How to apply for Home Help Program (Medicaid Personal Care)

Who it's for

The Home Help program pays for personal care for Medicaid-eligible adults who need hands-on help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, grooming, mobility, and toileting, so they can stay in their own home. An MDHHS Adult Services worker visits to assess what help is needed. Unlike the MI Choice waiver, Home Help has no waiting list — if you are Medicaid-eligible and meet the functional need, services are provided. Apply through your local MDHHS office.

What you'll need

• Adult Services Application (DHS-390)
• Adult Services Medical Needs Certification (MDHHS-6200), completed by a Medicaid-approved medical provider
• Proof of Medicaid eligibility

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Home Help Program (Medicaid Personal Care). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need adult Services Application (DHS-390), adult Services Medical Needs Certification (MDHHS-6200), completed by a Medicaid-approved medical provider, proof of Medicaid eligibility — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm you meet the basic requirements: you must be Medicaid-eligible (those over the income standard may still qualify through a spend-down), need hands-on help with at least one daily activity such as bathing, dressing, or mobility, and live in your own home — not an adult foster care home or home for the aged.
2. Gather your required documents: a completed Adult Services Application (DHS-390), an Adult Services Medical Needs Certification (MDHHS-6200) filled out by a Medicaid-approved medical provider, and proof of Medicaid eligibility.
3. Apply by contacting your local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) office — you can apply online or by phone at 1-844-464-3447.
4. Complete the in-home assessment scheduled by an MDHHS Adult Services worker, who will visit to evaluate what hands-on help you need and confirm your functional eligibility.
5. Ask the MDHHS worker any questions about your coverage, including what daily activities will be covered and how services will be arranged once approved.

What to expect: After you submit your application and complete the in-home assessment, MDHHS Adult Services will determine whether you meet both the Medicaid eligibility and functional need requirements. Processing times vary, so ask your MDHHS worker for an estimate. Because Home Help is an entitlement program with no waiting list, services begin once eligibility is confirmed — there is no queue to join. If you enroll in MI Health Link at any point, your personal care services will shift to that plan instead. Eligibility is reviewed annually, so watch for renewal notices from MDHHS and respond promptly to avoid a gap in services.

Renewals

annual