ENHANCING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY AND ADAPTIVE DEVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES OR CHRONIC CONDITIONS

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Assistive Technology (AT) and Adaptive Aids Services in Michigan are designed to provide individuals with disabilities the tools they need to live independently and safely. These services are primarily funded through Michigan Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, and MI Choice Waiver Programs. 

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Role: Approves and reimburses AT and adaptive aids under Medicaid and HCBS waivers

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight for waiver-funded assistive technology

Agency: Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)
Role: Supports adaptive aids and assistive devices for vocational rehabilitation

Agency: Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
Role: Facilitate adaptive equipment services for seniors under the MI Choice Waiver

Agency: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Role: Issues licenses to durable medical equipment (DME) providers

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY & ADAPTIVE AIDS SERVICE OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology and Adaptive Aids enhance the functional abilities of individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities, allowing them to perform tasks they might otherwise be unable to do.

Common Technologies and Aids Include:

Mobility Devices:

Manual or power wheelchairs, scooters

Walkers, canes, and crutches

Communication Aids:

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices

Speech-generating devices (SGDs)

Voice amplification systems

Home Accessibility Aids:

Stair lifts, ramps, and vertical lifts

Adaptive bathroom and kitchen equipment

Environmental control units (ECUs)

Personal Assistance Devices:

Adaptive eating utensils and grooming aids

Medication management devices

Hearing aids and visual enhancement systems

Health Monitoring and Safety Devices:

Fall detectors and emergency alert systems

Smart home integration for individuals with disabilities

Services include assessment, procurement, installation, training, and maintenance. All devices must align with the individual’s Plan of Care (POC) or Individual Service Plan (ISP).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI

Secure general liability and product liability insurance

Obtain a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) License from LARA if providing medical devices

Hire or contract certified Assistive Technology Professionals (ATP), rehabilitation engineers, or occupational therapists

Develop a Policy & Procedure Manual specific to assistive technology and adaptive aids

Implement HIPAA-compliant data handling and storage practices

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Apply for a DME or AT Service License

Submit your application via the LARA Licensing Portal:
LARA Licensing

Step 2: Enroll with Michigan Medicaid

Complete the process via CHAMPS:
CHAMPS Login

Step 3: Contract with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)

Register as a vendor for adaptive technology and vocational aids

Step 4: Finalize Credentialing with Waiver Programs

Work with local AAAs for MI Choice Waiver service authorization

Partner with CMHs for technology services under developmental disability waivers

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or business registration

IRS EIN and NPI confirmation

Proof of liability and product insurance

LARA DME license (if providing medical devices)

AT and Adaptive Aids Policy & Procedure Manual, including:

Client intake and needs assessment templates

Device procurement and installation logs

Training documentation for clients and caregivers

Maintenance and repair records

Warranty and support agreements

Billing logs and audit-ready documentation

Safety protocols for device usage and maintenance

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
Requirements: Certification from RESNA or similar; experience with assistive device evaluations

Role: Occupational Therapist (OT) / Physical Therapist (PT)
Requirements: State licensure; experience in functional assessment and adaptive device integration

Role: Device Installer / Technician
Requirements: Training in device setup and safety testing

Role: Program Supervisor
Requirements: Experience in healthcare technology coordination; ensures quality control and staff supervision

Required Trainings:

HIPAA and data security

Infection control for reusable devices

Device fitting and customization

Safety and emergency protocols

Client training and usage instruction

7. MEDICAID & HCBS WAIVER PROGRAMS COVERING AT & ADAPTIVE AIDS

Assistive Technology and Adaptive Aids are reimbursed under:

MI Choice Waiver Program (for elderly and adults with disabilities)

Habilitation Supports Waiver (HSW) (for individuals with developmental disabilities)

Children’s Waiver Program (CWP) (for minors with severe disabilities)

Community Mental Health (CMH) Programs (for behavioral and developmental support)

Vocational Rehabilitation (MRS) Programs (for employment-related aids)

Covered services include:

Assessment and evaluation of device needs

Purchase or lease of adaptive devices

Installation and setup of equipment

User training and ongoing technical support

Maintenance and repair services

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Insurance Setup
Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: DME or AT License Application and Medicaid Enrollment
Timeline: 1–3 months

Phase: Staff Hiring and Credential Verification
Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Equipment Procurement and Training Program Setup
Timeline: 1 month

Phase: Service Rollout and Client Onboarding
Timeline: Ongoing, based on client needs and referral volume

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Michigan Medicaid Provider Enrollment (CHAMPS)
https://milogintp.michigan.gov/

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Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs

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Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
https://www.michigan.gov/lara

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Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)
https://www.michigan.gov/leo/

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Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Locator
https://www.michigan.gov/osa

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WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MICHIGAN ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER

WCG supports healthcare technology startups, rehabilitation specialists, and assistive device suppliers in launching licensed, Medicaid-approved AT and adaptive aid services across Michigan.

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Scope of Work:

Business registration and Medicaid enrollment

DME licensing and credentialing support

Policy & Procedure Manual creation for assistive technology

Staff training on device usage and maintenance

Equipment procurement and setup guidelines

Billing setup for Medicaid, MI Choice, and MRS programs