Benefits · Long Term Care
How to apply for MI Choice Waiver Program (Home & Community-Based Services)
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) — operated locally by MI Choice Waiver Agencies
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.
MI Choice requires a nursing-facility level of care and is capacity-limited — a waitlist may apply (it is not an automatic entitlement like the Home Help program). Income is a hard cap at 300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate; you cannot spend down to qualify. The $2,982/month figure is 3 × the 2026 SSI FBR ($994); BEM 106 states the rule as '300% of the SSI FBR.' You cannot be enrolled in MI Choice and PACE at the same time. Available in all 83 counties through regional waiver agencies.
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
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-800-642-3195
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.
Renewals
annual
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Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.