If you or a loved one is eligible for Medicaid and needs long-term care in Michigan, you may have heard about programs or services that help people stay at home instead of moving into a nursing facility. One of those programs is the MI Choice 1915(c) Waiver Program. It helps eligible older adults and those with physical disabilities receive care in the comfort of their home or community.

In This Article

• What Is the MI Choice Waiver?
• Who Qualifies for the MI Choice Waiver?
• What Services Does the MI Choice Waiver Cover?
• Does the MI Choice Waiver Have a Waiting List?
• Why the MI Choice Waiver Matters for Michigan Families

What Is the MI Choice Waiver Program?

The MI Choice 1915(c) Waiver Program is part of the Medicaid program in Michigan that helps older adults and people with disabilities receive care at home instead of in a nursing facility. It provides home and community-based services for individuals who are eligible and require a certain level of care in their daily life.

To qualify, an individual must meet what Michigan calls a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC) clinical eligibility criteria. This means a person needs enough help with their health or daily activities that would typically require the level of care provided in a nursing facility. A formal assessment considers their medical condition, ability to complete everyday activities, cognitive needs, and the amount of support they require to stay safe. Meeting this requirement does not mean someone must move into a nursing home. Instead, it helps determine whether they qualify to receive services at home through the waiver.

Who Qualifies for the MI Choice Waiver?

The MI Choice Waiver is designed for Michigan residents who need long-term care but want to remain in their homes or communities whenever possible. To qualify, individuals must meet both Medicaid financial eligibility requirements and the program’s clinical eligibility criteria.

Generally, the person receiving care must:

• Be enrolled in Medicaid. 
• Be aged 65+ or aged 18+ with a physical disability. 
• Meet Michigan’s Nursing Facility Level of Care criteria through a formal assessment. 
• Choose to receive MI Choice Waiver services in the community.

Because every person’s health, financial situation, and support system are different, eligibility is determined on an individual basis. Meeting one requirement does not automatically qualify someone for the program. Families who believe they may qualify should contact their local MI Choice Waiver agency to begin the assessment process.

What Services Does the MI Choice Waiver Cover?

The MI Choice Waiver offers a range of home and community-based services designed to help people remain at home while safely meeting their health and daily living needs. The exact services someone receives may depend on their individual assessment and care plan.

Depending on a person’s needs, MI Choice participants may receive services including, but not limited to:

• Adult day health services 
• Community living supports 
• Community transportation 
• Counseling
• Home-delivered meals 
• Nursing services
• Respite care 
• Specialized medical equipment and supplies 

These services work together to address many of the challenges that come with aging or living with a disability. Community transportation can help someone attend medical appointments. Respite care gives family caregivers time to rest or manage other responsibilities, while home modifications may reduce fall risks. By offering multiple services based on each person’s needs, the MI Choice Waiver supports both participants and the family members who care for them.

Does the MI Choice Waiver Have a Waiting List?

Some people may experience a waiting list for the MI Choice Waiver. Availability depends on factors such as program capacity, funding, and the number of waiver slots available through local waiver agencies. Because capacity varies across Michigan, wait times can differ from one region to another.

Families can prepare by gathering important medical and financial documents, talking with doctors about care needs, and reaching out to their local waiver agency as early as possible. While families may not be able to avoid being placed on a waiting list, starting the conversation early can help them better understand eligibility requirements and available services before care needs become more urgent.

Why the MI Choice Waiver Matters for Michigan Families

Many people want to remain in their homes for as long as possible, even as their care needs change. Home-based care allows individuals to stay connected to their families, neighbors, communities, routines, and comforts of their daily lives. Programs like the MI Choice Waiver make this possible by bringing services into the home rather than requiring care to take place in a nursing facility.

Medicaid serves millions of residents, including older adults, people with disabilities, children, and more. As Michigan’s population continues to age, the need for home- and community-based services continues to grow. Waiver programs play an important role in helping states provide long-term care options that better match what many families want: support that allows loved ones to remain at home.

Programs like the MI Choice Waiver also support family caregivers, who often provide most of the day-to-day care. At Careforth, we work with families by offering coaching, guidance, and other resources that help caregivers feel more confident and supported throughout their caregiving journey. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the MI Choice Waiver or looking for additional support at home, understanding your options is an important first step.