Step-by-Step Guide
How to Apply for the Michigan Home Help Program
There are seven distinct steps between "we might qualify" and "the caregiver got paid." Miss one, or do one out of order, and the whole process stalls — sometimes for weeks. This guide covers every step.
Before you start, gather these:
Confirm Medicaid Enrollment (or Apply)
Up to 45 days
The Michigan Home Help Program is a Medicaid benefit. The person receiving care must have Michigan Medicaid enrolled and active. Confirm status at MI Bridges (michigan.gov/mibridges). If not yet enrolled, apply through MI Bridges — you'll need proof of identity, residency, and income. The application typically takes up to 45 days to process.
Key Forms
⚡ Pro Tip
Don't wait passively. If you don't hear back within two weeks, call your local MDHHS office and ask for a status update.
Request a Home Help Intake Assessment
1–3 weeks to schedule
Contact your local MDHHS office and ask to speak with an Adult Services Worker. Tell them: "My family member is on Medicaid and we'd like to apply for the Home Help Program." They'll open a case and schedule an in-home assessment.
⚡ Pro Tip
Adult Services Workers have large caseloads. If you leave a voicemail and don't hear back in 3–5 business days, call again. This step is the gateway to everything else.
Complete the In-Home Needs Assessment
45–60 minute visit
An MDHHS caseworker comes to the home and evaluates what care the person needs. They assess activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, mobility, transferring, and toileting. The outcome directly determines how many hours of care are authorized per month.
Key Forms
⚡ Pro Tip
Prepare for this visit. Bring medical records and doctor's notes. Be specific about what the person struggles with — including on bad days. Families who clearly describe the full scope of care tend to get more hours authorized.
Choose Your Service Delivery Model
Decision point
Choose between Agency Provider Model (working with a licensed agency like HHN that handles all administrative work) or Consumer-Directed/Self-Directed Model (managing CHAMPS enrollment, timekeeping, and billing yourself). Most families benefit from the agency model — it removes the burden of navigating state systems.
Complete CHAMPS Caregiver Enrollment
4–8 weeks
The caregiver must be enrolled in CHAMPS — Michigan's Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System. This involves creating a CHAMPS account, completing the Individual Provider Enrollment application, passing a criminal history screening (conducted by MDHHS Provider Enrollment unit through CHAMPS), signing the MDHHS Provider Agreement, and receiving a provider number.
Key Forms
⚡ Pro Tip
CHAMPS enrollment is the #1 place families get stuck. Errors in the application cause delays of weeks or months. This is exactly what HHN specializes in — we complete CHAMPS enrollment and make sure it's done right.
Set Up Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)
1–2 days
Federal law requires Electronic Visit Verification for all Home Help services. Every visit must be logged with start time, end time, location, and caregiver identity. Michigan uses HHAeXchange for EVV. Caregivers use a mobile app or phone system to clock in and out of each visit.
⚡ Pro Tip
Critical: Caregivers who don't use EVV correctly will not be paid for those visits. HHN sets up EVV and trains caregivers on exactly how to use it before the first visit.
Begin Services and Receive Payment
First payment: 2–4 weeks after enrollment
Once CHAMPS enrollment is complete, the service plan is active, and EVV is set up, the caregiver provides services and logs visits. Claims are submitted through the billing process. ASAP (Adult Services Authorization and Payment) processes payment on a regular cycle. Direct deposit available.
Key Forms
What to Expect After Your Referral — The Official Timeline
Here's exactly what to expect and when — so there are no surprises. Once MDHHS receives your referral, this is the process that follows:
Referral entered into MiAIMS
MDHHS receives and enters the referral into the Michigan Adult Intake and Management System (MiAIMS).
Adult Services Worker (ASW) assigned
An ASW is assigned to your case and becomes your primary MDHHS contact.
Introduction letter + forms mailed
The ASW sends you an introduction letter and mails two forms: DHS-390 and MDHHS-6200. Return these promptly.
21-day documentation window
You have 21 calendar days to return any missing documentation. Missing this window can delay or pause your application.
In-person home assessment
The ASW visits your home to conduct a functional assessment and determine what services are needed and how many hours to authorize.
Eligibility determined within 45 days
MDHHS must determine eligibility within 45 calendar days of receiving the referral. This is the legally required window.
Services Agreement signed
If approved, the MSA-4676 Services Agreement is signed before any payments begin. This locks in your authorized hours.
Key deadline to remember
MDHHS has 45 calendar days from the date of referral to determine eligibility. If you haven't heard back and you're approaching that window, contact your ASW directly and ask for a status update.
Common Reasons Applications Get Delayed
Every one of these delays means weeks longer before the caregiver gets paid. This is exactly why working with someone who knows the system matters.
Ready to apply? We handle it for you.
Skip the confusion. Fill out the form below and a Michigan Home Help Navigator will guide you through every step — free of charge.
We handle the application for you
Home Help Navigators is a licensed Michigan agency provider. When you work with us:
- We verify Medicaid eligibility upfront
- We prepare you for the MDHHS assessment so you get the right authorized hours
- We complete CHAMPS enrollment for your caregiver
- We set up EVV and ensure the first visit is logged correctly
- We handle all billing so payment goes through on time
There's no cost to you for enrollment assistance. We're compensated as an agency provider through MDHHS.