Home Care in Michigan

If you live in Michigan, you can expect to pay $5,529 per month for in-home assistance according to Genworth Financial’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. Estimates assume that seniors require 44 hours of weekly assistance. Rates are likely to be the same regardless of whether you require nonmedical chore assistance and help around the house or medical services, including physical therapy and help with medications.

Michigan’s home care prices are about 10% higher than the national average and some neighboring states, such as Ohio. Nonmedical home care services in Michigan typically cost $5,529 per month compared to $4,957 nationally. Prices in the state are higher than Indiana and Kentucky, where providers charge $4,767 per month for these services. Wisconsin has the same in-home care costs as Michigan, but home health care costs almost $200 more per month.

In-home care can be an affordable option, depending on how many hours of assistance you require every day or every week. Nursing homes cost about $3,560 more per month at $9,095. Assisted living facilities are another option to explore if you just require a few hours of daily help. These facilities charge $4,250 per month, about $1,279 less than full-time home care. Adult day health care programs provide daytime supervision and activities for $1,733 per month. You may be able to find a local option that fits your needs.

Michigan offers several Medicaid programs and waivers that cover the cost of in-home assistance. Individuals who are eligible for regular Medicaid and require assistance with at least one activity of daily living may be eligible for the state’s Home Help program. This benefits package supports individuals who want to live at home rather than in a nursing home or group residence. It helps with the cost of daily assistance as well as housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, medication assistance and errands. However, it doesn’t cover home repairs, yard work or heavy cleaning. Beneficiaries can manage their own care and hire a caregiver of their choice. If you’re on Medicaid or think that you may qualify based on your income, contact the adult services unit at the Department of Health and Human Services office in your county. Michigan also offers several home- and community-based services waivers that help with the cost of in-home care.

You may qualify for one of the following Medicaid waivers if you require a nursing home level of care and want to remain in the community. The state also looks at your income and assets.

Medicaid for the Aged Blind and Disabled is one of several health care programs available to low-income residents in Michigan. To qualify, you must be aged 65 or older, blind or disabled. Additionally, your monthly income is limited to $1,133 if you’re applying individually or $1,526 if you’re applying as a couple. The state also considers bank accounts and other resources when evaluating applications.

For regular Medicaid, assets are limited to $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. There are a few exceptions. For example, the state may also allow seniors to qualify by spending excess money on medical bills and other approved expenses. Medicaid waivers have different income limits.

Applying for Medicaid in Michigan is as simple as completing an online application using the MIBridges application portal. If you’d rather speak to a representative, you can complete your application over the phone by calling the Michigan Health Care Helpline at (855) 789-5610. Additionally, in-person assistance is available locally through the Department of Human Services. Applicants can drop off a paper application form if needed, but online applications are preferred.

What Information You Will Need

Michigan’s Medicaid application asks for a variety of information about you and other members of your household. Be prepared to provide the following items when you apply.

• Name and address
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Citizenship information
• Need for benefits
• Existing health coverage
• Financial resources
• Vehicles
• Real estate
• Income and employment
• Government benefits
• Monthly expenses
• Tax information
• Property sales or transfers in the past 5 years

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

If you need help completing your application or if you aren’t sure how to take the next step, contact the following agencies for assistance.

Medicare doesn’t pay for non-medical home care, but it can cover the cost of the medical version of home care, called “Home Healthcare” in some situations. In order to be eligible, you need to be homebound and have a referral from your doctor for the specific type of medical care that is needed. There are also other restrictions that apply.

Below is an overview of some of the services typically covered by Medicare for those who are eligible:

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), and to treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis. Additionally, physical therapy is often provided in the home to help seniors recover from surgeries and procedures, such as a knee or hip replacement.
• Nursing Care: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services (such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.) for those who need medical care, but don’t need to stay in a hospital full-time.
• Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy is designed to help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, etc., and providers can travel to your home if needed.
• Speech Therapy: Seniors can lose the ability to adequately communicate for many reasons, and speech therapists are there to help seniors regain the ability to communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets and teaching special techniques to swallow safely.

As mentioned above, home care is distinctly different from home healthcare, but there is some overlap – so while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical home care, there are personal care services that may be covered in special circumstances – such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing.

Read our guide to Medicare and Home Care Coverage for more information.

While the above programs can be a great way to make home care affordable for many people, they are not the right solution for everyone. Thankfully, there are other ways to make home care more affordable for you and your family. For more information about your other options, read our section on Other Ways to Pay for this guide.

Michigan provides an array of resources that benefit older adults statewide. You may qualify for property tax breaks, utility bill assistance, home-delivered meals and other supportive services. Contact the following agencies to get started.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued vaccine mandates for home health aides and other professionals who provide direct care. As part of this program, providers in Michigan are required to develop a plan for staff vaccinations and ensure that their employees are fully vaccinated by early 2022. However, there are religious and medical exceptions. Home health agencies may have their own policies regarding testing, vaccinations and masking for clients and staff. Contact your Area Agency on Aging or local home care provider for specific information. Although this information is current as of April 2022, regulations are subject to change.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs does not regulate home health agencies. However, staff members who provide medical services must be licensed, and providers must be certified by the federal government to accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. To help you overcome this challenge, we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs, and finding a home care agency that will be the best fit for you and your family.

Download PDF Here

Learn More About Home Care in Michigan’s Top Cities

• Ann Arbor
• Brighton
• Detroit
• Grand Rapids
• Lansing
• Novi
• Southfield