Why Families Confuse MI Choice With the Michigan Home Help Program?
Many Michigan families hear about both the MI Choice Waiver and the Michigan Home Help Program and think they are the same thing. It is easy to see why. Both programs help people receive care at home, both are managed by the state, and both involve Medicaid. But they are not the same.
Care Plan Inc. only works with the Michigan Home Help Program. Our agency helps caregivers get paid seventeen dollars or more per hour each week for care hours approved by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The state decides who qualifies and how many hours are approved, and Care Plan Inc. handles caregiver enrollment, timesheets, and payments once approval is complete.
Why Families Get Confused
Both MI Choice and Home Help are programs under Michigan’s Medicaid system. They serve similar people such as older adults or individuals with disabilities, but they serve them in different ways.
The MI Choice Waiver focuses on medical and community services managed by the local Area Agencies on Aging. The Home Help Program focuses on daily personal care and allows a family member or friend to be paid as the caregiver.
Some families hear about getting paid to care and assume it applies to both programs. In reality, only the Home Help Program allows family caregivers to receive direct pay through agencies such as Care Plan Inc.
What the Michigan Home Help Program Covers
The Home Help Program supports people who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and cleaning so they can remain safely at home.
Approved services include
Bathing, dressing, and mobility help
Meal preparation and feeding
Laundry and light housekeeping
Grocery shopping and errands
Assistance with personal care and hygiene
Once MDHHS approves hours, Care Plan Inc. pays caregivers seventeen dollars or more per hour each week. Caregivers can be a family member, friend, or trusted helper who meets program guidelines.
To learn more about applying, read How to Apply for the Home Help Program
Who Qualifies for the Home Help Program
Eligibility is based on medical need and Medicaid status. The person receiving care must
Have active Medicaid
Need daily assistance documented by a doctor
MDHHS reviews these details, decides how many hours are approved, and notifies both the client and caregiver. Care Plan Inc. helps caregivers understand this process and start receiving payment once approval is complete.
Learn more in Who Qualifies for Michigan Home Help
Why MI Choice Is Not the Same
The MI Choice Waiver provides broader services for people who need nursing-home-level care and ongoing medical supervision. It covers case management, home-delivered meals, transportation, therapy, and nursing visits.
The key difference is that MI Choice does not pay family caregivers directly. Services are provided through contracted agencies, not through independent or family caregivers.
Families who want to get paid to care for a loved one should apply for the Michigan Home Help Program, not MI Choice.
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 and receive payment once approved.
We pay caregivers seventeen dollars or more per hour weekly for the hours authorized by MDHHS. We also provide education on completing forms, submitting timesheets, and maintaining eligibility.
For helpful resources, visit
Home Help Caregiver Guide
Maintaining Eligibility for the Home Help Program
Tips for Families Who Are Unsure
Confirm whether you want medical care or personal care at home.
Medical care goes through MI Choice.
Personal care goes through the Home Help Program.
Ask your doctor to complete the DHS-54A Medical Needs Form.
Review Medicaid income limits at Michigan Medicaid Income 2025
Use Care Plan Inc.’s Forms page to stay organized.
Submit your eligibility details through our Eligibility page
Common Questions
Can a spouse or family member be paid to care for me
Yes. The Home Help Program allows family caregivers to be paid once approved by MDHHS. Learn more in Spouse Get Paid to Care in Michigan
Does Care Plan Inc. decide my hours?
No. MDHHS determines the number of hours approved for care. Care Plan Inc. handles caregiver pay once those hours are set.
How much do caregivers earn?
Caregivers earn $17 or more per hour, paid weekly through Care Plan Inc.
Does MI Choice offer caregiver pay?
No. MI Choice provides medical and community services, but does not pay family caregivers directly.
Care Plan Inc. is the Michigan agency that helps caregivers get paid through the Home Help Program. The state decides eligibility and hours, and our agency ensures caregivers are paid seventeen dollars or more per hour every week for the care they provide.
Check your eligibility or enter your information on our contact page for inquiries.