State Medicaid Waiver Directory
Find your state's Katie Beckett waiver, TEFRA pathway, HCBS programs, and Medicaid eligibility rules for children and adults with disabilities. Each guide covers waitlists, application steps, income limits, and parent caregiver pay options.
For informational purposes only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Medicaid rules, eligibility, and waitlists change frequently. Always verify with your state's official Medicaid agency before making decisions. Cross-check with Medicaid.gov's official waiver page.
Michigan
Program Overview
Overview
Michigan has a clearly organized system through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Community Mental Health (CMH) system. Children with developmental disabilities often access services through CMH.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Michigan has a TEFRA program called the Home Care Children's (HCC) Program, which provides Medicaid coverage for children ages 0–18 with any type of disability who would otherwise require institutional care. Parental income is not counted. The program is not heavily advertised but has no waitlist and is open to children of all diagnoses. Apply through Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) at the Michigan MDHHS.
Child-relevant waivers
The MI Choice Waiver is Michigan's primary HCBS program for adults who are elderly or have physical disabilities and need nursing-facility level of care but choose to live in the community. MI Choice covers personal care, home health aide, adult day services, respite, homemaker services, and other community supports. Children with developmental disabilities primarily access services through the CMH system and the Habilitation Supports Waiver (HSW).
Eligibility
Who qualifies
HSW serves individuals with developmental disabilities who require ICF/ID level of care.
Financial and income rules
Michigan Medicaid financial eligibility applies. HSW has specific income and resource rules.
Level of care
ICF/ID level of care is required for HSW.
Age rules
HSW serves individuals of various ages including children. CMH services begin in childhood.
Getting Started
How to apply
Contact the local Community Mental Health agency for developmental disability services and HSW intake.
Documents needed
Developmental disability documentation, level-of-care assessment, and financial information are typically required.
Waitlist information
Michigan's HSW has historically had significant waitlists in some areas.
Practical next step
Contact the local CMH agency and ask about HSW intake, eligibility requirements, and current waitlist status.
Services & Support
Services available
HSW can cover residential services, community living supports, respite, day programs, and supported employment.
Parent caregiver pay
Michigan's Children's Waiver and Waiver for Children with SED do not pay legal guardians or legally responsible relatives, though other qualified relatives who meet provider qualifications may be paid. In the Habilitation Supports Waiver, relatives who are not legally responsible individuals may be paid for specific services, including respite, community living supports, overnight health and safety support, and private duty nursing.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
Michigan Assistive Technology Program (michigan.gov/leo/matp) — free device demonstrations, short-term loans, reuse programs, and AT funding information statewide.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
Michigan Medicaid covers behavioral health services through Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs) and local Community Mental Health Service Programs (CMHSPs). Covered services include outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis services, assertive community treatment, and supported employment. The Bureau of Community Mental Health Services (BCMHS) oversees public behavioral health. Children can access mental health services through the EPSDT benefit. CMHSPs provide local coordination and directly deliver many services.
Additional notes
Michigan's disability services are administered locally through CMH agencies, not through a central state office. Families should contact their local CMH agency first, since programs and waitlists can vary by county.
State-Specific Resources
Bay Cliff Health Camp — Therapeutic Summer Camp for Children with Disabilities
Bay Cliff Health Camp (baycliff.org), located in Big Bay on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is a therapeutic summer camp for children with physical disabilities and developmental differences. Everything at Bay Cliff is therapy — Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), and Speech-Language Therapy are integrated directly into camp activities using a Push-In Therapy Model, meaning campers receive licensed therapy while living and playing at camp. Campers work on independence, mobility, communication, fine motor skills, sensory integration, and life skills alongside their peers. Bay Cliff serves children who benefit from intensive therapy in a fun, residential camp environment. Financial assistance is available.
Sources
Community Tips & Experience
Comments reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual community members only. They do not represent the views, positions, or endorsements of National Disability Resource Project or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliated members. Always verify information with official agencies and qualified professionals before making decisions.
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