How to Maintain Your Eligibility for Home Help Program?

Getting approved for the Michigan Medicaid Home Help Program is an important first step but it’s just the beginning. To continue receiving caregiver payments and in-home assistance, the care recipient must meet certain requirements every year.

This blog explains how to maintain your eligibility and avoid service interruptions.

🔁 Annual Medicaid Redetermination

The most important requirement is maintaining active Medicaid coverage. Every year, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will send a redetermination packet to the care recipient to review income, residency, and other eligibility factors.

✅ What to Do:

  • Respond to all notices from MDHHS promptly

  • Update contact info in MiBridges so you don’t miss any mail

  • Submit required documents (proof of income, identity, housing, etc.) before the deadline

  • Double-check that Medicaid stays active after redetermination

If Medicaid is closed, the Home Help Program will pause until it is reinstated.

📄 Reassessment by the Adult Services Worker (ASW)

Each year, your assigned ASW (Adult Services Worker) may conduct a reassessment. This can happen in person, over the phone, or by reviewing updated paperwork.

They may ask:

  • Have care needs increased or decreased?

  • Has the living situation changed?

  • Is the caregiver the same person?

  • Are new services or adjustments needed?

You may need to resubmit updated medical forms, especially if the care recipient’s condition has changed.

📋 Keep Documentation Up to Date

These documents should always be current:

  • DHS-54A Medical Needs form – if requested by MDHHS or ASW

  • CHAMPS caregiver enrollment – must remain active

  • Timesheets and hours submitted accurately using the required system

If you’re ever asked to submit a new form or updated signature, don’t delay missing documentation can result in payment holds or service interruption.

⛔ Common Reasons for Losing Eligibility

Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Ignoring redetermination notices from MDHHS

  • Failing to notify MDHHS of address or caregiver changes

  • Letting CHAMPS enrollment lapse

  • Not submitting timesheets or caregiver documentation on time

  • Providing inaccurate or incomplete information during reassessments

🧭 Best Practices for Ongoing Eligibility

  • Check MiBridges monthly for any case alerts

  • Save copies of all submitted documents

  • Keep a care log (optional) of what services are provided

  • Stay in regular contact with your ASW if needs change

📞 Final Thoughts

The Home Help Program can provide long-term support — but it requires families to stay on top of paperwork, Medicaid status, and reassessment requirements. Staying organized can help you avoid disruptions and continue receiving the care support you need.

👉 Visit michiganhomehelp.org for forms, checklists, and eligibility tools.

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Tips for First-Time Family Caregivers in Michigan

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Understanding Medicaid & Medicare Michigan Home Help Program