Home Help's core structure hasn't changed for 2026 — it's still a Medicaid state-plan entitlement with no waitlist, still allows self-direction, and still lets families choose a trusted caregiver. What's updated are the numbers underneath it, and a few enforcement details worth knowing before you apply or renew.
The updated 2026 pay rate
The self-directed individual caregiver rate for 2026 is $17.13 per hour, paid directly by the state. Caregivers placed with one of CarePay Michigan's licensed agency partners can earn up to $23 per hour instead, since agencies bill Medicaid at their own higher contracted rate. See our full 2026 pay guide for how that translates into real monthly pay.
Updated 2026 asset limits
Medicaid's asset limits for Home Help eligibility in 2026 are $9,950 for a single applicant and $14,910 for a married couple, with the primary home generally exempt up to $752,000 in equity. Families who were close to the limits in prior years should double-check current numbers rather than assume last year's figures still apply — our eligibility checklist reflects the current thresholds.
EVV enforcement is tighter in 2026
Electronic Visit Verification through HHAeXchange+ has been in place for several years, but 2026 has seen more consistent enforcement — meaning missed or incomplete clock-ins are more likely to actually delay payment than they may have in earlier, looser rollout years. See our EVV explainer if you're not yet clear on how it works.
What hasn't changed
The fundamentals remain the same: no enrollment cap or regional waitlist, spouses still can't be paid caregivers, adult children/siblings/grandchildren/friends still can, and the MDHHS-5534 home assessment is still the starting point for approval. If you looked into Home Help a few years ago and walked away, the program is still there — just with updated 2026 numbers worth a fresh look.
