ADULT COMPANION SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALASKA

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 3
3 min read

Updated: Jul 4

OFFERING NON-MEDICAL SUPPORT AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Adult Companion Services in Alaska provide supportive, non-medical care focused on assisting individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related challenges. These services are authorized under Alaska’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver programs and are designed to promote socialization, emotional support, and daily living assistance in the participant’s home or community.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)

Role: Approves companion service providers, monitors quality of services, and ensures adherence to HCBS waiver guidelines

Agency: Alaska Medicaid (under the Department of Health)

Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for companion services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures HCBS compliance and participant-centered service delivery

2. ADULT COMPANION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Adult Companion Services focus on providing supportive assistance that fosters independence and emotional well-being. Services are non-medical and designed to help individuals remain in their homes and engaged in their communities.

Approved providers may deliver:

Companionship and conversation
Assistance with daily routines and leisure activities
Accompaniment to appointments, errands, and community outings
Meal preparation and light housekeeping related to the participant’s needs
Cueing to support memory and cognitive functioning
Emotional support to reduce isolation and enhance quality of life

All services must align with the participant’s person-centered plan and cannot replace or duplicate direct medical or skilled services.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Maintain a service base or physical office in Alaska
Ensure staff meet background check, training, and competency standards
Maintain participant intake, scheduling, and documentation systems
Develop policies and procedures for non-medical assistance and community integration

4. SDS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request Adult Companion Services application packet from SDS
(Recommended) Attend waiver provider orientation session

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit business information, service delivery model, and staffing plan
Include participant intake forms, emergency procedures, and activity plans
Provide staff qualification documentation and supervision protocols

Program Readiness Review:

SDS evaluates staff training, service documentation processes, and participant safety protocols
May review sample care schedules and community integration activities

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon SDS approval, register with Alaska Medicaid through MMIS as an Adult Companion Services provider
Select the appropriate billing codes under HCBS waivers
Complete Medicaid provider agreements and configure claims submission systems

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of office or service address in Alaska
SDS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Participant intake and individualized support plans
- Emergency contact and crisis management procedures
- Community activity planning and support logs
- Confidentiality and client rights policies
- Staff training records, background checks, and supervision logs
- Incident reporting and quality assurance procedures
- Medicaid billing and scheduling systems

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Companion Services Supervisor

Requirements: Experience in human services, case management, or caregiving oversight

Role: Companion Worker / Direct Support Staff

Requirements: High school diploma or GED, background check clearance, CPR/First Aid certification

All staff must complete:

SDS waiver service orientation and person-centered planning training
Confidentiality, client rights, and safety training
Community activity support and socialization engagement training
Annual refresher training on documentation and incident prevention

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Alaska Medicaid Waivers authorize Adult Companion Services:

Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) Waiver
Adults with Physical and Developmental Disabilities (APDD) Waiver
Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Waiver
Children with Complex Medical Conditions (CCMC) Waiver (for transitioning young adults)

Approved providers may deliver: