PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORT

Community Integration Services in Michigan are designed to support individuals with disabilities by promoting independence, social engagement, and community participation. These services are authorized under the Michigan Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and must follow protocols set by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Role: Oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and Medicaid compliance

Agency: Michigan Medicaid Agency
Role: Handles Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for Community Integration Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with HCBS waiver rules

2. SERVICE OVERVIEW

Community Integration Services focus on helping individuals become active and engaged members of their communities. These services facilitate participation in social, recreational, educational, and vocational activities as outlined in each person-centered plan.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Skill-building for community participation (e.g., using public transportation, social interactions)
• Supported access to community resources (e.g., libraries, recreational centers)
• Facilitated peer interactions and social skills training
• Assistance with volunteer and employment opportunities
• Monitoring of community involvement and progress
• Documentation of individual achievements and community engagement

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Maintain a physical office or service location in Michigan
• Demonstrate experience in community support, social services, or rehabilitation
• Hire staff trained in social engagement, community outreach, and individualized support
• Develop protocols for community engagement and safety during activities

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Request the Community Integration Services Provider Application Packet from MDHHS
• Submit a business plan detailing how community activities will be facilitated and monitored
• Include policies for safety during community engagement and skill-building activities

Background & Credentialing:

• Background checks for staff involved in community support.
• Verification of skills in social services, community engagement, or rehabilitation.
• Proof of training in person-centered care and community safety.

Program Readiness Review:

• Demonstrate readiness to support individuals in various community settings
• Establish protocols for documentation of community involvement and progress

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Lease or proof of office location in Michigan

MDHHS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Community engagement and safety protocols
• Skill-building and social integration plans
• Documentation of client participation and outcomes
• Financial tracking and client service logs

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Community Program Coordinator
Requirements: Experience in community outreach, social work, or rehabilitation

Role: Community Support Specialist
Requirements: Training in social skills development and community integration

Role: Activity Facilitator
Requirements: Experience leading group activities and social engagement initiatives

All staff must complete:

• MDHHS orientation and HCBS Waiver training
• Annual training on community safety, social skills, and client interaction
• Confidentiality, ethics, and client rights training

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Michigan Medicaid Waivers that authorize Community Integration Services include:

• MI Choice Waiver
• Habilitation Supports Waiver
• Children’s Waiver Program

Approved providers may deliver:

• Skill-building and social integration
• Community navigation and resource connection
• Volunteer and vocational support

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 0–1 week

Phase: MDHHS Application Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Training and Community Partnership Development
Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment
Timeline: 60–90 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Division of Community Services
Email: communityprovider@michigan.gov
Phone: (517) 335-1980
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs

Michigan Medicaid Agency – Waiver Services
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs (shared portal with MDHHS)

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business formation (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• MDHHS provider application and compliance guidance
• Policy & Procedure Manual development
• Staff training on community engagement and safety
• Medicaid enrollment and billing setup
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Client admission packet
• Marketing and advertising materials
• Operational training
• Compliance and regulatory support
• Quality assurance programs
• Marketing and client acquisition strategies

To get started, click the link to request portal access