Can you get paid to care for a family member in Michigan?

Yes, through 2 programs we verified. In Michigan, the Medicaid Home Help program lets people who need hands-on personal care choose and employ their own caregiver, and that caregiver can be an adult child or other relative. Home Help does not pay spouses or parents of minor children. People on the MI Choice waiver can also use self-determination to hire their own aides.

Which Michigan programs pay family caregivers?

Home Help program

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: A caregiver the client chooses and employs, including relatives such as adult children or parents of an adult child. A spouse, the parent of a minor child, anyone 17 or under, and the fiscal intermediary cannot be paid.
• Who qualifies for care: Michigan Medicaid members who need hands-on help with activities of daily living, as assessed by MDHHS.

MI Choice Waiver - Self-Determination option

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: Aides the participant hires under a self-determination budget. Rules on which relatives can be hired were not stated in the participant handbook.
• Who qualifies for care: Older adults and adults with physical disabilities who meet nursing facility level of care and MI Choice Medicaid rules.

Are there national programs too?

Yes. Veterans may qualify for VA programs that pay or support family caregivers: Veteran Directed Care and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

What should you confirm with the state?

Rules for hiring relatives under MI Choice self-determination were not confirmed. Ask your MI Choice supports coordinator.