Families sometimes assume switching agencies means starting the whole Home Help process over — new assessment, new approval, new wait. It doesn't. Your loved one's Home Help eligibility and approved hours belong to them, not to the agency, so those carry over to a new provider.
What stays the same when you switch
The MDHHS-5534 assessment, the approved monthly hours, and your loved one's underlying Medicaid eligibility are unaffected by which agency delivers the care. What changes is simply who the caregiver works for and who's billing for the visits.
The switching process, step by step
Typically: notify the current agency (most require some notice, often two weeks), confirm the new agency can take on the case and has availability in your area, and coordinate the transition date so there's no gap in coverage. The new agency handles updating the billing relationship on their end — you generally don't need to go back through MDHHS for this.
Red flags that mean it's time to switch
Frequent no-shows or last-minute cancellations, high caregiver turnover with no continuity, poor communication, or concerns about the quality of care are the most common reasons families move on. Our agency checklist covers what to ask before committing to a new one, so the switch actually solves the problem.
How CarePay Michigan helps with a switch
If you're unhappy with your current agency, our licensed partners in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County can typically pick up an existing case without restarting your loved one's approval process. Reach out through our eligibility check and mention you're looking to switch, not apply for the first time — it speeds up the conversation considerably.
