Michigan · Resources
The numbers you actually need — Michigan.
Phone numbers, agencies, free legal help, forms, and the statutes our topic guides cite. The page to bookmark when you don’t want to dig.
If you need help right now
State Medicaid agency
The office that determines eligibility and runs the program
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) — Medicaid
Statewide Michigan Medicaid customer service. Apply through MI Bridges or local MDHHS office.
Aging services — your entry point
Single number that routes to your local Area Agency on Aging
Michigan Aging and Adult Services Agency (AASA)
Coordinates Michigan's 16 Area Agencies on Aging across the state.
Adult Protective Services
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, call this number
Free Medicare counseling (SHIP)
Federally-funded, unbiased — not selling you a plan
MMAP — Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program
Michigan's federally-funded SHIP program. Free, unbiased Medicare counseling through volunteer counselors across all 16 AAA regions.
State health department
Regulates nursing homes and licensed facilities
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — Bureau of Community and Health Systems
Licenses nursing facilities, Homes for the Aged, Adult Foster Care homes, and home-health agencies.
Finding a lawyer
Bar referral first, legal aid if income-qualified
State Bar of Michigan — Lawyer Referral Service
Elder Law of Michigan — Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors
Free legal advice for Michigan residents 60+ on civil matters.
Michigan Legal Help
Self-help legal resources and referrals for low-income Michiganders.
Legal Aid and Defender Association (Detroit)
Civil legal aid for low-income residents of metro Detroit.
Nonprofits worth knowing
State chapters and organizations focused on aging in this state
Alzheimer's Association — Michigan Chapter
24/7 helpline, caregiver support groups, education programs across Michigan.
AARP Michigan
Statewide advocacy and caregiver resources.
Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan (4AM)
Statewide association of Michigan's 16 AAAs.
Other hotlines
Numbers worth saving in your phone
- 1-800-633-4227
Medicare (federal)
1-800-MEDICARE — 24/7 federal Medicare helpline.
- 1-800-803-7174
Michigan ADRC
Statewide Aging and Disability Resource Center information and referral.
- 211
Michigan 211
Local community resource referrals 24/7.
Forms & templates
Official Michigan document references
Michigan Statutory Durable Power of Attorney
Under MCL 700.5501 et seq. (Michigan Estates and Protected Individuals Code). Michigan provides a statutory short-form POA.
Michigan Patient Advocate Designation
Under MCL 700.5506 et seq. Michigan's term for health-care power of attorney. The Patient Advocate makes medical decisions when the principal cannot.
Michigan Ladybird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed)
Common-law instrument widely used in Michigan for probate avoidance on real property. Not statutory but recognized.
Michigan POST (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment)
Michigan's POLST-equivalent form for portable medical orders, particularly for residents in care settings.
Key statutes we cite
Michigan laws referenced across our topic guides
| Citation | Subject |
|---|---|
| MCL 700.5501 et seq. | Michigan Statutory Durable Power of Attorney |
| MCL 700.5506 et seq. | Michigan Patient Advocate Designation |
| MCL 700.1101 et seq. | Michigan Estates and Protected Individuals Code (EPIC) |
| MCL 400.11 | Adult Protective Services |
| MCL 400.105 et seq. | Michigan Medical Assistance / Medicaid |
| MCL 333.20101 et seq. | Michigan Public Health Code (facility licensing) |
| MCL 408.961 et seq. | Michigan Earned Sick Time Act |
More from Michigan
- ← Back to Michigan overview
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Phone numbers, websites, and statute citations on this page are verified at publication and re-reviewed quarterly. If something looks wrong, please tell us.