How to Report Changes That Affect Your Michigan Home Help Eligibility
Once approved for the Michigan Home Help Program, you must keep your information up to date with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Reporting changes is not only required by state policy but also protects your eligibility and prevents interruptions in care or pay.
Care Plan Inc. helps caregivers understand how to stay compliant with MDHHS requirements. We pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly after the state approves hours for care.
Why You Must Report Changes
MDHHS reviews every Home Help case to make sure the services match each person’s current needs. When your situation changes, the department uses that information to confirm that your care hours remain accurate.
Failing to report updates can lead to delayed payments, suspended hours, or a full review of your case.
What Counts as a Change
MDHHS requires participants and caregivers to report any change that might affect eligibility or the amount of care needed. These changes include:
Address changes such as moving to a new home or county
Health or medical changes such as new diagnoses, recovery, or hospital stays
Caregiver changes such as switching to a new caregiver or adding a secondary caregiver
Living situation changes such as moving in with family or into an assisted setting
Income or asset changes that affect Medicaid eligibility
Insurance coverage changes such as adding or losing Medicaid or other health insurance
Even if the change seems minor, it is better to report it to your Adult Services Worker (ASW) right away.
How to Report Changes
You can report changes by contacting your assigned ASW. This worker manages your case and can update your file directly.
When reporting a change, always include
Your full name and Medicaid ID number
A clear description of what changed and the date it happened
Any supporting documentation such as medical records, pay stubs, or new addresses
If the change involves a new caregiver, make sure to contact Care Plan Inc. so we can update enrollment information for payments.
Reporting Medical or Health Changes
Medical changes often affect the number of care hours approved. For example, if a care recipient develops a new condition that limits mobility, a doctor should update the DHS-54A Medical Needs Form to reflect the new level of care needed.
The updated form helps MDHHS adjust the care plan accurately.
Learn more in DHS-54A Medical Needs Form
If health improves and fewer tasks are needed, hours may decrease. MDHHS reviews all medical updates during reassessments and uses them to keep records current.
Reporting Temporary Hospital Stays or Rehabilitation
If a care recipient is temporarily admitted to a hospital or rehabilitation facility, you must notify your ASW right away. Home Help services are not active while a client is in a medical facility, but they can resume once the person returns home.
Reporting this promptly prevents payment issues and avoids delays when reinstating services after discharge.
For example, if a care recipient spends two weeks in rehabilitation and then returns home, reporting the dates helps ensure the caregiver’s timesheets reflect only active home care hours.
Reporting Income or Medicaid Changes
Because the Home Help Program is connected to Medicaid, any change in income or Medicaid coverage must be reported to MDHHS immediately.
Examples include
Receiving new income from work or retirement
Losing or gaining Medicaid coverage
Changes in spend-down status or coverage type
Unreported income changes can result in overpayment issues or suspension of services.
Learn about financial requirements in Michigan Medicaid Income 2025
Reporting a New Address or Move
If you move to a new home, MDHHS must update your address before continuing services. The ASW will need to verify the new home environment to make sure care can still be provided safely.
You should also notify Care Plan Inc. so we can confirm your timesheets and payment details remain accurate.
What Happens After You Report a Change
After you report a change, your ASW will update your file and may schedule a reassessment visit if needed. MDHHS reviews the updated information and decides whether your care hours should stay the same, increase, or decrease.
If you disagree with a change in hours, you can request an appeal. Learn more in Appeal a Denial for the Home Help Program
What Happens if You Do Not Report Changes
Not reporting changes can cause several problems:
Delayed payments for caregivers
Temporary suspension of Home Help services
Overpayment issues that must be repaid
Possible case closure until eligibility is reverified
For example, if a care recipient moves but the address is not updated, the ASW cannot complete required visits and services may stop temporarily.
Timely reporting helps prevent these issues and keeps services active.
How Care Plan Inc. Supports Families
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 manage their responsibilities with confidence.
We pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly for the hours approved by MDHHS. Our team helps families stay compliant by reminding them about paperwork, renewals, and important program updates.
Read Maintaining Eligibility for the Home Help Program and What to Expect During Your Michigan Home Help Reassessment
Care Plan Inc. helps caregivers across Michigan stay compliant, informed, and paid weekly for approved Home Help hours.
Check your eligibility or enter your information through the Contact form for inquiries.