Switching to Kinwell

Switching From Another Home Care Agency to Kinwell

If you're already working with another agency, here's exactly what changes when you switch to Kinwell — and what doesn't.

By Kinwell · 2 min read · Last updated: July 29, 2026

What stays the same

Your loved one's Medicaid coverage doesn't change
You keep providing the same care, the same hours, to the same person
Your loved one's existing approved care plan is the starting point — Kinwell confirms your current approved hours rather than requiring a brand-new application from scratch

What changes

Employer of record: you remain a W-2 employee — just hired by Kinwell instead
Pay frequency: weekly, with same-day pay coming soon
Rate: confirmed after approval and guaranteed higher than the state's $17.13 per hour self-directed rate (per MDHHS)
Paperwork and compliance: Kinwell's onboarding team handles the transition paperwork on your end, regardless of how your current agency operates

Your current agency's schedule and rate may differ, so it's worth comparing the specifics before you decide. See how Kinwell compares to FreedomCare or Entyre Care for exact numbers.

How the switch works

Check eligibility and confirm your loved one's current approved care plan
Complete Kinwell's W-2 hiring paperwork
Kinwell coordinates the transition with your loved one's health plan
Start receiving weekly pay from Kinwell (same-day pay coming soon)

Is there a gap in pay during the switch?

Timing depends on your current arrangement and how quickly records transfer. Kinwell's onboarding team works to keep any gap as short as possible — ask your onboarding specialist for a specific timeline based on your situation. Switching from self-directed care instead? →

Frequently asked

Do I need to reapply for Medicaid or restart the approval process? No — if your loved one already has an approved Michigan Medicaid care plan, Kinwell works with that existing approval instead of starting over. You'll still need to complete Kinwell's own hiring paperwork.