What Is the CHAMPS System and Why Do Michigan Caregivers Need It?

If you're applying to be a paid caregiver through Michigan’s Medicaid Home Help Program, you’ll need to register in something called CHAMPS. This system is required by the state and is the only way caregivers can be officially enrolled and paid for their services.

In this blog, we’ll break down what CHAMPS is, why it’s important, and how to register successfully.

💻 What Is CHAMPS?

CHAMPS stands for Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System. It’s Michigan’s official provider management platform for Medicaid. Any person or agency that wants to provide services to a Medicaid recipient — including family caregivers — must enroll in CHAMPS first.

Without CHAMPS enrollment, caregivers cannot be paid for their time, even if they’ve already been approved for hours through the Home Help Program.

👥 Who Needs to Enroll?

Anyone approved to provide personal care through the Home Help Program must enroll in CHAMPS, including:

• Family caregivers (e.g., adult children, siblings)

• Friends or neighbors providing care

• Professional caregivers not employed by a home care agency

Even if you’re only caring for one person, you still must register.

📝 What You’ll Need to Register

Before enrolling, make sure you have:

• A valid Social Security Number (SSN)

• A MILogin for Third Party account (you’ll create this first)

• Your mailing address and phone number

• Internet access to complete the registration online

🔄 CHAMPS Enrollment Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Create a MILogin Account
   Visit milogin.michigan.gov and select “MILogin for Third Party”

2. Access CHAMPS
   Once logged in, request access to the CHAMPS system

3. Register as an Individual Provider
   Follow the prompts to enter your information. Be sure to select the correct provider type for Home Help

4. Submit Your Enrollment
   Once submitted, your enrollment will be reviewed and approved by MDHHS

5. Stay Active
   If your CHAMPS profile becomes inactive (due to missed updates), your payments may stop

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Enroll?

• You won’t be able to submit timesheets

• Your caregiver payments will be delayed or denied

• Your Home Help provider status may be revoked

CHAMPS enrollment is required even if you’ve been approved by your ASW and your care recipient has active Medicaid.

🛠 Tips for Success

• Write down your login info and keep it in a safe place

• Set a reminder to log in at least once every 60 days to keep your account active

• Double-check your address and contact info during enrollment

• If you get stuck, call the CHAMPS Provider Support line at 1-800-292-2550

🧭 Final Thoughts

CHAMPS may feel technical at first, but it’s a required step for becoming a paid caregiver in Michigan. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be able to access your provider ID, submit hours, and receive regular Medicaid payments through the Home Help Program.

👉 For more support with forms and caregiver requirements, visit michiganhomehelp.org