be eligible for Home Help. The key is documentation — both medical and functional.