I’m Approved for Michigan’s Home Help Program — What Happens Next?
Congratulations! Getting approved for Michigan’s Medicaid Home Help Program is a big step toward getting support for your loved one — and yourself. But once you receive the approval notice, you may be wondering what to expect next.
This blog walks you through what happens after you’re approved, from caregiver setup to payment timelines.
📄 Step 1: Review Your Approval Letter
Once your application is approved, you will receive a Notice of Case Action from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). This notice includes:
Confirmation that services were approved
The number of caregiver hours authorized per day or week
The start date for services
Any next steps or required documentation
Read this letter carefully and contact your Adult Services Worker (ASW) if anything is unclear.
👥 Step 2: Make Sure the Caregiver Is Enrolled
If a family member or friend will be the paid caregiver, they must complete a few steps before payments can begin:
Enroll in CHAMPS at milogin.michigan.gov
Sign the Home Help Provider Agreement
Pass a background check if required
Receive approval from MDHHS as an individual caregiver
No payments will be made until the caregiver is fully registered and approved.
⏱ Step 3: Start Providing Services
Once everything is in place, the caregiver can begin providing approved services. These typically include:
Bathing and dressing
Help with meals
Mobility assistance
Toileting
Medication reminders
Supervision or redirection (if approved)
Make sure the caregiver only provides services listed in the care plan and for the number of hours approved.
💻 Step 4: Track and Submit Hours
Caregiver hours must be submitted using Electronic Visit Verification (EVV), which may include:
A mobile app
A web portal
Telephonic check-in/check-out (in some areas)
Timesheets must reflect only actual time worked. Submitting false or inaccurate hours can result in payment delays or program removal.
💵 Step 5: When to Expect Payment
Payments are typically processed every two weeks. The caregiver will receive a direct deposit or check by mail, depending on the setup in CHAMPS.
If this is your first time being paid, allow 2–4 weeks after service begins for the first check to arrive.
🔄 Step 6: Ongoing Responsibilities
After you’re approved, you’ll still need to:
Keep Medicaid active through annual redetermination
Report any changes in your address, caregiver, or medical condition
Respond to reassessments from your ASW
Update forms if requested by MDHHS
Staying on top of these requirements helps keep services running smoothly.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Getting approved is only the beginning. The next steps — enrolling your caregiver, tracking hours, and maintaining eligibility — are just as important. With the right setup and communication, the Home Help Program can provide consistent support for your loved one and financial relief for their caregiver.