ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY & ADAPTIVE AIDS SERVICES PROVIDER IN MICHIGAN

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 26
4 min read

ENHANCING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY AND ADAPTIVE DEVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES OR CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Assistive Technology (AT) and Adaptive Aids Services in Michigan are designed to provide individuals with disabilities the tools they need to live independently and safely. These services are primarily funded through Michigan Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, and MI Choice Waiver Programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)Role: Approves and reimburses AT and adaptive aids under Medicaid and HCBS waivers

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Role: Provides federal oversight for waiver-funded assistive technology

Agency: Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)Role: Supports adaptive aids and assistive devices for vocational rehabilitation

Agency: Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)Role: Facilitate adaptive equipment services for seniors under the MI Choice Waiver

Agency: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)Role: Issues licenses to durable medical equipment (DME) providers

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY & ADAPTIVE AIDS SERVICE OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology and Adaptive Aids enhance the functional abilities of individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities, allowing them to perform tasks they might otherwise be unable to do.

Common Technologies and Aids Include:

Mobility Devices:
- Manual or power wheelchairs, scooters
- Walkers, canes, and crutches
Communication Aids:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices
- Speech-generating devices (SGDs)
- Voice amplification systems
Home Accessibility Aids:
- Stair lifts, ramps, and vertical lifts
- Adaptive bathroom and kitchen equipment
- Environmental control units (ECUs)
Personal Assistance Devices:
- Adaptive eating utensils and grooming aids
- Medication management devices
- Hearing aids and visual enhancement systems
Health Monitoring and Safety Devices:
- Fall detectors and emergency alert systems
- Smart home integration for individuals with disabilities

Services include assessment, procurement, installation, training, and maintenance. All devices must align with the individual’s Plan of Care (POC) or Individual Service Plan (ISP).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
Secure general liability and product liability insurance
Obtain a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) License from LARA if providing medical devices
Hire or contract certified Assistive Technology Professionals (ATP), rehabilitation engineers, or occupational therapists
Develop a Policy & Procedure Manual specific to assistive technology and adaptive aids
Implement HIPAA-compliant data handling and storage practices

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Apply for a DME or AT Service License

Submit your application via the LARA Licensing Portal:
LARA Licensing

Step 2: Enroll with Michigan Medicaid

Complete the process via CHAMPS:CHAMPS Login

Step 3: Contract with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)

Step 4: Finalize Credentialing with Waiver Programs

Work with local AAAs for MI Choice Waiver service authorization
Partner with CMHs for technology services under developmental disability waivers

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or business registration
IRS EIN and NPI confirmation
Proof of liability and product insurance
LARA DME license (if providing medical devices)
AT and Adaptive Aids Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Client intake and needs assessment templates
- Device procurement and installation logs
- Training documentation for clients and caregivers
- Maintenance and repair records
- Warranty and support agreements
- Billing logs and audit-ready documentation
- Safety protocols for device usage and maintenance

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)Requirements: Certification from RESNA or similar; experience with assistive device evaluations

Role: Occupational Therapist (OT) / Physical Therapist (PT)Requirements: State licensure; experience in functional assessment and adaptive device integration

Role: Device Installer / Technician

Requirements: Training in device setup and safety testing

Role: Program Supervisor

Requirements: Experience in healthcare technology coordination; ensures quality control and staff supervision

Required Trainings:

HIPAA and data security
Infection control for reusable devices
Device fitting and customization
Safety and emergency protocols
Client training and usage instruction

7. MEDICAID & HCBS WAIVER PROGRAMS COVERING AT & ADAPTIVE AIDS

Assistive Technology and Adaptive Aids are reimbursed under:

MI Choice Waiver Program (for elderly and adults with disabilities)
Habilitation Supports Waiver (HSW) (for individuals with developmental disabilities)
Children’s Waiver Program (CWP) (for minors with severe disabilities)
Community Mental Health (CMH) Programs (for behavioral and developmental support)
Vocational Rehabilitation (MRS) Programs (for employment-related aids)

Covered services include:

Assessment and evaluation of device needs
Purchase or lease of adaptive devices
Installation and setup of equipment
User training and ongoing technical support
Maintenance and repair services

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Insurance Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: DME or AT License Application and Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 1–3 months

Phase: Staff Hiring and Credential Verification

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Equipment Procurement and Training Program Setup

Timeline: 1 month

Phase: Service Rollout and Client Onboarding

Timeline: Ongoing, based on client needs and referral volume

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Michigan Medicaid Provider Enrollment (CHAMPS)

https://milogintp.michigan.gov/

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

https://www.michigan.gov/lara

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)

https://www.michigan.gov/leo/

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Locator

https://www.michigan.gov/osa

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MICHIGAN ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER

WCG supports healthcare technology startups, rehabilitation specialists, and assistive device suppliers in launching licensed, Medicaid-approved AT and adaptive aid services across Michigan.

Scope of Work: