Pursuant to requirements under Public Act 63 we wish to communicate to families and
caregivers that the Home Help Services program will change effective October 1, 2011.
This program will experience drastic reductions in funding due to the budget problems
that the State of Michigan is currently experiencing.
The Michigan Department of Community Health mailed notices to all families and
caregivers that provide Home Help Services to recipients on September 1, 2011. Please
read carefully what your notice is stating. In brief, the most important aspect of this
notice from MDCH is the Medicaid Beneficiary receiving services and Care Provider
must be available when their specialist notifies them of the home visit to observe and
determine eligibility to continue reimbursement for services provided. It appears there
will be no exceptions to re schedule a visit due to a lack of flexibility with the scheduled
appointment and time from the specialist.
Caregivers, parents and guardians beware, the State is looking to cut this much needed
program, so it is imperative that you flex your schedule to be available when you receive
notification of the date and time your specialist will be visiting.
As a reminder, the criteria to receive reimbursement would be that one or more ofthe
following Instrumental Activities of Daily Living to Medicaid Beneficiaries must be met.
They include, eating, going to the bathroom, taking a bath, grooming, getting dressed and
undressed, moving from one place to another (mobility), taking medicine, cooking meals,
shopping for food and doing housework and laundry. As stated earlier, read your notice
carefully as it lists the criteria that you are currently being reimbursed for, and what will
be observed during the visit from the specialist.
The State of Michigan has already cut 40,000 recipients from this program, and clearly
stated they anticipate cutting more. The State has also implied that meeting the criteria is
not a guarantee to continue benefits to individuals. If you lose your benefits, you will
want to immediately submit an appeal.
Hope you find this information helpful and should anyone need assistance, contact the
Arc at 734-282-0710.
