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Michigan Medicaid Choice Waiver Program
What are Medicaid Waivers?
Medicaid pays for long term care services in nursing homes. For nursing home qualified persons that choose to live at home or in a residential community, Medicaid will pay for those services if they can be obtained at a lower cost. These are called Home and Community Based Services, Waiver Funded Services, Medicaid Waivers or simply Waivers.
Michigan’s Choice Waiver Program Overview
This Michigan, Medicaid waiver allows eligible seniors that require nursing home level care, to receive that care in their homes or in the community. This waiver was formerly referred to as the Home and Community Based Services for the Elderly and Disabled (HCBS/ED) waiver program.
Under this waiver, participants have the choice of having the state manage their care services or they can self-direct their care services. This option is referred to Self Determination in LTC and is based on the Medicaid Cash and Counseling model. Family members, such as the adult children, can be hired to provide care services; they can be paid caregivers.
Under this waiver, participants have the choice of having the state manage their care services or they can self-direct their care services. This option is referred to Self Determination in LTC and is based on the Medicaid Cash and Counseling model. Family members, such as the adult children, can be hired to provide care services; they can be paid caregivers.
Qualifications for the Choice Waiver Program
In addition to being a 65+ years old Michigan resident and qualified for nursing home care, persons must be financially qualified to receive Medicaid.
Qualifying for Medicaid is a complicated process involving a review of a family’s income, assets and asset transfers as far back as 5 years. The rules change in each state but typically monthly income cannot exceed $2,000 and one's countable assets must be valued at less $1,000 - $8,000. IMPORTANT* Even though, one's income or assets may exceed these limits, most individuals can still qualify for Medicaid.
Many families find themselves in an awkward position where their loved one has enough income and assets that they do not qualify for Medicaid but not enough so that they can afford to pay for their care. Fortunately, there are many exceptions to what is considered income and countable assets. For example, one's car and home can be considered exempt from their countable assets. Income in excess of the limit can be allocated to a pooled income trust thereby enabling the individual to meet the Medicaid limit and qualify for assistance.
Creating a funeral trust is another simple and common technique used to help qualify for Medicaid. Given the expense of funerals and the fact that everyone will eventually require one, it makes sense to allocate money in advance to cover the funeral and associated expenses. A funeral trust is considered an exempt asset from Medicaid, therefore by creating one, a family can prepare for an inevitable need without having to plan the details and lower their countable assets to help qualify for Medicaid. Learn more about establishing a funeral trust.
Not qualifying for Medicaid can be devastating to the comfort of an individual, their family’s finances and even their health. For these reasons, Medicaid planners exist to ensure families have the best chance of acceptance into the program. With care costing $1000’s / month, there is a strong incentive to use a Medicaid Planner. Find assistance applying for Medicaid.
Qualifying for Medicaid is a complicated process involving a review of a family’s income, assets and asset transfers as far back as 5 years. The rules change in each state but typically monthly income cannot exceed $2,000 and one's countable assets must be valued at less $1,000 - $8,000. IMPORTANT* Even though, one's income or assets may exceed these limits, most individuals can still qualify for Medicaid.
Many families find themselves in an awkward position where their loved one has enough income and assets that they do not qualify for Medicaid but not enough so that they can afford to pay for their care. Fortunately, there are many exceptions to what is considered income and countable assets. For example, one's car and home can be considered exempt from their countable assets. Income in excess of the limit can be allocated to a pooled income trust thereby enabling the individual to meet the Medicaid limit and qualify for assistance.
Creating a funeral trust is another simple and common technique used to help qualify for Medicaid. Given the expense of funerals and the fact that everyone will eventually require one, it makes sense to allocate money in advance to cover the funeral and associated expenses. A funeral trust is considered an exempt asset from Medicaid, therefore by creating one, a family can prepare for an inevitable need without having to plan the details and lower their countable assets to help qualify for Medicaid. Learn more about establishing a funeral trust.
Not qualifying for Medicaid can be devastating to the comfort of an individual, their family’s finances and even their health. For these reasons, Medicaid planners exist to ensure families have the best chance of acceptance into the program. With care costing $1000’s / month, there is a strong incentive to use a Medicaid Planner. Find assistance applying for Medicaid.
Services Provided under the Choice Waiver Program
- Homemaker services
- Respite services
- Adult day care
- Environmental modifications
- Transportation
- Medical supplies and equipment not covered under the Medicaid State Plan
- Chore services
- Personal emergency response systems
- Private duty nursing
- Counseling
- Home delivered meals
- Training in a variety of independent living skills
- Personal care supervision
Michigan Choice Waiver Program Availability
This program is available statewide across Michigan.
Use our Locator Tool to Find Other Options for which You're Eligible
