How to Maintain Your Michigan Home Help Program Eligibility Year-Round

Staying eligible for the Michigan Home Help Program takes more than one approval. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) requires ongoing reviews to make sure your information, medical needs, and Medicaid coverage stay current.

Keeping your records updated throughout the year helps avoid gaps in service or caregiver pay.

Care Plan Inc. helps caregivers stay compliant and organized so they can continue receiving $17 or more per hour weekly once hours are approved by MDHHS.

Renew Medicaid on Time

Active Medicaid coverage is required at all times for the Home Help Program. If Medicaid lapses, services and caregiver pay will stop until it’s renewed.

Check your mail regularly for Medicaid renewal notices. Respond quickly with any requested forms or income updates.

If you have questions about renewal or coverage, log into your MI Bridges account or call your local MDHHS office.

Learn more in How to Maintain Medicaid Eligibility for the Michigan Home Help Program

Keep the DHS-54A Form Current

The DHS-54A Medical Needs Form must be updated at least once every twelve months. If the form expires, MDHHS cannot confirm medical eligibility, and caregiver payments will pause.

Schedule a doctor’s visit before your form expires to avoid delays. Bring a blank DHS-54A form for your doctor to complete and sign.

Learn how to manage this in How to Update or Replace Your DHS-54A Medical Needs Form

Complete Annual Reassessments

MDHHS assigns an Adult Services Worker, often called an ASW, to reassess each case annually. The ASW visits your home to review daily needs, confirm living conditions, and verify that services match your care plan.

Be ready for your reassessment by keeping your documents organized, your home accessible, and your medical records current.

Learn what to expect in What to Expect During Your Michigan Home Help Reassessment

Report Any Changes Immediately

If your address, caregiver, or medical condition changes, report it to MDHHS right away. Failing to report changes can cause payment delays or case suspension.

Common updates to report include:

• A new caregiver or change in relationship

• Changes to income or household members

• Hospitalization or medical condition updates

• Address or phone number changes

Learn how to report these updates in Reporting Changes in the Michigan Home Help Program

Keep Caregiver Enrollment Active

Caregivers must remain active in the CHAMPS system to continue receiving payments. If the caregiver’s information changes, or if they go a long period without submitting hours, their CHAMPS status may become inactive.

Log into your CHAMPS account periodically to confirm that your provider information and contact details are correct.

Learn more in Understanding the CHAMPS System for the Michigan Home Help Program

Stay Organized Year-Round

Keep all important documents in one place, including:

• Your current DHS-54A Medical Needs Form

• Medicaid approval and renewal letters

• MDHHS notices or reassessment letters

• Timesheet copies and payment records

Having everything ready makes it easier when renewal or reassessment time comes.

If you move, change banks, or update your contact information, notify Care Plan Inc. so payment records stay accurate.

Seasonal Reminders for December

The end of the year is a good time to double-check that everything is current before holiday closures.

• Confirm your Medicaid renewal date.

• Schedule your DHS-54A appointment early if your form expires soon.

• Make sure your CHAMPS account is active.

• Submit any pending timesheets before the holidays.

Taking care of these items early helps prevent delays during the busy winter months.

How Care Plan Inc. Helps

Care Plan Inc. is not part of MDHHS and does not decide who qualifies or how many hours are approved. Our agency helps caregivers stay compliant, manage documentation, and maintain eligibility so they continue to receive weekly pay for approved hours.

We pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly after MDHHS approval. Our goal is to keep caregivers organized and supported throughout the year.

Read How to Renew Your Michigan Home Help Program Approval and How to Avoid Payment Delays in the Michigan Home Help Program

Care Plan Inc. helps caregivers across Michigan stay compliant and receive consistent weekly pay for approved Home Help hours.

Check your eligibility or enter your information through the Contact form for inquiries.