Understanding the CHAMPS System for the Michigan Home Help Program
If you are applying to become a paid caregiver through the Michigan Home Help Program, you will need to register in CHAMPS. This system is required by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) before any caregiver can begin receiving payments.
Care Plan Inc. helps caregivers complete the CHAMPS process correctly and avoid mistakes that can delay payment. Once registration is approved and hours are confirmed, we pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly.
What CHAMPS Means
CHAMPS stands for Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System. It is the online system used by MDHHS to manage and verify all Medicaid-related providers, including caregivers in the Home Help Program.
Every caregiver must have an active CHAMPS account linked to the care recipient’s case. This connection allows the state to track services, confirm background checks, and approve payment through the proper channels.
Why CHAMPS Is Required
CHAMPS protects both the caregiver and the care recipient by verifying eligibility, ensuring program compliance, and preventing payment errors.
The system confirms that each caregiver has completed a background check and is approved to work with vulnerable adults under Medicaid programs.
MDHHS uses CHAMPS to:
Verify caregiver identity and eligibility
Manage provider enrollment
Track hours and services through the Home Help Program
Process payments to agencies like Care Plan Inc.
How to Register in CHAMPS
To register, you will need access to a computer and an internet connection. The registration process can take time, but Care Plan Inc. helps each caregiver complete the steps correctly.
Here is what to expect:
Go to the CHAMPS website through the MDHHS portal
Create a MILogin account if you do not already have one
Select “Provider Enrollment” and choose the Home Help Program
Enter your personal details, identification, and contact information
Submit to a background check
Link your CHAMPS ID to the care recipient’s case once approved
Care Plan Inc. walks caregivers through these steps to make sure all required fields and forms are completed.
Common Mistakes During CHAMPS Registration
Many first-time caregivers experience delays because of small mistakes in their CHAMPS application. The most common issues include:
Missing identification or incomplete personal details
Using an incorrect Medicaid ID number for the care recipient
Forgetting to submit or complete the background check
Not linking to the correct case number through MDHHS
If any of these steps are skipped, CHAMPS will not activate your provider account, and payments cannot begin.
Care Plan Inc. checks each registration carefully to make sure caregivers are set up correctly the first time.
What Happens After Registration
Once you complete the registration and your background check is cleared, MDHHS reviews your information and assigns your CHAMPS ID number.
This ID connects your caregiver profile to the person you are caring for. After MDHHS finalizes approval, Care Plan Inc. can process your timesheets and pay you weekly for approved hours.
If your registration is delayed, check your MILogin inbox or email for updates from CHAMPS or MDHHS.
Learn how payments are managed in Simplifying CHAMPS, Your Key to Getting Paid
How Long CHAMPS Approval Takes
The approval time depends on how quickly the background check clears and whether all details are entered correctly. In most cases, the process takes one to three weeks.
Submitting accurate information and responding quickly to requests helps speed up approval.
If your background check or enrollment status shows “pending” for more than three weeks, contact your MDHHS worker or Care Plan Inc. for assistance.
Keeping CHAMPS Active
Once you are registered, keep your information current. Update CHAMPS any time your name, address, or contact information changes.
If your account is inactive for an extended period, you may need to log in and confirm your profile to keep it active.
Learn how to maintain program eligibility in Maintaining Eligibility for the Home Help Program
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 register in CHAMPS, complete the required forms, and receive weekly pay after approval.
We pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly for hours approved through the Michigan Home Help Program.
Read How to Choose the Right Caregiver for the Michigan Home Help Program and Understanding the Home Help Program
Care Plan Inc. helps caregivers across Michigan stay organized, registered, and paid weekly for approved Home Help hours.
Check your eligibility or enter your information through the Contact form for inquiries.