Does the MI Choice waiver pay for in-home care?
Key facts
- Program type
- Medicaid 1915(c) HCBS waiver
- Functional test
- Nursing-facility level of care
- Approximate income limit (single)
- ~$2,829/mo (2026, verify current)
- Asset limit (single)
- $2,000 countable assets
- Entry point in SE Michigan
- AAA 1-B Waiver Agent
MI Choice is Michigan’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) 1915(c) waiver. It exists so seniors who would otherwise be admitted to a nursing home can instead receive equivalent supports at home. Coverage includes personal care, homemaker services, respite care, adult day services, home modifications, and case management.
To qualify, the applicant must meet two tests. First, a functional test — nursing-facility level of care, established through an in-home assessment. Second, a financial test — income under the Medicaid long-term care limit (2026 threshold ~$2,829/month for a single applicant; spousal impoverishment rules apply) and countable assets under $2,000 (single) or the community-spouse resource limit.
Applications go through the regional Waiver Agent — for Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties this is AAA 1-B. Waiting lists exist in some regions. Once enrolled, a Supports Coordinator writes the care plan and authorizes hours with a participating provider.
MI Choice is not the same as Medicare and is not the same as private pay. Families whose income or assets exceed the limits typically pay privately (Personal Care $29–$37/hr, typical 2026 SE Michigan agency rate) or use long-term care insurance while a Medicaid application is in process.
For the full breakdown, see the cornerstone: Paying for Home Care guide.
Related questions
- Is there a waiting list?
- Sometimes, depending on region and current funding. Apply as soon as eligibility looks likely — the assessment itself takes weeks.
- Can I use MI Choice with a specific agency?
- Yes, but the agency must be an enrolled MI Choice provider in your region.
- What if my parent is over the income limit?
- Michigan uses a "Medicaid income trust" (Miller trust) to bring qualifying income under the cap in some cases. An elder-law attorney can set this up.
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