How to Update or Replace Your DHS-54A Medical Needs Form
The DHS-54A Medical Needs Form is one of the most important documents in the Michigan Home Help Program. It tells the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) what kind of care a person needs and how many hours of help may be approved.
If your form is missing, outdated, or incomplete, your case can be delayed or even closed. Knowing how to update or replace the form ensures your care hours stay active and your caregiver continues receiving pay on time.
Care Plan Inc. helps Michigan caregivers understand how to stay compliant with state requirements. We pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly after MDHHS approves the hours for care.
What the DHS-54A Form Is
The DHS-54A Medical Needs Form is completed by the care recipient’s doctor or qualified medical provider. It documents the person’s medical conditions and daily living needs such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.
MDHHS uses the information on this form to determine how many hours of assistance are needed and what type of care can be provided under the Home Help Program.
Without this form, MDHHS cannot approve or renew your case.
When to Update or Replace the Form
The DHS-54A form must be current and reflect the person’s most recent medical condition. It is valid for one year from the date it was signed by the doctor.
You should update or replace the form if
The form is older than twelve months
Your health or ability to complete daily tasks has changed
You change doctors or medical providers
The form is lost or incomplete
MDHHS requests a new version during reassessment
For example, if a person develops new mobility issues after an injury, the doctor must complete a new form to show those needs. This helps MDHHS adjust the number of approved care hours accurately.
How to Get a New Form
To update or replace your form, contact your Adult Services Worker (ASW) or local MDHHS office and request a blank DHS-54A form. You can also find a printable version on the MDHHS website.
Once you have the blank form, schedule an appointment with the care recipient’s primary doctor or specialist. The doctor will review medical records, ask about daily activities, and complete the form based on current needs.
What the Doctor Must Include
The form must list
The care recipient’s full name and Medicaid ID number
The diagnosis or medical condition
The type and frequency of assistance needed
The doctor’s printed name, signature, and date
Make sure all fields are filled out completely. MDHHS will not accept forms missing a date, signature, or provider contact information.
If you are unsure how to explain the level of care needed, review the list of Activities of Daily Living in Activities of Daily Living for the Home Help Program
How to Submit the Updated Form
After the doctor completes the form, return it directly to your ASW. Some offices allow fax, mail, or in-person delivery. Always confirm the correct method to prevent delays.
Keep a copy of the completed form for your records and share a copy with your caregiver or Care Plan Inc. for reference.
What Happens After Submission
Once MDHHS receives the updated form, your ASW will review it and decide whether a reassessment visit is needed. If the form shows that medical needs have increased, MDHHS may approve additional hours.
If the form confirms that needs are the same, your hours may remain unchanged until the next annual review.
Care Plan Inc. uses the new approval information to continue paying caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly for approved hours.
What Happens if the Form Expires
If the form expires before reassessment, MDHHS may temporarily pause services until a new one is submitted. This is one of the most common causes of payment delays.
For example, if the form was signed last September and not renewed this year, hours may stop until a new one is received. Submitting an updated version early prevents interruptions in care and pay.
To learn more about staying on schedule, read Maintaining Eligibility for the Home Help Program
Tips for a Smooth Update
Mark the expiration date on your calendar as soon as the doctor signs the form.
Schedule a doctor visit one month before it expires.
Keep copies of all versions of the form for your records.
Confirm with your ASW that the form was received and logged.
Notify Care Plan Inc. once the form is updated so we can coordinate your continued payments.
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 stay compliant by explaining what forms are required and when to update them.
We pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly once MDHHS approves hours and services. Our team helps families stay organized, avoid delays, and maintain steady payments.
Read more in How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Reapplying for the Michigan Home Help Program and What to Expect During Your Michigan Home Help Reassessment
Care Plan Inc. helps caregivers across Michigan stay informed, compliant, and paid weekly for approved Home Help hours.
Check your eligibility or enter your information through the Contact form for inquiries.