How to apply for MI Choice Waiver Program (Home & Community-Based Services)

Who it's for

MI Choice is Michigan's Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver. It pays for supports such as personal care, supports coordination, home modifications, and respite so older or disabled adults who would otherwise need nursing-home care can stay in their own home. Applicants must need a nursing-facility level of care and have gross income at or below 300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate (about $2,982/month in 2026). The countable asset limit is $9,950 for one person, $14,910 for two. Contact the MI Choice Waiver Agency for your region to apply; a waitlist may apply.

What you'll need

• Proof of age or disability
• Proof of Michigan residency
• Proof of income and assets (an initial asset assessment is part of the process)
• Medicaid application materials
• A functional assessment for nursing-facility level of care (arranged by the waiver agency)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about MI Choice Waiver Program (Home & Community-Based Services). 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 proof of age or disability, proof of Michigan residency, proof of income and assets (an initial asset assessment is part of the process) — 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 basic eligibility before applying. You must be enrolled in Michigan Medicaid, need a nursing-facility level of care, have gross income at or below 300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate (about $2,982/month in 2026), and meet the countable asset limit — $9,950 for one person or $14,910 for two. Note: you cannot spend down income to qualify, and you cannot be enrolled in both MI Choice and PACE at the same time.
2. Contact the MI Choice Waiver Agency for your region to start your application. You can apply online or call 1-800-642-3195. MI Choice is available in all 83 Michigan counties through regional waiver agencies.
3. Gather your required documents. You will need proof of age or disability, proof of Michigan residency, and proof of income and assets.
4. Submit your Medicaid application materials if you are not already enrolled in Medicaid. The waiver agency can guide you through this step.
5. Complete the initial asset assessment. This is a required part of the application process and is arranged with the waiver agency.
6. Undergo a functional assessment for nursing-facility level of care. The waiver agency will arrange this assessment to confirm you meet the care-level requirement.
7. Ask the waiver agency about current waitlist status. MI Choice is capacity-limited and a waitlist may apply — it is not an automatic entitlement.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the MI Choice Waiver Agency will review your documents, complete the asset assessment, and arrange a functional assessment to confirm your level of care need. Processing times vary, so ask your regional waiver agency for an estimate. Because MI Choice is capacity-limited, you may be placed on a waitlist before services begin. If approved, your eligibility is reviewed annually, so be ready to provide updated income, asset, and residency information each year to keep your benefits active.

Renewals

annual