Michigans Great Southwest
Mi Choice Waiver | Print |  Email

Managing and coordinating care in the home

wheelchairpatient20caregiver.jpgThe Mi Choice Waiver program is a comprehensive, community-based program designed specifically for low income persons who need nursing-home level of care. The goal is to provide individuals with a choice to remain living independently in the community with services, instead of going to a nursing home.

Adults who meet the income, asset and level of care requirements can receive the services they need to remain living in their own home, the home of a caregiver or in a residential setting such as an assisted living facility, adult foster care home or home for the aged. All Mi Choice Waiver services are Medicaid funded.

Eligibility Requirements:

Residence:
Mi Choice Waiver Clients must live in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren county.

Financial:
An individual's income must be less than $2,130 per month (2013). Client spouse income is not considered. Allowable assets for an individual are limited to $2,000. If the client has a community spouse, the federal spousal impoverishment protection guidelines apply. The protected spousal asset is one-half of the couple's countable assets. Some limits apply and amounts are subject to change.

Medical
Medical status must meet the Michigan Medicaid nursing facility level of care determination criteria.

Service Need
In addition to the other requrements, Mi Choice Waiver clients must need at least one Mi Choice Waiver service on an ongoing basis. These services include:
   

  • Home Delivered Meals
  • Personal Care
  • Respite Care (for caregivers)
  • Adult Day Care
  • Transportation (errands)
  • Self Determination
  • Counseling
  • Chore (heavy household jobs)
  • Environmental & Home Modifications
  • Private Duty Nursing
  • Personal Emergency Response Systems
  • Medical Equipment and Supplies
How does a person become a Medicaid Waiver client?
All persons referred to the program receive a telephone interview to assist in determining eligibility for an in-home assessment.  An individual not eligible for the assessment is assisted by a qualified Information and Assistance Specialist.  If the person is eligible for the assessment, a nurse and social worker visit the home for a detailed assessment.  The nurse and social worker will evaluate the individual’s physical and mental health, functional status, informal and formal supports, home environment, financial resources, and other resources.  An eligibility specialist will submit the application for Medicaid and formal services.

Phone:
(800) 654-2810 to inquire about the Mi Choice Waiver program.

Referral:
Click Here to print a form to make a referral to the Mi Choice Waiver Program.