What to Expect During Your Michigan Home Help Reassessment
Once you are approved for the Michigan Home Help Program, you must complete a reassessment each year to continue receiving services. The reassessment helps the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) confirm that your medical needs and care hours are still accurate.
Understanding what happens during this review helps families stay prepared and avoid interruptions in services or payment.
Care Plan Inc. helps Michigan caregivers stay organized and compliant during reassessments. We pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly for approved hours after MDHHS confirms eligibility.
Why the Reassessment Is Required
The Home Help Program provides long-term support for people who need assistance with daily living. Because medical needs can change over time, MDHHS reviews each case at least once every twelve months.
This process ensures that approved hours match the care a person currently requires. It can also identify if additional support is needed or if certain tasks are no longer necessary.
What Happens Before the Reassessment
Before your reassessment date, you will receive a notice from your Adult Services Worker, often called the ASW. The letter will include the timeframe for your visit and any forms that must be updated.
Review the notice carefully and make sure your Medicaid coverage is active. Gather any documents the worker may ask to see, such as medical forms, identification, and caregiver timesheets.
If your doctor has not completed a recent DHS-54A Medical Needs Form, schedule an appointment to have it updated. Learn more about the form in DHS-54A Medical Needs Form
What the ASW Visit Includes
During the reassessment, the ASW will visit the care recipient’s home. The worker’s role is to confirm the care being provided, observe living conditions, and verify that the care plan still matches the person’s needs.
They may ask questions such as
What daily activities do you need help with
Has your health changed since the last review
How many hours each week does your caregiver assist you
The visit usually lasts about an hour, depending on how much documentation needs to be reviewed.
Learn more about the visit in Adult Services Worker Visit
How the Worker Reviews Care Hours
The ASW compares the DHS-54A form with the tasks reported on your care plan and timesheets. They check that the hours requested reflect the actual level of need.
If medical needs have increased, such as new mobility challenges or additional daily tasks, the ASW may recommend more hours. If needs have decreased, the hours may stay the same or slightly adjust.
MDHHS makes the final decision on the number of hours approved.
How to Prepare for the Reassessment
Preparation helps your reassessment go smoothly. Follow these steps before the visit:
Confirm Medicaid status
Make sure your coverage is active and up to date.Update your medical paperwork
Bring an updated DHS-54A form signed by your doctor.Organize caregiver timesheets
Keep clear records of the care provided and hours worked.Note any changes in health or care needs
Write down new conditions, medication changes, or tasks that now require assistance.Ensure the home environment is safe and accessible
The ASW will check that the living space supports in-home care safely.
Care Plan Inc. encourages caregivers to keep records throughout the year instead of waiting for reassessment time. Organized documentation helps avoid mistakes and delays.
Common Reasons for Delays
Reassessments are often delayed because of missing documents or expired forms. For example, if a doctor’s form is more than a year old, MDHHS may require a new one before renewing care hours.
Other common causes include missed appointments or incomplete timesheets. Staying in contact with your ASW and responding to notices quickly helps prevent interruptions.
To stay organized, use Care Plan Inc.’s Forms resource.
What Happens After the Reassessment
After the ASW visit, MDHHS reviews the updated information and sends a determination letter. This letter shows the approved number of hours and any changes from the previous plan.
If more hours are approved, your new timesheets will reflect the updated schedule. If hours are reduced, you can request a review or file an appeal if you believe the decision does not match your current needs.
Learn how to do that in Appeal a Denial for the Home Help Program
What Caregivers Should Know
Once hours are approved, Care Plan Inc. processes caregiver pay at $17 or more per hour weekly. We handle timesheets, enrollment, and support so caregivers can focus on care.
We do not determine the number of hours or eligibility. Those decisions come from MDHHS. Our goal is to help families stay compliant and ensure caregivers receive payment accurately and on time.
Read Maintaining Eligibility for the Home Help Program and Common Mistakes When Reapplying for the Michigan Home Help Program
Care Plan Inc. supports Michigan caregivers through every stage of the Home Help Program. We help you understand reassessments, keep paperwork organized, and ensure you receive weekly pay for the hours approved by the state.
Check your eligibility or enter your information on our Contact page for inquiries.