Michigan Home Help Program
Government Programs That Pay Family Caregivers in Michigan
Wondering which state or federal program pays you to care for a loved one? Here's how it actually works — and which one you can apply for in Michigan today.
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Does Medicare pay family caregivers?
No. Medicare does not pay family caregivers.
This is one of the most common misconceptions in caregiving. Medicare covers limited home health services through licensed agencies in specific situations — like skilled nursing or physical therapy after a hospital stay — but it doesn't compensate family members who provide day-to-day care.
That said, Medicare's cousin — Medicaid— does pay family caregivers. Specifically, Michigan's Home Help Program pays family members and friends $18/hour to care for a Medicaid-enrolled loved one at home. That's the program HHN helps Michigan families enroll in.
What programs actually pay family caregivers?
Four programs come up most often. Only one is something most Michigan families can apply for today.
Michigan's program — what HHN helps with
Medicaid Home Help
Pays family members and friends $18/hour to care for a Medicaid-enrolled loved one. Run by MDHHS. About 61,000 Michigan families currently enrolled.
For veterans only
VA Aid & Attendance
A separate VA pension benefit that helps eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for in-home care. Different eligibility rules — based on military service, income, and care needs. We can refer you if your loved one is a veteran.
Private policy
Long-term care insurance
If your loved one bought long-term care insurance years ago, the policy may include cash benefits for family caregivers. Check the policy. We don't help with this directly, but it's worth knowing about.
Vary by state
Cash & Counseling / state-specific waivers
Some states have specific Medicaid waiver programs (Cash & Counseling, Community First Choice, etc.) that allow more flexible family-paid caregiving. Rules vary by state. In Michigan, the Home Help Program is the primary paid-caregiving benefit.
Can I get paid through Medicaid in Michigan?
If your loved one is on Michigan Medicaid (or could qualify), the answer is almost always yes. The Michigan Home Help Program pays:
- Adult children caring for a parent
- Siblings caring for a brother or sister
- Friends or neighbors caring for a loved one
- Other relatives (aunts, uncles, cousins, grandchildren)
Spouses cannot be paid as caregivers for each other (federal Medicaid rule), but other family members in the household can.
How much can you earn?
Hours are authorized by MDHHS based on the care recipient's needs. Maximum is 179.9 hours per month.
What HHN handles for your family
Three different state systems and a half-dozen forms. We handle every one of them so you don't have to.
MDHHS application
We complete the Home Help application (MSA-4676) and submit it.
CHAMPS enrollment
We enroll you as a Medicaid provider in Michigan's CHAMPS system.
EVV setup
Mobile app for logging visits. We get you set up and trained.
Ongoing support
Reauthorizations, hour increases, MDHHS questions — we stay in your corner.
See if your family qualifies — free
Free, no-obligation. A Michigan Home Help Navigator will call you within one business day.
Prefer to talk now? Call (517) 300-9384