HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN MICHIGAN

DELIVERING MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL IN-HOME SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, CHRONIC CONDITIONS, OR RECOVERY NEEDS

Home Health Care Services in Michigan provide medical and non-medical care to individuals who prefer to receive support at home rather than in a hospital or long-term care facility. 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: Oversees Medicaid-funded home health services and HCBS waiver programs

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and funding through 1915(c) waivers and Medicaid state plans

Agency: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

Role: Issues licenses to home health care agencies and ensures compliance with state regulations

Agency: Michigan Board of Nursing

Role: Licenses RNs, LPNs, and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) working in home care

Agency: Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)

Role: Coordinate home health services for seniors under the MI Choice Waiver

2. HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Home health care services are designed to help individuals maintain or regain health and independence while remaining at home. Services are delivered by licensed healthcare professionals or trained caregivers, based on a physician’s order and documented in a Plan of Care (POC).

Medical Home Health Services:

• Skilled nursing (wound care, IV therapy, medication management)

• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

• Medical social services (counseling and community linkage)

• Chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)

• Post-surgical and rehabilitation care

• Health monitoring and care coordination

Non-Medical Home Care Services:

• Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

  • Bathing, grooming, and dressing

  • Mobility assistance and transfers

  • Toileting and personal hygiene

• Help with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

  • Meal preparation and feeding assistance

  • Light housekeeping and laundry

  • Medication reminders (non-clinical)

  • Escort to medical appointments

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 professional liability and general liability insurance

• Obtain a Home Health Agency License from LARA

• Hire licensed professionals (RNs, LPNs, CNAs) and non-medical caregivers

• Implement HIPAA-compliant documentation practices

• Develop a Home Health Care Policy & Procedure Manual

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Apply for a Home Health Agency License

Submit your application through the LARA Licensing Portal:

https://www.michigan.gov/lara

Step 2: Enroll with Michigan Medicaid

Complete the process via the CHAMPS system:

https://milogintp.michigan.gov/

Step 3: Complete Waiver Program Enrollment

Work with local AAAs or Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs) to become an authorized home care provider under HCBS waivers

Step 4: Finalize Credentialing and Contracting

Submit staff credentials and service descriptions to meet waiver and Medicaid standards

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or business registration

• IRS EIN and NPI confirmations

• Proof of LARA home health agency license

• Proof of insurance (general and professional liability)

• Home Health Care Policy & Procedure Manual, including:

  • Admission and intake assessment forms

  • Individual care plan templates and nursing notes

  • Incident reporting and emergency response protocols

  • Staff training logs and licensure verification

  • Medication administration records (MARs)

  • Client rights and confidentiality agreements

  • Billing logs and audit-ready documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Registered Nurse (RN)

Requirements: Valid Michigan RN license; CPR certification; clinical experience; background checks

Role: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Requirements: Michigan LPN license; supervised by an RN; experience in home care

Role: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Requirements: Michigan CNA certification; experience with ADLs and patient safety

Role: Home Health Aide (HHA)

Requirements: Completion of a state-approved training program; basic caregiving skills

Role: Physical/Occupational Therapist (PT/OT)

Requirements: State licensure and certification; experience in home rehabilitation

Required Trainings:

• Infection control and hygiene

• HIPAA compliance and client confidentiality

• Safe transfer and mobility techniques

• Person-centered care and ADL support

• Abuse, neglect, and mandatory reporting

• Medication safety and administration (for nurses)

7. MEDICAID & HCBS WAIVER PROGRAMS COVERING HOME HEALTH CARE

Home health care services are reimbursable under:

• MI Choice Waiver Program (for elderly and disabled adults)

• Medicaid State Plan Home Health Services

• Habilitation Supports Waiver (HSW) (for individuals with developmental disabilities)

• Community Mental Health (CMH) Programs (for behavioral health support)

• Medicare (if eligible)

Services must be:

• Prescribed by a physician

• Medically necessary and documented in a POC

• Delivered by qualified, licensed professionals

• Billed according to Medicaid and waiver-specific codes

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Insurance Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Home Health License Application and Inspection

Timeline: 2–4 months

Phase: Medicaid and Waiver Program Enrollment

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring and Credential Verification

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Service Rollout and Client Onboarding

Timeline: Ongoing based on referrals and physician orders

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 Board of Nursing

https://www.michigan.gov/lara

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Locator

https://www.michigan.gov/osa

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MICHIGAN HOME HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

WCG supports healthcare agencies, nurse entrepreneurs, and caregiving businesses in launching licensed, Medicaid-approved home health care services across Michigan.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration and LARA licensing guidance

• Medicaid and MI Choice waiver enrollment support

• Home Health Care Policy & Procedure Manual development

• Clinical staffing and training resources

• Referral coordination with hospitals and discharge planners

• Billing setup for Medicaid, Medicare, and private pay clients

• Compliance with CMS Conditions of Participation (CoPs)

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.