Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced a Grant Funding Opportunity (GFO) aimed at supporting service providers who assist individuals and families in navigating long-term services and supports. This initiative is part of the No Wrong Door program, which seeks to establish a coordinated system for accessing long-term care options, including Medicare enrollment for older adults and people with disabilities.

The program emphasizes Person-Centered Options Counseling, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, and the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act program. It aims to give individuals and families a stronger voice in choosing long-term care options that suit their needs and preferences.

The GFO's objective is to enhance awareness of the full range of available long-term service options for Michigan residents. Although many prefer home and community-based services due to their lower cost compared to skilled nursing or residential services, data indicates that most individuals are unaware of these alternatives.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profits, private and public entities, federally recognized tribes, groups of federally recognized Michigan tribes, Urban Indian Health Clinic programs, and universities. The total funding available exceeds $16 million, with each grantee eligible for up to $4.4 million. MDHHS plans to issue up to 20 awards.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 19. The grant period runs from March 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025. Successful applicants may receive continued funding based on availability and performance.

A pre-application conference will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12. The session will last approximately 90 minutes and can be accessed online at bit.ly/3CtEOya.

For more details or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website. Access the "Competitive Application Instructions" training manual through the "About EGrAMS" link in the left panel. The complete GFO is under ‘Current Grants’ in the “Health and Aging Services” section by selecting the “NWD-2025” grant program.