ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEBRASKA

ENHANCING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS AND ADAPTIVE DEVICES

Assistive Technology Services in Nebraska supports individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or mobility challenges by providing technology solutions that enhance daily living, communication, and personal safety. These services focus on assessing needs, recommending devices, and training individuals to use assistive tools effectively. Assistive Technology Services are authorized under the Nebraska Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Assistive Technology Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division

Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Assistive Technology Services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Assistive Technology Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards.

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology Services provide devices and technological solutions to support individuals’ independence, safety, and quality of life.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Needs Assessment: Evaluating the individual’s functional requirements to identify suitable technologies.

• Device Selection: Recommending adaptive devices tailored to the person’s abilities and goals.

• Device Acquisition: Assisting with purchasing, leasing, or obtaining technology devices.

• Device Installation: Setting up equipment, including mobility aids, communication devices, and safety tools.

• Training and Support: Educating individuals and caregivers on proper device use and maintenance.

• Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Providing ongoing support to ensure device functionality.

• Home Automation Integration: Implementing smart home technologies to enhance safety and accessibility.

All services must be delivered according to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and based on professional assessment of the participant’s needs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the Nebraska Secretary of State.

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).

• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Assistive Technology provider via the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.

• Obtain professional certifications for assistive technology assessment and installation.

• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.

• Develop policies for device assessment, training, and ongoing support.

• Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and relevant training requirements.

4. NEBRASKA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Assistive Technology Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, professional certifications, insurance certificates, and policy manuals.

Program Readiness Review:

• DHHS evaluates provider readiness, including device management protocols, training plans, and staff qualifications.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Assistive Technology Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Nebraska Secretary of State)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Professional certifications for assistive technology specialists

• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

• Assistive Technology Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:

  • Device assessment, selection, and acquisition protocols

  • Installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting guidelines

  • Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training requirements

  • Documentation standards for service tracking and Medicaid billing

  • HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling

  • Emergency preparedness and device maintenance policies

  • Quality assurance and device safety monitoring protocols

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation technology, healthcare, or related field; certification in assistive technology (e.g., ATP - Assistive Technology Professional).

Role: Assistive Technology Specialists

Requirements: Certification in assistive technology assessment and implementation; experience with adaptive device installation; background clearance.

Role: Support Technicians

Requirements: Experience in device maintenance and troubleshooting; technical training; background clearance.

All staff must complete:

• Device training and safety protocols

• HIPAA compliance and participant rights education

• Crisis management and troubleshooting training

• Annual competency evaluations and continuing education

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Assistive Technology Services are available under the following Nebraska Medicaid Waivers:

• Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver

• Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver

• Children with Disabilities Waiver

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

Services may include:

• Installation of mobility aids (e.g., lifts, ramps, transfer devices)

• Communication devices for individuals with speech impairments

• Smart home adaptations for safety and accessibility

• Adaptive computer technologies for education and work

• Sensory aids for individuals with vision or hearing impairments

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Assistive Technology Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/

Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division

Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid.aspx

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NEBRASKA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports agencies and technology specialists in launching Medicaid-compliant Assistive Technology Services in Nebraska, offering:

Scope of Work:

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing support

• Policy manual development for technology assessment and device installation

• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and maintenance guidance

• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management

• Branding, website development, and outreach strategies

• Quality assurance systems for device safety and service compliance

• Collaboration with rehabilitation centers and healthcare providers for referrals

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.