Blog

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Meet the Team Monday!

I’m excited to kick off a new series: Meet the Team Monday!

 

Each week, we’ll spotlight one of our amazing team members. Today, we’re excited to spotlight Rose Khalifa, our incredible Chief Executive Officer!

 

Rose has been with Metro Solutions for over 18 years, beginning her journey on April 1, 2007. Her unwavering passion lies in maintaining our reputation as a trusted, honest, and transparent steward of funds, a responsibility she takes to heart as we continue earning the trust of our clients and partners each day.

 

When she’s not leading with purpose, Rose is busy learning how to garden, proving that growth isn’t just something she nurtures at work!

 

She lives by the quote:
“I never dreamed about success—I worked for it.” —Estée Lauder
— and Rose is living proof of just that.

 

Stay tuned next Monday to know more about our hard-working team at Metro Solutions!

 

 

Check out our spotlights on our LinkedIn (and coming soon, Facebook) pages!

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Meet the Team Monday!

 

I’m excited to continue our “Meet the Team Monday” series and highlight one of our incredible team members today: Amanda Lamar, our Program Director at Metro Solutions!

 

Amanda has been with Metro Solutions for almost 10 years and her passion for our work runs deep. She’s driven by the belief that our efforts help people live with dignity, independence, and comfort in their own homes.  Amanda finds it incredibly meaningful knowing that the services we support allow seniors and adults with disabilities to stay in a familiar, loving environment rather than moving into a facility. For her, every payment processed represents the empowerment of caregivers who provide life-changing support, enabling care, compassion, and peace of mind for families.

 

Outside of work, Amanda is a creative force! She loves event planning and decorating, transforming spaces into something special.  Jazz music is her passion, and she considers it the soundtrack of her life.  She’s also a bit of a songbird and enjoys singing at church services, weddings, and other events, making each occasion memorable with her voice.

 

Amanda’s favorite quotes reflect her inspiring approach to life:
✨  “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” — John Holmes
✨  “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” — Maya Angelou

 

Stay tuned next Monday as we continue to showcase the incredible people who make Metro Solutions such a special place to work!

 

 

Check out our spotlights on our LinkedIn (and coming soon, Facebook) pages!

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Policy in Plain English | Week 2

Topic: Self-Determination in Michigan Medicaid – Your Care, Your Choice

 

At Metro Solutions, we believe everyone deserves the freedom to live with dignity, independence, and control over their own care. That’s why this week’s spotlight is on Self-Determination, a powerful option within Michigan’s Medicaid system that puts YOU in the driver’s seat of your care.

 

✨ What is Self-Determination?

It’s a way for people receiving Medicaid services to direct their own care. That means you choose who helps you, when they help you, and how your care budget is used. It's all about giving you the freedom to make choices that reflect your values, preferences, and goals.

 

How Does It Work?

✅ You hire your own caregivers and support staff, including family and friends, if you'd like.

✅ You manage your own budget, with help from a company like Metro Solutions.

✅ You have the power to train and schedule your team - your way, your rules.

 

Why It Matters

Self-Determination isn’t just a policy, it’s a path to independent living, personalized care, and a better quality of life. At Metro Solutions, we’re proud to support individuals on this journey by handling the behind-the-scenes admin work, so you can focus on what matters most: living life on your own terms.

 

Follow us for more Plain English posts that decode complex healthcare policy, one week at a time.

 

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Meet the Team Monday!

 

I’m excited to continue our “Meet the Team Monday” series and highlight one of our incredible team members today: Amy, our Program Leader at Metro Solutions!

 

Amy has been with Metro Solutions for over 5 years. Her passion for our mission shines through in every interaction she has with our members and caregivers.

 

Amy is driven by the belief that every conversation, whether it’s answering a question, solving a problem, or simply listening compassionately, has the power to relieve stress, improve quality of life, and make a meaningful impact. She knows firsthand that for many members and caregivers facing overwhelming challenges, even a helpful phone call or a timely resource can make a world of difference. It’s that connection and purpose that motivates her every day.

 

✈️ Outside of work, Amy is a true adventurer! She loves traveling, exploring new countries, trying different foods, and immersing herself in new cultures. For Amy, every passport stamp is like collecting happiness points and creating lasting memories around the world.

 

Amy’s favorite quotes reflect her vibrant and fun-loving spirit:

✨ “Not all those who wander are lost.” — J.R.R. Tolkien
✨ “Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.” — Jim Carrey

 

Stay tuned next Monday as we continue to showcase the incredible people who make Metro Solutions such a special place to work!

 

 

Check out our spotlights on our LinkedIn (and coming soon, Facebook) pages!

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Policy in Plain English | Week 3
Topic: The HCBS Final Rule – Your Rights, Your Environment, Your Choice

At Metro Solutions, we believe that home and community-based services (HCBS) should do more than provide care, they should protect your rights, honor your choices, and ensure you feel truly at home. That’s why this week, we’re breaking down the HCBS Final Rule, a major federal policy from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that strengthens the rights of people receiving long-term services and supports.

✨ What is the HCBS Final Rule?
It’s a set of federal standards that make sure Medicaid-funded services happen in real, community-based settings, not institutions, and that participants are treated with dignity, respect, and independence.

What Does It Mean for You?
✅ You have the right to privacy, freedom, and control in your home and service environment.
✅ You must be able to make everyday life choices, like meals, roommates, schedules, and visitors.
✅ Provider settings must be inclusive, accessible, and designed to support community living, not isolation.

Why It Matters
The HCBS Final Rule ensures that people receiving services are not just cared for, but empowered. It protects your right to live, work, and participate in the community like anyone else. At Metro Solutions, we help make this a reality by supporting programs that center YOU in every decision.

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Meet the Team Monday!

 

We’re back with another edition of our “Meet the Team Monday” series! Today, we’re excited to introduce Courtney Brinley, our new Director of Operations at Metro Solutions!

 

Courtney joined Metro Solutions on March 17, 2025, with a passion for business operations, a heart for service, and a desire to make a meaningful impact.

 

What drives her is knowing that behind every service we help administer, every policy we help clarify, and every issue we help resolve, we support a real person whose life is made easier. She sees our work as a meaningful bridge between our members and the resources that help them thrive, always leading with a helping hand and putting compassion first.

 

Courtney is really excited by leadership and team development! Her passion started back in college when she realized how much she loved problem-solving and working through challenges with a team. That experience led her to double major in Interdisciplinary Health Services and Organizational Communication with a focus on Leadership, and she’s been hooked ever since. Courtney is always reading leadership books, watching TED Talks, and finding new ways to grow. She’s even considering going back for her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)!

 

Outside of work, Courtney is a huge animal lover. She has two dogs and two cats (all rescues). They keep life interesting (and full of fur). She also has two small children – Olivia (5y) and Luke (2y) who are her entire world.

 

Courtney’s favorite quotes reflect her heart for service and impact:

✨ "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." — Desmond Tutu
✨ "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." — Maya Angelou

 

Stay tuned next Monday as we continue spotlighting the amazing people who make Metro Solutions a truly special place to work!

 

 

Check out our spotlights on our LinkedIn (and coming soon, Facebook) pages!

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Policy in Plain English | Week 4

Topic: Background Check Requirements for Home Health Providers – What’s Required and How It Affects Employment

 

At Metro Solutions, we know that hiring the right people is key to providing safe, quality care. Background checks are an important part of this process, helping ensure that home health providers meet the standards needed to support vulnerable populations.

 

What Are the Requirements? Home health providers must complete background checks as part of the hiring process. In Michigan, this often includes:
✅ State and federal criminal history checks
✅ Screening against abuse and neglect registries
✅ Verification of professional licenses and certifications

 

Why It Matters
These checks help protect the safety of individuals receiving care. They are designed to identify any past criminal behavior or professional misconduct that could affect someone’s ability to work in healthcare settings.

 

What Does This Mean for Employment?
If a candidate has a criminal record or disciplinary actions related to abuse, neglect, or professional misconduct, it could impact their eligibility for hire. However, each case is reviewed carefully, and factors like the nature and time of the offense are considered.

 

Our Commitment
At Metro Solutions, we are committed to maintaining a safe, compassionate environment for those we serve. We work with qualified professionals who meet these important standards and demonstrate a commitment to respectful, person-centered care.

 

Follow us for more Plain English breakdowns of healthcare policies that impact your life.

 

#PolicyInPlainEnglish #BackgroundChecks #HomeHealthCare #SafeCare #MetroSolutionsCares #MichiganMedicaid #PersonCenteredCare

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Meet the Team Monday!

 

It’s time for another edition of our “Meet the Team Monday” series! Today, we’re excited to introduce a dedicated and dynamic member of our Metro Solutions family: Beth, one of our Payroll Accountants!

 

Since joining Metro Solutions in September 2018, Beth has embraced our team-centered approach, thriving in an environment where colleagues feel like family. She finds motivation in knowing that we all work together toward the common goal of helping families in our community.

 

Outside of work, Beth is an avid athlete with a passion for staying active and encouraging others to move their bodies. Over the past decade, she has coached youth sports, participated in biking and running competitions throughout Michigan, and set her sights on an ambitious challenge: biking the entire width of Michigan in the Coast to Coast Gravel Grinder. This 204-mile competition, stretching from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan, raises funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) — a cause close to her heart as a Type 1 diabetic since age four. We’re proud to support her dedication and hope Metro Solutions can be one of her sponsors!

 

Beth’s favorite quote these days is:
✨ "Let go and let God."
It’s a reminder that even in the face of challenges, she’s been blessed with the tools and drive to overcome.

 

Join us in celebrating Beth’s commitment, enthusiasm, and drive to make a difference both at work and beyond. Stay tuned next Monday as we continue to spotlight the incredible people who make Metro Solutions a great place to be!

Check out our spotlights on our LinkedIn (and coming soon, Facebook) pages!

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Policy in Plain English | Week 5

Topic: Training Requirements for Unlicensed Direct Care Workers — What Caregivers Need to Know

 

At Metro Solutions, we believe that well-trained caregivers are essential to delivering high-quality, compassionate care. Understanding training requirements is crucial for unlicensed direct care workers who support individuals in their homes and communities.

 

Why It Matters

Proper training equips caregivers to handle day-to-day tasks safely and professionally. It also helps ensure that individuals receiving care are treated with respect and dignity, while minimizing risks related to health and safety.

 

What Does This Mean for Caregivers?

Completing these training requirements not only helps caregivers meet legal standards but also empowers them to deliver better care. Ongoing training may be required to stay current with best practices and regulatory changes.

 

Our Commitment

Metro Solutions is dedicated to supporting our caregivers by providing resources and guidance to meet training requirements. We value the vital role they play in promoting independence and well-being for the individuals we serve.

 

Follow us for more Plain English breakdowns of healthcare policies that impact your life.

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Policy in Plain English | Week 6
Topic: Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Requirements — What Providers and Families Need to Comply With

Last week, we shared how training requirements help unlicensed direct care workers provide safer, more respectful care. This week, we're focusing on something just as essential to quality care and compliance: Electronic Visit Verification (EVV).

What is EVV?
EVV is a system that electronically records when a caregiver begins and ends a home visit. It verifies key details like the date, time, and location of the service provided.

✅ Why It Matters
EVV is a federal requirement designed to prevent fraud, improve transparency, and ensure individuals receive the services they’re approved for. It also protects caregivers and helps ensure accurate payment.

‍⚕️ What This Means for Providers and Families
Providers must use an approved EVV system to document visits for services like personal care and home health.
Families who employ caregivers directly need to make sure their workers are using EVV properly.
Failure to use EVV can lead to denied claims or disruptions in service payments.

Metro Solutions is Here to Help
We know that using EVV can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why we’re committed to providing clear guidance and support to both providers and families. Our goal is to make compliance simple so you can focus on care, not paperwork. When you call Metro Solutions with EVV support or questions, We have a support staff that will be more than happy to answer your questions.

Follow us for more Plain English breakdowns of healthcare policies that impact your life.

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Meet the Team Monday!

 

It’s time for another edition of our “Meet the Team Monday” series! Today, we’re excited to highlight a purpose-driven leader on our Metro Solutions team: our Director of Finance, Dianne Hunter!

 

For the past 4 years, she’s played a critical role in supporting our mission and prioritizing financial stability as we work to serve individuals and families across our community. She’s passionate about Metro’s work because it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people who are underprivileged and underserved. As a strong advocate for both groups, she believes in and works toward equality every day.

 

Outside of work, Dianne has been a trained Craniosacral Practitioner for over 10 years. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive hands-on therapy used to balance the cerebrospinal system and help release trauma and other emotional and physical stuck places.  It's also used for the treatment of TMJ, headaches, and neck pain.

 

Her favorite quote is a powerful reminder of authenticity:
✨ "Always be yourself, everyone else is taken."

 

Join us in celebrating Dianne’s leadership at Metro Solutions and be sure to check back next Monday as we continue to introduce more of the incredible people who make our mission possible.

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Meet the Team Monday!

 

It’s time to introduce another one of the incredible team members who makes Metro Solutions such a special place to work. This week, we’re highlighting someone who just celebrated a major milestone (three years with Metro)! Please join us in recognizing one of our dedicated Accountants, Elvira Trnjanin ❤️

Elvira brings passion and purpose to her work, especially when it comes to supporting the caregivers and members in our programs. As part of the sandwich generation (taking care of her parents, herself, and her kids), Elvira understands the importance of Home Care Health services. It brings her comfort to know these resources exist, and she takes pride in knowing that we play a role in helping families access the care they need.

 

Elvira also finds fulfillment in her work on the FI side and with SEMPQIC. She enjoys seeing organizations receive the grants and funding they need to run programs that truly improve lives and offer life-changing benefits to individuals and communities.

 

A fun fact about Elvira? She has served as the PTO Treasurer at her children’s school for the past four years. She supported events and activities for more than 500 students, creating lasting memories for families and teachers alike. Even when the work was challenging, Elvira never gave up and gave it her all to help create amazing school years for everyone involved.

 

One of her favorite quotes is from Ralph Waldo Emerson, and it’s a beautiful reflection of her values:

✨ “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children... to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

 

We’re grateful for her commitment, energy, and heart. Check back next Monday as we continue to shine a light on the amazing people behind our mission.

 

Check out our spotlights on our LinkedIn (and coming soon, Facebook) pages!

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Meet the Team Monday!

 

We’re back with another spotlight on the incredible people who power the work at Metro Solutions. This week, we’re excited to feature someone who’s been making an impact since the moment she arrived. Say hello to Dalia O’Brien, our Director of Grants and FI!

 

Dalia joined Metro in October 2023 and brings a deep appreciation for the important work we do behind the scenes. Even before joining Metro Solutions, she’s been passionate about the work of an intermediary. Metro’s role as a bridge in securing funding for the community is meaningful to her because it creates real change in people’s lives and strengthens the nonprofit sector. Metro Solutions is dedicated to ensuring that organizations and leaders who deeply understand their communities and the specific needs within them can continue their work, no matter their size or capacity.  She also has a heart for our Medicaid and Medicare members. In high school, Dalia volunteered at senior residences and saw firsthand the value of receiving care at home. That experience stayed with her, and today she’s proud to be part of a team that helps make that kind of care possible.

 

When she’s not working, Dalia is spending time with her two beautiful children, Isla and Callan, who keep her on her toes. For downtime, she enjoys diving into reality TV and K-dramas.

 

A couple of her favorite quotes are:
✨ “You won't find the same person twice, not even in the same person.” — Mahmoud Darwish
✨ “Short cuts make long delays.” — J.R.R. Tolkien

 

We’re lucky to have Dalia on the team, and we’re grateful for the insight, heart, and commitment she brings to her role every day. Be sure to check in next Monday to meet more of the amazing people who make Metro Solutions shine.

 

Check out our spotlights on our LinkedIn (and coming soon, Facebook) pages!

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Meet the Team Monday!

 

Last week, we highlighted Dalia O’Brien, our Director of Grants and FI. This week, we’re excited to introduce Molly Riddle, one of our thoughtful and compassionate Program Specialists here at Metro Solutions!

 

Molly first joined us as a temp, then moved into a part-time role, and now serves our Program and FI departments full time, a journey that reflects her dedication and the value she brings to the team. She thrives on helping others and finds true satisfaction in connecting with members. She also enjoys the sense of accomplishment that comes from tackling tasks and seeing them through.

 

Outside of work, Molly loves the simple things in life. After living in Miami, she’s now enjoying a slower pace surrounded by nature. You’ll often find her walking, bike riding, or trying new things that bring joy and balance. She’s close with her two brothers, proud of her 24-year-old son, and currently helping her boyfriend navigate the journey of parenting.

 

Molly shared a few quotes that speak to how she sees the world:
✨ “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.”
✨ “In the world, not of the world.”
✨ “The best things in life aren’t things.”

 

We’re grateful for Molly’s heart, resilience, and the care she brings to our members each day. Check back next Monday as we continue to shine a light on the incredible people who make up the Metro team!

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Meet the Team Monday!

 

Last week, we introduced Molly Riddle, one of our thoughtful and compassionate Program Specialists. This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Keith Collin, our Chief Financial Officer here at Metro Solutions!  

Keith’s connection with Metro began 17 years ago when he first met Rose. Rose brought her daughter, who was just a child at the time, and remarkably sat quietly and respectfully throughout the meeting while her mom conducted business. At that time, Rose had recently taken over Metro Solutions, which was struggling and trying to find its direction. She shared some financials, and while Keith doesn’t recall the exact number in the bank, he remembers it was than the cost of an economy car. Rose had a clear vision: to build a respected organization that served its community. She was still figuring out how to bring that vision to life, but her determination left a lasting impression on Keith. They stayed in touch over the years as professional contacts. A few years later, Keith began doing project work for Metro here and there. Then, in the fall of 2020, he officially joined the team as Fractional CFO.

 

Keith deeply admires Metro Solutions’ focus and mission which, in his view, ultimately improves the communities it serves. He values how HCBS supports underserved individuals by allowing family members or loved ones to care for those in need, while also easing some of the financial strain that often comes with that responsibility. He also sees the Fiscal Intermediary (FI) side as equally important. In his words, “There are so many small organizations and individuals doing great work in the community, but they don’t always have access to funding. Through Metro Solutions, they’re able to access funds they otherwise wouldn’t get because the funders trust the oversight Metro Solutions provides.”

 

Keith is a fan of the movie The Accountant—a film that, in his opinion, gets the accounting profession right. He also comes from a spirited household when it comes to college pride. His parents and sister are Michigan State University alumni, and Keith attended the University of Michigan. Naturally, he expected his daughter to even the score by attending Michigan but she surprised everyone by choosing Ohio State. She now insists that he wear OSU gear whenever he visits to show his support!

 

When asked for a favorite quote, Keith keeps it simple:
✨ “Treat people the way you would like to be treated.”

 

We’re thankful for Keith’s integrity, perspective, and the steady financial leadership he brings to Metro Solutions. Come back next Monday as we continue to spotlight the incredible people who make this organization what it is.