MI Choice is a home and community-based services (HCBS) program that assists Medicaid beneficiaries to receive long-term supports and services in their own homes. The National Poll on Aging confirmed that 88% of older adults prefer to age in place, in their own homes. The MI Choice program is managed by agents throughout Michigan, including fourteen Area Agencies on Aging. CareWell Services Southwest, the Region 3b Area Agency on Aging, is the administrator of the MI Choice program for individuals living in Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties.
MI Choice is less than one-half the cost of institutional alternatives, a significant value for the Medicaid program. Michigan’s enrollment is at a near program high, despite continued post-pandemic and direct care workforce challenges. In FY 2024, there were 16,324 MI Choice participants. In FY 2025, the average per diem cost for MI Choice enrollees was $114.58 per day, compared to the cost of the per diem rate at a nursing facility of $268.41.
The National Poll on Aging confirmed that 88% of older adults prefer to age in place, in their own homes. MI Choice assists older adults in living at home, whether that is house, apartment, condo, adult foster care, or a home for the aged.
When an individual is eligible for MI Choice, a team made up of a nurse and social worker will create a person-centered plan to help the individual identify their goals, preferences, and trusted people to include in their care. Every service plan is unique, based on each individual’s care needs and circumstances.
In order to qualify for the MI Choice program, individuals must be age 65, or older or age 18-64 living with a disability. Eligible individuals must meet Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC) criteria, determined by MI Department of Health and Human Services, and they must meet income and asset requirements for Medicaid eligibility.
We encourage your support for this valuable program that provides in-home supports coordination, nursing, respite, counseling, home delivered meals, transportation, medical equipment, and many other services our Medicaid beneficiaries need to remain in their homes and save the state money at the same time.