Understanding the Home Help Provider Agreement in Michigan
If you’re becoming a paid caregiver through Michigan’s Medicaid Home Help Program, you’ll need to sign a Provider Agreement before services can begin. This document outlines the rules, responsibilities, and expectations for caregivers who are paid through the program.
In this blog, we’ll walk through what the Home Help Provider Agreement includes and what it means for you as a caregiver.
📄 What Is the Provider Agreement?
The Home Help Provider Agreement is a legal document between you (the caregiver) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). It confirms that you understand the terms of the program and agree to follow its rules while being paid to provide care.
This form must be submitted after CHAMPS enrollment and before any timesheets can be processed.
👥 Who Needs to Sign It?
Every caregiver approved under the Home Help Program — including family members, friends, and neighbors — must sign the agreement. This applies to all individual providers, whether or not they have prior caregiving experience.
📝 What’s Included in the Agreement?
The Provider Agreement covers:
Your role as a non-agency caregiver
The need to submit accurate hours through approved methods
Agreement to follow the approved care plan set by the Adult Services Worker (ASW)
Compliance with fraud prevention laws
Acknowledgment that the recipient must have active Medicaid
A reminder that services cannot be provided without authorization
You’re also agreeing to notify MDHHS if:
The care recipient is hospitalized or no longer eligible
Your personal information (e.g., address or phone number) changes
You stop providing care
📅 How Long Does It Last?
The agreement is typically valid as long as you remain an active caregiver under the program. However, you may be asked to re-sign if:
Your CHAMPS enrollment lapses
You stop providing care and return later
There are updates to the program rules
🛠 How to Submit the Agreement
Your Adult Services Worker (ASW) will either:
Bring a copy to your home during the home visit
Send it to you by mail
Direct you to complete it digitally (in some counties)
You may also be asked to provide identification or proof of enrollment in CHAMPS along with the form.
⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Sign?
Without a signed Provider Agreement:
You cannot be paid
Even approved hours will be on hold until the agreement is received
Your caregiver status may be delayed or revoked
🧭 Final Thoughts
The Home Help Provider Agreement is a simple but essential step in becoming a paid caregiver. It protects both the caregiver and the person receiving care by making sure everyone understands the rules. Signing it early ensures your payments start on time and that your participation in the program remains in good standing.