The state's long-term care facilities have faced immense challenges since Michigan recorded its first COVID-19 cases in March 2020. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has acted to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 by implementing a variety of strategies in the areas of infection control, diagnostic testing, data collection and reporting, and emergency staffing response.
MDHHS and other state partners continue to address and adapt to the changing impact of COVID-19 across the state. Expand the titles below to learn more about each component of the MDHHS Long-Term Care COVID-19 Plan.
Direct Care Workforce
The direct care workforce serving Michigan's aging population has been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring health, safety, and well-being of the most vulnerable. In recognition of the critical care direct care workers (DCW) provide in long-term care settings and in the community, Governor Whitmer, alongside the Michigan legislature supported several appropriations over the course of state fiscal years, 2020, 2021 and 2022 to provide increased reimbursement to these essential workers. The funds appropriated to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are available to qualifying DCW staff through direct reimbursement to qualifying employers. The supporting policies, frequently asked questions, and reimbursement resources are catalogued below.
Adult Foster Care & Home For the Aged Facilities
Home Help, MI Choice Waiver, MI Health Link, & Behavioral Health Service Providers
Skilled Nursing Facilities
The Care and Recovery Center and the COVID-Relief Facility Programs were established under Michigan Public Act 231 of 2020. These programs were designed to ensure Michigan's nursing homes were prepared to provide care to individuals who have tested positive for coronavirus under transmission-based precautions within the guidelines and best practices from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Michigan's nursing homes must be reviewed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to ensure they meet the minimum criteria outlined within the legislation and associated MDHHS policies. For more information on these programs, please see below:
Care and Recovery Centers
COVID-Relief Facilities
Request for IPRAT assistance – Facilities currently determined as a COVID Relief (CR) Tier may submit capacity change requests if seeking formal guidance and/or technical assistance from the IPRAT Unit in adapting to community conditions and/or managing COVID-19 within their facility.
