COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN MICHIGAN

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 27
3 min read

PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORT

Community Integration Services in Michigan are designed to support individuals with disabilities by promoting independence, social engagement, and community participation. These services are authorized under the Michigan Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and must follow protocols set by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Role: Oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and Medicaid compliance.
Agency: Michigan Medicaid Agency
Role: Handles Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for Community Integration Services.
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with HCBS waiver rules.

2. SERVICE OVERVIEW

Community Integration Services focus on helping individuals become active and engaged members of their communities. These services facilitate participation in social, recreational, educational, and vocational activities as outlined in each person-centered plan.

Approved providers may deliver:

Skill-building for community participation (e.g., using public transportation, social interactions)
Supported access to community resources (e.g., libraries, recreational centers)
Facilitated peer interactions and social skills training
Assistance with volunteer and employment opportunities
Monitoring of community involvement and progress
Documentation of individual achievements and community engagement

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Maintain a physical office or service location in Michigan.
Demonstrate experience in community support, social services, or rehabilitation.
Hire staff trained in social engagement, community outreach, and individualized support.
Develop protocols for community engagement and safety during activities.

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Community Integration Services Provider Application Packet from MDHHS.
Submit a business plan detailing how community activities will be facilitated and monitored.
Include policies for safety during community engagement and skill-building activities.

Background & Credentialing:

Background checks for staff involved in community support.
Verification of skills in social services, community engagement, or rehabilitation.
Proof of training in person-centered care and community safety.

Program Readiness Review:

Demonstrate readiness to support individuals in various community settings.
Establish protocols for documentation of community involvement and progress.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate.
IRS EIN Letter.
NPI confirmation.
Lease or proof of office location in Michigan.
MDHHS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Community engagement and safety protocols.
- Skill-building and social integration plans.
- Documentation of client participation and outcomes.
- Financial tracking and client service logs.

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Community Program Coordinator

Requirements: Experience in community outreach, social work, or rehabilitation.

Role: Community Support Specialist

Requirements: Training in social skills development and community integration.

Role: Activity Facilitator

Requirements: Experience leading group activities and social engagement initiatives.

All staff must complete:

MDHHS orientation and HCBS Waiver training.
Annual training on community safety, social skills, and client interaction.
Confidentiality, ethics, and client rights training.

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Michigan Medicaid Waivers that authorize Community Integration Services include:

MI Choice Waiver
Habilitation Supports Waiver
Children’s Waiver Program

Approved providers may deliver:

Skill-building and social integration
Community navigation and resource connection
Volunteer and vocational support

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 0–1 week

Phase: MDHHS Application Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Training and Community Partnership Development

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 60–90 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Division of Community Services
Email: communityprovider@michigan.gov
Phone: (517) 335-1980
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs
Michigan Medicaid Agency – Waiver Services
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs (shared portal with MDHHS)