Michigan Home Help Program Changes for 2026

What Applicants, Caregivers, and Families Need to Know

The Michigan Home Help Program remains one of the most important Medicaid-funded services for individuals who need assistance with daily living activities while continuing to live at home. As the program moves into 2026, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has introduced updates that impact how eligibility is documented, how care is approved, and how caregivers participate in the program.

Some changes are new, while others are continuations or clarifications of existing requirements. Understanding the difference is critical to avoiding delays, denials, or requests for resubmission.

This article outlines confirmed Michigan Home Help Program updates for 2026, with a focus on what has changed, what remains the same, and how applicants and caregivers can prepare.

Overview: What the Michigan Home Help Program Does

The Michigan Home Help Program provides personal care services to eligible Medicaid beneficiaries who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, and meal preparation.

The program allows care recipients to:

• Remain in their homes rather than enter institutional care

• Choose their caregiver, including a family member in many cases

• Receive Medicaid-funded support based on medical necessity

Eligibility and service levels are determined by MDHHS through a combination of application forms, medical documentation, and caseworker assessments.

Major Change for 2026: New Medical Needs Certification Form

MDHHS-6200 Replaces DHS-54A

One of the most significant updates affecting the Michigan Home Help Program in 2026 is the introduction of a new medical needs certification form.

Beginning in 2026, MDHHS is transitioning to the:

MDHHS-6200: Adult Services Medical Needs Certification

This form is replacing the DHS-54A Medical Needs Form and is now the primary document used to certify that a care recipient has a medical need for Home Help services.

Why This Change Matters

Medical needs certification is the foundation of Home Help eligibility. Without proper documentation:

• Applications may be delayed

• Renewals may be denied

• Authorized hours may be reduced

By introducing MDHHS-6200, MDHHS has standardized medical certification across Adult Services programs and aligned Home Help documentation with current policy language.

What MDHHS-6200 Is Used For

The MDHHS-6200 form is used to:

• Confirm that a care recipient requires assistance with daily living activities

• Establish medical necessity for Home Help services

• Support determinations about service authorization and care needs

The form must be completed and signed by an approved, Medicaid-enrolled medical provider, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or licensed therapist.

Important Note for Applicants and Providers

For 2026 and beyond:

• Applicants should ensure medical providers are using MDHHS-6200, not older forms

• Providers should verify they are completing the correct form before submission

• Submitting outdated documentation may result in processing delays

Application Process Remains the Same: DHS-390

While the medical needs form has changed, the application process itself remains consistent.

DHS-390: Home Help Services Application

The DHS-390 continues to be the primary application form used to request Home Help services. This form:

• Initiates the Home Help application

• Collects applicant and caregiver information

• Describes care needs and living situation

The DHS-390 must be completed by the care recipient or their legal representative and submitted to MDHHS. A caseworker uses this form to begin eligibility review and develop a service plan.

There are no confirmed changes to the DHS-390 for 2026.

Caregiver Participation Requirements Continue in 2026

CHAMPS Enrollment Remains Mandatory

Caregivers participating in the Michigan Home Help Program must remain actively enrolled in CHAMPS, Michigan’s Medicaid provider enrollment system.

This requirement continues in 2026 and applies to:

• Individual caregivers

• Family caregivers

• Agency-affiliated caregivers

Caregivers who are not properly enrolled or revalidated in CHAMPS may experience:

• Delayed payments

• Denied claims

• Removal from the program

Regular verification of enrollment status remains an important compliance step.

Electronic Visit Verification (EVV): No New Changes, Still Required

Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) requirements remain in effect for Medicaid personal care services, including Home Help where applicable.

While EVV is not a new policy for 2026, it continues to be enforced as part of service verification and payment integrity.

Caregivers and agencies should continue to:

• Use approved EVV systems where required

• Follow visit verification procedures

• Report services accurately and timely

Failure to comply with EVV requirements may result in payment issues.

Caregiver Pay Rate Adjustments in 2026

Impact of Michigan Minimum Wage Increases

Michigan’s scheduled minimum wage increases affect Home Help caregiver reimbursement rates. As of January 1, 2026, Home Help pay rates reflect:

• State minimum wage increases

• Direct care worker adjustments

This change impacts caregivers directly and is intended to support workforce retention and compensation.

Caregivers should confirm current rates with MDHHS or their managing agency, as rates are set by policy and may change annually.

What Has NOT Changed for 2026

It is equally important to understand what has not changed:

• Eligibility criteria for Home Help remain governed by Adult Services policy

• Caseworker assessments and service planning processes continue

• Care recipients must still meet Medicaid eligibility requirements

• Home Help services remain non-medical personal care services

No major legislative overhaul of the Home Help Program has been announced for 2026 beyond the documented updates.

What Applicants and Families Should Do in 2026

To avoid delays or confusion:

1. Use the correct medical needs form
   Ensure MDHHS-6200 is used for all medical certifications.

2. Submit complete applications
   DHS-390 and medical documentation should be fully completed.

3. Confirm caregiver enrollment
   Verify CHAMPS enrollment status before services begin.

4. Respond promptly to MDHHS requests
   Caseworker follow-ups are time-sensitive.

5. Stay informed
   MDHHS policies can change. Rely on current guidance and official updates.

Staying Up to Date With Michigan Home Help Changes

MDHHS periodically issues policy bulletins and updates that affect Home Help eligibility, documentation, and operations. Subscribing to official MDHHS updates and regularly reviewing program guidance can help applicants and caregivers stay compliant.

Final Thoughts

The Michigan Home Help Program continues to play a critical role in supporting individuals who need assistance while living at home. The 2026 transition to MDHHS-6200 represents a meaningful documentation update, but the program’s core purpose remains the same: providing necessary care in the least restrictive setting possible.

Understanding current requirements and using the correct forms helps ensure applications move forward smoothly and services are not interrupted.

Check Your Michigan Home Help Eligibility

Not sure if you or a loved one qualifies for the Michigan Home Help Program? Eligibility depends on medical need, Medicaid status, and other factors set by MDHHS.

👉 Check Eligibility for Michigan Home Help

Eligibility and approvals are determined by MDHHS. This article is intended for informational purposes only. Program requirements and forms are established by MDHHS and may change.