Last updated 2026-07-25
TL;DR
Michigan's Bureau of Community and Health Systems licenses adult foster care (AFC) homes for adults who need supervision or personal care but not skilled nursing. The state offers three categories: small (1-6 residents), medium (7-12), and large (13-20). Application takes 90-120 days and costs $215-$645 depending on size. You'll need CPR, first aid, and 40 hours of state-approved training before opening, plus fingerprint-based background checks for all staff.
What is adult foster care in Michigan, and who qualifies?
Adult foster care in Michigan means a private home or facility licensed to provide room, board, supervision, and personal care to adults who can't fully care for themselves. It is not nursing care. The Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCAL), part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, licenses three tiers: small group homes (1-6 residents), medium facilities (7-12), and large facilities (13-20). Residents are adults 18 and older who need help with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, medication reminders, meal preparation, or supervision due to physical limitations, developmental disabilities, or mental illness. Michigan explicitly excludes people who require continuous skilled nursing, 24-hour dementia care that the home can't staff for, or individuals whose behavior poses a danger the staff cannot manage. Each resident must have a service plan reviewed by a case manager or responsible agency. Adult foster care is distinct from nursing homes. Nursing homes deliver skilled nursing care around the clock, and Medicare covers short-term stays after hospitalization for rehab. Adult foster care offers personal care and supervision, not nursing, and Medicare does not pay for it [1]. Medicaid does cover AFC through Michigan's Home and Community Based Services waiver programs, which we'll cover later.
What is the difference between adult foster care, assisted living, and nursing homes?
Michigan uses "adult foster care" as its official regulatory term for what many states call assisted living or residential care. Here's the breakdown: Adult foster care (Michigan's term): Licensed by BCAL for 1-20 residents, provides personal care, meals, medication assistance, and supervision in a home or facility setting. Staff need not be nurses; they complete state training. Residents have ADL needs but not continuous skilled nursing needs. Assisted living (general term): In most states, assisted living means a private apartment with services, often marketed toward seniors who pay privately or with long-term care insurance. Michigan doesn't have a separate assisted living license; those operations fall under AFC licensure. If you see "assisted living" advertised in Michigan, the building is licensed as an AFC home. Nursing home (skilled nursing facility): Requires an RN on duty, delivers doctor-ordered treatments, administers IV medications, manages ventilators or tube feeding, and provides rehabilitation therapy. Medicare pays for post-hospital stays up to 100 days if you meet criteria; Medicaid covers long-term nursing home care for eligible residents [1]. Adult foster care homes cannot provide these services. The practical difference: Adult foster care homes help people who need daily assistance and supervision but whose medical needs don't require an RN. Nursing homes handle complex or continuous medical care. Cost matters too. Michigan Medicaid's adult foster care daily rate averaged $60.96 per day (about $1,829 per month) in 2024, while nursing home Medicaid rates averaged $235 per day (about $7,050 per month) [2] [3].
What are Michigan's three adult foster care license categories?
Michigan divides AFC licenses by capacity: Small group home (1-6 residents): Often a single-family house where the owner or a live-in manager acts as caregiver. One staff member on duty when residents are home. License application fee is $215 for the first year; renewal is $150 annually. These homes are popular in suburban and rural counties, and zoning typically treats them like single-family residences if you stay at or under six residents. Medium facility (7-12 residents): Requires two staff on duty whenever residents are present. Application fee is $430 for year one, $345 renewal. You need a larger building and more detailed staffing schedules. Some operators convert duplexes or small apartment buildings. Large facility (13-20 residents): Three staff members on duty at all times residents are present. Application fee is $645 first year, $540 renewal. These look and operate more like small institutional buildings. Fire codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act kick in with more force at this size, so construction and accessibility budgets climb. All three categories follow the same core rules: resident service plans, medication management protocols, dietary standards, activity programming, and quarterly case reviews. Staff training hours and background-check requirements are identical across sizes. The main differences are staffing ratios, fees, and building codes.
How do I start an adult foster care home in Michigan?
Starting an AFC home in Michigan involves seven major steps. Budget 90 to 120 days from application to opening, assuming you already own or lease a suitable property. 1. Complete pre-licensure training: You and any designee (the person managing day-to-day operations) must finish 40 hours of BCAL-approved adult foster care training before you submit your application [4]. Topics include resident rights, medication administration, nutrition, fire safety, and infection control. The Michigan Adult Foster Care Association and community colleges offer these courses; cost ranges from $200 to $500. 2. Find and secure a property: Confirm your city or township allows adult foster care in your zone. Most municipalities permit small homes (six or fewer) in single-family residential zones without a special-use permit. Larger homes often require commercial or conditional-use zoning. Call your local zoning office early. Lease or purchase agreements should be contingent on license approval. 3. Submit the application packet to BCAL: Use the AFC licensing application available on the Michigan.gov website. You'll provide proof of training completion, building floor plans, a list of all household members and staff (with dates of birth), and documentation of your criminal background check and fingerprinting. Application fees are $215 (1-6 beds), $430 (7-12), or $645 (13-20), paid by check or money order to "State of Michigan." 4. Pass the pre-licensure inspection: A BCAL licensing consultant schedules an on-site visit within 30 days of receiving your complete application. The inspector checks fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, exit routes, kitchen equipment, hot water temperature (not above 120°F at the tap), bedroom square footage (80 sq ft per resident in a shared room, 70 sq ft for single occupancy), adequate toilets and bathing facilities (one toilet per eight residents, one tub or shower per 10), handrails, and medication storage. Most first-time applicants receive a list of minor corrections; you fix them and request a follow-up. 5. Obtain final approvals: Once the physical plant passes, you receive a provisional license (initially six months). BCAL also coordinates with local fire and health departments, though the consultant often bundles those inspections during the initial visit. 6. Hire and train staff: Every employee undergoes fingerprint-based criminal background checks through the Michigan State Police and FBI, costing about $55 per person [5]. Staff complete CPR and first aid certification before they work unsupervised shifts. You must also provide 12 hours of in-service training per year to each employee, documented in individual training files. 7. Admit your first residents: Residents arrive with a pre-admission assessment from a case manager (for Medicaid-funded residents) or a licensed clinician (for private-pay). You write an individualized service plan within seven days of admission and update it every 90 days or when the resident's condition changes. A licensing kit that organizes your state's forms, policy templates, and inspection checklists into one roadmap can cut the preparation time in half, especially if you're juggling property search and training courses at the same time.
What are the staffing and training requirements?
Michigan requires one staff member on duty per shift for small homes (1-6 residents), two for medium (7-12), and three for large facilities (13-20), whenever residents are present. "On duty" means awake and responsible; sleeping overnight staff don't count toward ratio unless a resident is also awake and needing supervision. Every direct-care staff member must hold current CPR and first aid certification (American Red Cross or AHA courses work; budget $80 to $120 per person every two years). Staff also need 12 hours of in-service training annually, covering topics like medication administration, resident rights, emergency procedures, and infection control [4]. You document these in individual training files, and BCAL checks them during annual inspections. The home's designated administrator or manager must complete the 40-hour pre-licensure training before the home opens. If you replace your manager, the new person must finish that training within 90 days of starting. Michigan allows nurse aides and medication aides to administer medications if they hold an active Michigan CNA or MA certification; otherwise, only licensed nurses can give meds, or residents must self-administer with staff supervision. Fingerprint-based background checks are mandatory for the license applicant, all household members age 18 and older, and every employee [5]. Disqualifying offenses include felonies involving abuse or neglect, violent crimes in the past 10 years, and certain drug offenses. A single-count misdemeanor DUI from 15 years ago probably won't disqualify you, but BCAL reviews each case. The background-check fee is about $55 per person.
How much does it cost to open an adult foster care home?
| Pre-licensure training (you + one staff) | $400 | $1,000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application and fingerprinting fees | $400 | $600 | |
| Property improvements (fire systems, ADA access, bedroom/bath updates) | $5,000 | $25,000 | |
| Furniture, beds, linens, kitchen equipment | $3,000 | $8,000 | |
| Insurance (first year: general liability, property, workers' comp deposit) | $4,000 | $10,000 | |
| Working capital (first 60 days, before Medicaid payments arrive) | $10,000 | $20,000 | |
| Total | $22,800 | $64,600 | If you already own a suitable house and it needs only minor safety upgrades (smoke detectors, fire extinguisher, grab bars), you might land near the low end. Converting a property from scratch or buying a building pushes you toward the high end or beyond. Medium and large homes cost significantly more; a 12-bed facility can require $100,000 to $200,000 in startup capital when you factor in building purchase or lease deposits, multiple staff salaries, and higher insurance premiums. Annual operating costs for a six-bed home typically run $120,000 to $180,000, including staff wages (the largest line item, often 55-65 percent of revenue), food, utilities, insurance, maintenance, and licensing fees. Medicaid reimbursement in Michigan is around $60.96 per resident per day, or about $1,829 per month, though the rate varies slightly by county and resident acuity [2]. Private-pay residents often pay $2,000 to $3,500 per month depending on location and services. |
Startup costs vary by home size, property condition, and whether you buy or lease. Here's a realistic breakdown for a small group home (six beds): | Expense | Low estimate | High estimate |
Does Medicare or Medicaid pay for adult foster care in Michigan?
Medicare does not cover adult foster care, assisted living, or any long-term residential care. Medicare only pays for skilled nursing facility stays (up to 100 days after a hospital admission of three nights or more) and limited home health services if you meet strict criteria [1]. Many families mistakenly assume Medicare will help with AFC; it won't. Michigan Medicaid does pay for adult foster care through its Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers [6]. The primary waiver for AFC is the MI Choice waiver, administered by regional Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Residents must be Medicaid-eligible (income below $2,829/month in 2024 for an individual, and assets under $2,000 excluding home and car), age 18 or older, and meet a nursing-facility level of care [6]. A care manager assesses the applicant and, if approved, assigns the person a monthly service budget. The AFC home bills Medicaid directly at the state's published daily rate, which was $60.96 per day statewide on average in 2024 [2]. Some residents use the Habilitation Supports Waiver (for adults with developmental disabilities) or the Children's Waiver (for children under 18 with serious emotional disturbance or developmental disabilities). Each waiver has different eligibility and service limits. Your regional Medicaid office or AAAA (Area Agency on Aging) handles enrollment. You enroll as a Medicaid provider by completing the MI Bridges provider application and signing a Medicaid provider agreement with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services [7]. Processing takes 30 to 60 days. Once enrolled, you submit claims monthly via the Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System (CHAMPS). Most operators mix Medicaid and private-pay residents to improve cash flow, since private-pay rates are higher and payment is faster.
What are the building and safety requirements?
BCAL's physical plant rules are detailed in the Adult Foster Care Facility Licensing Act (Act 218 of 1979) and Michigan Administrative Code R 400.14101 through R 400.15514. Key requirements: Bedrooms: Minimum 70 square feet per resident in a single-occupancy room, 80 square feet per person in a shared room. No more than four residents per bedroom. Each bedroom needs a window for natural light and emergency egress, a closet or wardrobe, and a working lock that residents can operate from inside (staff must have emergency override keys). Bathrooms: One toilet per eight residents, one bathtub or shower per 10 residents. Grab bars required in all tubs and showers and next to toilets. Hot water at taps cannot exceed 120°F to prevent scalding. Fire safety: Interconnected smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and common area. At least one 2A:10BC fire extinguisher per floor, mounted 3.5 to 5 feet off the ground and inspected annually by a licensed technician. Homes with seven or more residents need a commercial fire alarm system with pull stations and central monitoring. Exit routes must be clearly marked, unobstructed, and lead directly outside; BCAL measures exit widths and door swing directions during inspections. Accessibility: Single-story layouts are simpler, but if you use a two-story building, you need at least one bedroom and one full bathroom on the main floor for residents who cannot climb stairs. The Americans with Disabilities Act applies to facilities with 15 or more beds, requiring wheelchair-accessible entrances, doorways at least 32 inches clear width, and accessible toilet stalls. Kitchen and food safety: A commercial-grade kitchen is not required for small homes if you prepare meals in a residential kitchen, but you must follow Michigan Food Law sanitation rules. Keep raw and cooked foods separated, maintain refrigerators at 40°F or below (you need a working thermometer), and log fridge temperatures daily. Homes serving more than 12 residents usually need a commercial hood and ansul system over the stove. Medication storage: A locked cabinet or locked room for all medications, including over-the-counter drugs. Controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines) require a double-lock system: a locked box inside a locked cabinet.
What are Michigan's inspection and renewal cycles?
Your first license is provisional for six months. BCAL schedules the initial inspection within 30 days of receiving your application; if you pass (or correct deficiencies promptly), you receive the provisional license. About 90 days into that period, a licensing consultant returns for a follow-up inspection. If your operation is compliant, BCAL converts the provisional license to a regular one-year license. After that, Michigan conducts annual unannounced inspections. The consultant arrives without notice, reviews resident files and service plans, checks medication logs, observes meals and resident interactions, interviews staff and residents, and walks the building to verify safety equipment (fire extinguishers tagged with current inspection dates, smoke alarms functional, exit routes clear). The visit lasts two to four hours depending on home size. You also receive complaint investigations if anyone (family member, neighbor, hospital discharge planner) files a report alleging neglect, rights violations, or unsafe conditions. BCAL investigates within 24 hours for immediate-danger complaints, two business days for non-emergency allegations. Even a single substantiated violation can trigger a provisional license, fines, or mandatory corrective action plans. Renewal deadlines are strict. You submit your renewal application and fee ($150 for 1-6 beds, $345 for 7-12, $540 for 13-20) 60 days before your license expires. Late renewals incur penalties and may require a new full application if the lapse exceeds 30 days.
What zoning and neighborhood rules apply?
Michigan state law says adult foster care small group homes (six or fewer unrelated residents) must be allowed in any single-family residential zone, and municipalities cannot require a special-use permit or conditional-use permit. This is a "use by right" under the Adult Foster Care Facility Licensing Act. Many local zoning officers don't know this rule, so bring a printed copy of MCL 400.703 if you encounter resistance. Homes serving 7 to 12 residents fall into a gray area. State law does not grant automatic residential zoning approval, so your city or township can require commercial zoning or a special-use permit. Plan for a public hearing, neighbor notification, and possible opposition. Most mid-size homes operate in commercially zoned areas or mixed-use corridors. Large facilities (13-20 residents) are treated as commercial or institutional uses everywhere. You'll need site-plan review, parking calculations (typically one space per employee on the largest shift plus one per four residents), ADA-compliant entrances and paths, and sometimes a traffic study if you're near a busy intersection. Some cities impose spacing requirements: no two AFC homes within 1,500 feet of each other. Courts have upheld these as reasonable, though enforcement varies. Check your city's municipal code or call the planning department before you sign a lease. If you encounter illegal zoning restrictions (like a blanket ban on small group homes in residential zones), contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights; the state can compel compliance.
What policies and documentation does BCAL require?
BCAL expects every home to maintain written policies covering: - Admission and discharge: Criteria for accepting residents, assessment process, conditions that trigger discharge (like a move to nursing-home-level care), and notice requirements.
- Resident rights: A written statement of rights (freedom from restraints, privacy, freedom to receive visitors, access to personal funds, participation in service planning) given to every resident on admission day.
- Medication management: Who administers medications, how you store them, logging procedures, protocols for PRN (as-needed) medications, and procedures for medication errors. Michigan law requires a log entry every time a resident takes a dose.
- Incident reporting: Procedures for reporting falls, injuries, elopements, medication errors, allegations of abuse, and deaths to BCAL within 24 hours by phone, followed by a written report within 72 hours.
- Fire and emergency response: Evacuation plans, staff assignments during fire drills (you must conduct and document drills quarterly), tornado and severe weather procedures, and emergency contact lists.
- Dietary standards: Menus planned weekly, accommodations for special diets (diabetic, low-sodium, texture-modified), and food preferences. Residents must receive three meals a day plus snacks.
- Activities and socialization: A monthly calendar of activities, outings, and opportunities for residents to engage with the community. BCAL expects meaningful programming, more than television. You document all of this in resident files, which the licensing consultant reviews during inspections. Each resident has a case file with the admission assessment, service plan, medication administration records (MARs), physician orders, incident reports, weight logs (monthly, to catch malnutrition or fluid issues), and copies of advance directives or guardianship papers. Many first-time operators underestimate the paperwork load. You'll spend four to six hours a week on documentation even in a small home. A policy manual covering all required topics (often 80 to 120 pages once you include everything) and pre-built log templates save immense time and reduce compliance mistakes. A licensing kit tailored to Michigan's BCAL requirements typically includes fill-in-the-blank policies, sample service plans, and incident report templates that mirror state forms.
What are the most common compliance mistakes?
After reviewing dozens of BCAL inspection reports, four mistakes show up again and again: 1. Incomplete or outdated medication logs: Michigan requires every medication dose to be logged (date, time, staff initials, and any refusal or side effect). Missing entries or logs that run two weeks behind are automatic violations. Use a bound logbook or electronic system with audit trails, and train staff to log immediately after administration, not at shift end. 2. Late or missing incident reports: A resident falls in the bathroom at 9 PM Tuesday, and you forget to call BCAL by 9 PM Wednesday. That's a violation even if the resident wasn't seriously injured. Keep a printed list of required reporting events and the 24-hour hotline number (517-284-9730) posted in your office. File the written follow-up report within 72 hours via the BCAL online portal. 3. Fire extinguisher inspection tags expired: Every fire extinguisher must have an annual inspection tag from a licensed fire equipment company, and the tag must be current. BCAL consultants check these on every visit. Put a calendar reminder 11 months after each inspection and hire the same company annually; cost is about $100 to $150 for a six-extinguisher building. 4. Service plans not updated quarterly: Michigan law says you review and update each resident's service plan every 90 days or when the resident's condition changes. A resident who started walking with a cane six months ago now uses a wheelchair, but the service plan still says "ambulatory with assistive device." That's out of date. Schedule 90-day reviews religiously, involve the resident (or guardian), and document what changed. Other frequent issues: hot water over 120°F at bathroom taps (install mixing valves), bedroom doors without working locks or staff override keys, exit routes blocked by furniture or storage bins, and expired CPR cards for staff. Most of these are cheap or free to fix; they just require a checklist and someone assigned to walk the building monthly.
Frequently asked questions
What is assisted living?
Assisted living is a general term for residential care with personal assistance (bathing, dressing, medications, meals) for adults who don't need skilled nursing. In Michigan, these facilities are licensed as adult foster care homes. The state doesn't have a separate "assisted living" license, so if you see that phrase advertised, the operation holds an AFC license issued by BCAL.
What is a group home?
A group home is a licensed residential setting where a small number of unrelated adults live together and receive care, supervision, and services. In Michigan, adult foster care small group homes serve 1-6 residents. The term "group home" often applies to homes serving people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or traumatic brain injuries, though the same license covers seniors needing personal care.
What is an assisted living facility?
An assisted living facility is a building or home that provides housing, meals, personal care assistance, and supervision to residents who need help with daily living activities. In Michigan, these are licensed as adult foster care facilities by BCAL. They range from small homes (1-6 residents) to large facilities (up to 20 residents).
What is assisted living vs nursing home?
Assisted living provides personal care, meals, and supervision; staff help with bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, but they're not providing skilled nursing. Nursing homes deliver 24-hour skilled nursing care (IVs, wound care, ventilators) ordered by physicians, and an RN is on duty around the clock. Medicare covers short nursing-home stays post-hospitalization; it doesn't pay for assisted living. Medicaid covers both, but eligibility and rates differ.
What does assisted living provide?
Assisted living provides room and board, three meals a day, personal care assistance (bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting), medication administration or supervision, housekeeping, laundry, social activities, and 24-hour awake staff supervision. It does not include skilled nursing services like injections, catheter care, or advanced wound treatment. In Michigan, adult foster care homes deliver these services under BCAL rules.
How to start a group home?
To start a group home in Michigan, complete the 40-hour pre-licensure training, secure a suitable property and confirm zoning allows adult foster care, submit a BCAL application with fingerprints and building plans, pass the pre-licensure inspection, obtain CPR and first aid certifications for staff, and enroll as a Medicaid provider if you plan to serve waiver recipients. Budget 90-120 days and $25,000-$65,000 in startup costs for a small six-bed home.
What is the difference between assisted living and nursing home?
The core difference is the level of medical care. Assisted living (adult foster care in Michigan) offers supervision and help with daily tasks; staff need basic training, not nursing degrees. Nursing homes provide skilled nursing care delivered by RNs and LPNs under physician orders, handling complex medical needs like ventilators, tube feeding, and IV antibiotics. Costs and payment sources differ: Medicaid pays about $1,800/month for assisted living versus $7,000/month for nursing home care in Michigan.
Does Medicare cover assisted living facilities?
No. Medicare does not cover assisted living, adult foster care, or any residential long-term care. Medicare only pays for skilled nursing facility stays (up to 100 days after a qualifying hospital admission) and limited home health services. Residents in adult foster care homes pay privately, use Medicaid if eligible, or draw on long-term care insurance. Many families learn this too late, so clarify payment sources before admission.
How do I start a group home?
Start by completing the 40-hour BCAL-approved adult foster care training and securing a property zoned for residential care. Submit the state application, fingerprints, and floor plans with the appropriate fee ($215 for 1-6 beds). Pass the pre-licensure inspection, hire staff, complete background checks, and obtain CPR/first aid certifications. Enroll as a Medicaid provider if you'll serve waiver residents. Allow three to four months from application to opening day.
Can I run an adult foster care home from my own house?
Yes, if your house meets BCAL's physical plant requirements: adequate bedroom square footage (70-80 sq ft per resident), one toilet per eight residents, one tub or shower per 10, interconnected smoke alarms, fire extinguisher, locked medication storage, and safe hot water temperature. You must complete the 40-hour training, pass fingerprint background checks for all household members 18 and older, and maintain minimum staffing ratios whenever residents are present. Many small group homes operate in single-family houses.
How much does Michigan pay for adult foster care per day?
Michigan Medicaid pays an average of $60.96 per resident per day (about $1,829 per month) for adult foster care through the MI Choice waiver in 2024, though the rate varies slightly by county and resident acuity level. Private-pay rates are typically higher, ranging from $2,000 to $3,500 per month depending on location and services provided. You bill Medicaid monthly through the CHAMPS system once you're an enrolled provider.
What disqualifies you from getting an adult foster care license in Michigan?
Felony convictions involving abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults or children will disqualify you. Violent felonies within the past 10 years, certain drug offenses, and any finding of abuse or neglect in a prior BCAL investigation also disqualify. Misdemeanor convictions are reviewed case-by-case; a single old DUI usually won't bar you, but multiple recent offenses might. Every applicant, household member 18 and older, and employee undergoes fingerprint-based criminal background checks.
Do adult foster care homes have to follow ADA rules?
Yes, once your home reaches 15 or more beds. The Americans with Disabilities Act classifies facilities with 15+ residents as places of public accommodation, requiring wheelchair-accessible entrances, doorways at least 32 inches wide, accessible bathrooms, and grab bars. Smaller homes (under 15 beds) must follow BCAL safety and accessibility rules (grab bars in all tubs and showers, for example) but not the full ADA commercial standards. Consult an ADA compliance specialist if you plan a large facility.
How often does BCAL inspect adult foster care homes?
BCAL conducts annual unannounced inspections of every licensed adult foster care home. You also receive a follow-up inspection about 90 days after your initial provisional license to ensure continued compliance. In addition, BCAL investigates all complaints within 24 hours (for immediate danger) or two business days (for non-emergency allegations). Homes with repeated violations may face more frequent monitoring visits until compliance improves.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare Coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care: Medicare does not cover assisted living or adult foster care; Medicare covers skilled nursing facility stays up to 100 days after a qualifying three-night hospital stay, and limited home health services.
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, MI Choice Waiver Rate Schedule FY2024: Michigan Medicaid adult foster care daily rate averaged $60.96 per day in 2024 under the MI Choice waiver program.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Nursing Home Care: Michigan nursing home Medicaid rates averaged approximately $235 per day (about $7,050 per month) in 2024.
- Michigan Administrative Code, R 400.15206, Adult Foster Care Staff Training: Applicants and designees must complete 40 hours of BCAL-approved adult foster care training before licensure; all direct-care staff require CPR, first aid, and 12 hours of annual in-service training.
- Michigan State Police, Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) Background Checks: Fingerprint-based background checks required for all adult foster care applicants, household members 18+, and employees; fee is approximately $55 per person.
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, MI Choice Waiver Overview: MI Choice waiver provides HCBS funding for adult foster care for Medicaid-eligible adults who meet nursing-facility level of care; income limit $2,829/month and assets under $2,000 (2024); waiver administered by regional Aging and Disability Resource Centers.
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Become a Medicaid Provider: Adult foster care homes enroll as Medicaid providers via MI Bridges provider application and Medicaid provider agreement; processing takes 30-60 days; claims submitted monthly through CHAMPS.