How to Maintain Your Eligibility for Michigan’s Home Help Program Each Year
Getting approved for the Michigan Medicaid Home Help Program is an important first step — but it’s just the beginning. To continue receiving caregiver payments and in-home assistance, the care recipient must meet certain requirements every year.
This blog explains how to maintain your eligibility and avoid service interruptions.
🔁 Annual Medicaid Redetermination
The most important requirement is maintaining active Medicaid coverage. Every year, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will send a redetermination packet to the care recipient to review income, residency, and other eligibility factors.
✅ What to Do:
Respond to all notices from MDHHS promptly
Update contact info in MiBridges so you don’t miss any mail
Submit required documents (proof of income, identity, housing, etc.) before the deadline
Double-check that Medicaid stays active after redetermination
If Medicaid is closed, the Home Help Program will pause until it is reinstated.
📄 Reassessment by the Adult Services Worker (ASW)
Each year, your assigned ASW (Adult Services Worker) may conduct a reassessment. This can happen in person, over the phone, or by reviewing updated paperwork.
They may ask:
Have care needs increased or decreased?
Has the living situation changed?
Is the caregiver the same person?
Are new services or adjustments needed?
You may need to resubmit updated medical forms, especially if the care recipient’s condition has changed.
📋 Keep Documentation Up to Date
These documents should always be current:
DHS-54A Medical Needs form – if requested by MDHHS or ASW
CHAMPS caregiver enrollment – must remain active
Timesheets and hours submitted accurately using the required system
If you’re ever asked to submit a new form or updated signature, don’t delay — missing documentation can result in payment holds or service interruption.
⛔ Common Reasons for Losing Eligibility
Avoid these common mistakes:
Ignoring redetermination notices from MDHHS
Failing to notify MDHHS of address or caregiver changes
Letting CHAMPS enrollment lapse
Not submitting timesheets or caregiver documentation on time
Providing inaccurate or incomplete information during reassessments
🧭 Best Practices for Ongoing Eligibility
Check MiBridges monthly for any case alerts
Save copies of all submitted documents
Keep a care log (optional) of what services are provided
Stay in regular contact with your ASW if needs change
📞 Final Thoughts
The Home Help Program can provide long-term support — but it requires families to stay on top of paperwork, Medicaid status, and reassessment requirements. Staying organized can help you avoid disruptions and continue receiving the care support you need.