What to Expect as a Paid Family Caregiver in Michigan
If you’ve been approved through Michigan’s Medicaid Home Help Program, you may now be eligible to get paid as a family caregiver. While this support can be life-changing, many new caregivers have questions about what to expect once they’re enrolled.
This guide will walk you through how the process works, what your responsibilities will be, and how payment is managed.
🧾 Step 1: Enroll in CHAMPS
Before you can begin receiving payment, you’ll need to enroll as a provider in CHAMPS — Michigan’s Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System.
To enroll:
Visit https://milogin.michigan.gov
Create a MILogin account
Access the CHAMPS portal and complete the Individual Caregiver Enrollment
This step confirms your identity and allows you to be paid through the state system.
📋 Step 2: Sign the Caregiver Agreement
After enrollment, you’ll be asked to complete a Home Help Provider Agreement. This form outlines:
Your role as a caregiver
The number of hours approved by MDHHS
Rules for maintaining compliance (like background checks or annual redetermination)
⏱ Step 3: Track and Submit Your Hours
Once you’re officially enrolled, you’ll begin providing care and tracking your hours.
Here’s how it works:
Hours are submitted through Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)
You may use an app or a web portal to record when you clock in and out
You must only record approved hours and tasks (such as bathing, dressing, etc.)
Timesheets must be accurate. Fraudulent or inflated hours can result in removal from the program.
💵 Step 4: Getting Paid
Payments are processed every two weeks. You’ll be paid by direct deposit or mailed check (depending on your setup) through Michigan’s payment processor for Medicaid services.
💡 Note: You are considered an independent contractor, not an employee of the state. Taxes may not be withheld automatically, so you may need to plan for self-employment taxes.
📅 Ongoing Responsibilities
As a paid caregiver, you are expected to:
Provide services as outlined by the ASW and DHS-54A
Maintain communication with your assigned Adult Services Worker
Complete redetermination steps annually
Notify MDHHS if the care situation changes (e.g., hospitalization or Medicaid closure)
🧠 Common Questions
Q: Will this affect my taxes?
A: Yes. You may receive a 1099 form for tax reporting. Consider speaking to a tax advisor about self-employment income.
Q: Can I work another job while caregiving?
A: Yes, but you must still meet your caregiving schedule and only claim approved hours.
Q: Can I be removed from the program?
A: Yes, if you don’t follow reporting rules, miss documentation deadlines, or provide inaccurate information.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Being a paid family caregiver is both meaningful and structured. The Home Help Program helps ease financial strain for those already caring for loved ones, but it’s important to stay organized and follow all program guidelines.