PERSONAL CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN MICHIGAN

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 27
3 min read

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH ASSISTANCE WITH DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES OR CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS

Personal Care Services (PCS) in Michigan are essential supports that help individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related limitations maintain their independence and quality of life. 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: Administers Medicaid and HCBS waivers, including personal care services

Agency: Michigan Medicaid Health Plans (MHPs)

Role: Authorize and manage personal care services through managed care plans

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and funding for 1915(c) waiver programs covering personal care

Agency: Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)

Role: Coordinate personal care services for seniors under the MI Choice Waiver

2. PERSONAL CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Personal care services involve non-medical assistance with daily living tasks and mobility to ensure safety and independence. These services may be provided in the individual’s home, a community setting, or a residential care facility.

Core services include:

Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):
- Bathing, grooming, and personal hygiene
- Dressing and undressing
- Mobility assistance (transfers, ambulation)
- Toileting and incontinence care
Assistance with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs):
- Meal preparation and feeding assistance
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Medication reminders (non-clinical)
- Accompaniment to appointments and errands

Personal care plans must be individualized and documented in the participant’s Plan of Care (POC) or Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP).

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
Obtain a Home Help Agency License from MDHHS
Secure general liability and workers’ compensation insurance
Develop HIPAA-compliant documentation practices
Conduct background checks and training for all personal care aides

If providing care under the MI Choice Waiver:

You must meet additional requirements related to elder care and support coordination.

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Apply for Home Help Agency License

Submit your application to MDHHS:

MDHHS Provider Enrollment Portal

Step 2: Register with Michigan Medicaid

Enroll through the CHAMPS system: CHAMPS Login

Step 3: Complete Managed Care Organization (MCO) Credentialing

Partner with MHPs or waiver programs to ensure network inclusion

Step 4: Prepare for State Inspection

Ensure compliance with safety, staffing, and client rights standards

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or DBA registration
IRS EIN and NPI confirmations
Proof of insurance coverage (liability, workers' comp)
Personal Care Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Client intake and assessment templates
- Daily activity logs and shift documentation forms
- Incident reporting and emergency protocols
- Personal hygiene and ADL assistance guidelines
- Client rights and consent forms
- Staff credentialing logs and training records
- Billing logs and audit-ready documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Personal Care Aide (PCA)

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; CPR/First Aid training; experience in caregiving preferred; background checks required

Role: Program Supervisor / Care Coordinator

Requirements: Experience in home care management or social services; oversees PCA scheduling, documentation, and care quality

Mandatory Training Topics:

Infection control and hygiene practices
Safe transfer and mobility techniques
Person-centered care and dignity maintenance
HIPAA and client confidentiality
Abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevention
Cultural competency and communication

7. MEDICAID & HCBS WAIVER PROGRAMS COVERING PERSONAL CARE

Personal care services are reimbursable under:

MI Choice Waiver Program (supports seniors and adults with disabilities)
MI Health Link (integrated care for dual-eligibles)
Home Help Program (provides ADL/IADL assistance)
Habilitation Supports Waiver (HSW) (for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities)
Community Mental Health (CMH) Programs (for behavioral health support)

Services must be:

Authorized through the POC or PCSP
Non-duplicative of other Medicaid or waiver benefits
Delivered by trained and supervised PCAs
Billed according to Medicaid rules and authorized units

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Licensing

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and MI Choice Waiver Credentialing

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring and Training

Timeline: 4–6 weeks

Phase: Client Intake and Service Rollout

Timeline: Ongoing, based on referrals and caseload availability

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

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Locator

https://www.michigan.gov/osa

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MICHIGAN PERSONAL CARE SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports home care agencies, healthcare entrepreneurs, and independent caregivers in launching licensed, Medicaid-approved personal care services across Michigan.

Scope of Work: