Most Asked
Questions
About Michigan’s
Medicaid Home
Care Program

Yes, completely free. The state of Michigan funds this program through Medicaid and pays our agency directly to manage enrollment, payroll, and compliance. There is no fee to apply, no fee to enroll, and no ongoing cost. The only requirement is that the person receiving care qualifies for Michigan Medicaid and needs help with daily activities.

Yes. We guide families through the Michigan Medicaid application process on MI Bridges (michigan.gov/mibridges) and help gather the required documentation. Approval timelines vary depending on your situation, but we stay involved from start to finish so nothing gets missed.

Yes. We serve families across the entire state of Michigan. If your loved one is a Michigan resident with active Medicaid, they may qualify regardless of where in the state they live. Call us and we will confirm eligibility for your specific location.

As an employee of our agency, you receive a paycheck every Friday via direct deposit. Federal and state income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare are withheld automatically every pay period. You receive real pay stubs, workers' compensation coverage, and a W-2 at the end of the year, just like any traditional job.

Under current MDHHS Home Help Program rules, spouses are not eligible to be paid to care for each other. However, adult children, siblings, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and close non-relatives may qualify. Contact us and we will help identify who in your family is eligible.

No credential is required. The Home Help Program was created specifically for family members who are already providing care, not for licensed professionals. You will go through a brief onboarding and any state-required task training, but there is no nursing license, CNA certificate, or prior healthcare experience needed.

A background check is required by the state of Michigan. Having a record does not automatically disqualify you. Disqualifying offenses are specific, and many people with prior convictions have successfully enrolled in this program. We review each situation individually and give you an honest answer upfront. Do not assume you are disqualified before speaking with us.

Yes. The schedule is entirely flexible. You and your loved one decide when care happens. Most caregivers work around their existing jobs, fitting hours in before work, after work, or on weekends. The state determines how many monthly hours are authorized based on your loved one's care needs. You control when those hours are used.

For most families, enrolling in the Home Help Program does not affect existing Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security benefits. That said, benefit rules can vary depending on individual circumstances. We recommend speaking with a benefits counselor about your specific situation. We can point you to free state resources that can help.

Yes, 100%. The MDHHS Home Help Program has existed for decades as a Michigan Medicaid benefit. It is not a grant, not a pilot program, and not a loophole. Michigan families across the state are actively enrolled and being paid right now. Downriver Health is a licensed provider under direct contract with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Per Medicaid policy, the state has up to 45 business days to process an application. In practice, once your loved one's Medicaid is confirmed and the in-home assessment is complete, enrollment typically moves faster than that. We manage every step and keep you informed throughout so you always know where things stand.