Michigan’s Home Help individual caregiver rate increased from $15.88 to $17.13 per hour effective January 1, 2026. MDHHS materials explain that the change reflects the state minimum wage increase to $13.73 per hour, together with a $3.40 direct care worker wage component.
The $17.13 figure applies to individual caregivers in the Michigan Medicaid Home Help program for eligible services provided on or after January 1, 2026. It is not a statewide minimum wage for all caregivers, and it is not a required hourly price or reimbursement rate for every private-pay home-care agency.
Families should understand that Medicaid program rates and private-pay home-care prices are different. A private agency’s price may reflect caregiver wages, payroll taxes, insurance, training, supervision, scheduling, administration and the level of service provided.
Anyone participating in Home Help should refer to current MDHHS program materials for the applicable rate and eligibility rules. Rates and program policies can change, so providers should verify current information before billing or making employment decisions.
