Call Us Now
Email Us Now
Finding ways to pay for home health care can feel overwhelming. In Michigan, there are several options that can help cover costs, depending on your health needs, income, and assets. The information below is written in clear terms to help individuals and families understand the basics and start planning.
Medicare: Short-Term and Skilled Care
Medicare may pay for part-time or intermittent skilled nursing, physical therapy, or occupational therapy at home if it is medically necessary and ordered by a doctor. Medicare does not generally pay for long-term, non-medical “custodial” care such as help with bathing, dressing, or meal prep. Coverage is strongest after a hospital stay or when there is a need for skilled services. Always confirm the home health agency is Medicare-certified.
Medicaid and MI Choice Waiver
Michigan Medicaid can help with long-term home-based care for those who meet both medical and financial eligibility. The MI Choice Waiver program can fund in-home supports such as personal care, homemaking, respite, and adult day services to help people remain at home rather than enter a nursing facility. Eligibility considers income, assets, and a level-of-care assessment. Spousal protections and asset-planning strategies may be available to help a married couple qualify while preserving assets for the healthy spouse.
Veterans’ Benefits (VA and Aid & Attendance)
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for VA benefits that can help pay for home care. The VA Aid & Attendance or Housebound benefits may provide a monthly payment to help with everyday care needs. VA health care may also cover Home and Community-Based Services, including skilled home health and in-home caregiver support, depending on eligibility and priority group.
Long-Term Care Insurance
If you have a long-term care (LTC) insurance policy, review it for home care benefits. Many policies cover a set daily or monthly amount for home health aides, nursing, and therapy once you meet “benefit triggers,” such as needing help with activities of daily living or having a cognitive impairment. Check elimination periods, maximum benefits, and whether your chosen agency is approved.
PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)
PACE is available in many parts of Michigan for eligible adults 55+ who meet nursing home level of care but can safely live at home. PACE coordinates medical care, therapies, medications, and in-home support. It can be a comprehensive alternative to piecing together multiple programs. Financial rules vary; Medicaid-eligible participants typically pay little to nothing.
Area Agency on Aging and Local Resources
Michigan’s Area Agencies on Aging can connect families with caregiver support, respite, chore services, and limited funding sources. These services may not cover all costs but can reduce the burden. Nonprofits, faith-based groups, and county senior millage programs may also offer limited home care assistance.
Private Pay and Family Contributions
Many families combine private pay with public benefits. Strategies include using savings, pensions, Social Security, annuities, home equity lines of credit, or reverse mortgages. If family members share costs, put a simple caregiver agreement in writing to avoid misunderstandings and to document payments for Medicaid planning.
Caregiver Agreements and Medicaid Planning
Well-drafted caregiver agreements can allow payment to a family caregiver for services at a fair market rate and help track care costs. In Michigan, proper documentation is critical to avoid Medicaid transfer penalties later. Timing, recordkeeping, and contract terms matter.
Protecting the Home and Spouse
Medicaid rules can allow the spouse at home to keep the residence and a portion of income and assets. Other tools, like Lady Bird deeds (enhanced life estate deeds), can help with estate planning and may avoid probate, while maintaining Medicaid eligibility when carefully structured.
We’re Here to Help
Home care financing in Michigan involves complex rules, strict documentation, and important timing decisions. To protect assets, qualify for the right programs, and build a sustainable care plan, consult an elder law attorney. Contact our law firm to map out your options and implement a plan that meets your family’s needs.
