ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN WISCONSIN

Fatumata Kaba
5 days ago
4 min read

ENABLING INDEPENDENCE AND ACCESS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS TAILORED TO INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

Assistive Technology (AT) Services in Wisconsin provide individuals with disabilities access to tools and devices that promote greater independence, safety, communication, mobility, and participation in home and community life. These services include both the provision of assistive devices and the evaluation, training, and customization needed to ensure effective use. Covered under Wisconsin Medicaid Waivers such as IRIS, Family Care, and the Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Waiver, assistive technology must be authorized through a participant’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP) or Plan of Care and demonstrate a clear functional need.

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1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)

Role: Establishes policy for AT under Medicaid waiver programs and monitors service compliance.

Agency: ForwardHealth

Role: Manages Medicaid enrollment, service authorizations, and payment for eligible AT services and devices.

Agency: IRIS Consultant Agencies / Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)

Role: Authorize funding for AT based on assessments, service plans, and justification of medical or functional need.

Agency: Wisconsin Assistive Technology Program (WisTech)

Role: Provides guidance, demonstrations, and loan programs for assistive technology across the state.

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology includes both devices and services that help individuals perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible due to a disability.

Covered devices and services may include:

Communication devices (e.g., speech-generating tablets)
Environmental control systems (e.g., smart home access tools)
Adaptive switches and controls for mobility equipment
Specialized seating, positioning, or ergonomic supports
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems
Cognitive aids and memory supports
Vision/hearing-related technologies (e.g., screen readers, alert systems)
Assessments, customization, installation, and training on AT use

Devices must be individualized, cost-effective, and tied to improved independence or safety goals outlined in the care plan.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)
Obtain a Federal EIN and Type 2 NPI
Apply for ForwardHealth enrollment under appropriate AT or DME (Durable Medical Equipment) categories
Develop a service-specific Assistive Technology Policy & Procedure Manual
Partner or subcontract with licensed professionals for evaluations (e.g., Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, ATP-certified specialists)
Obtain any applicable DME licenses or durable goods distribution authorizations (as needed)
Maintain liability insurance, client education protocols, and return/exchange procedures

4. WISCONSIN PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register business and secure EIN/NPI

Step 2: Enroll with ForwardHealth under AT/DME provider type

Step 3: Submit P&P Manual, staff qualifications, and documentation templates

Step 4: Enroll with IRIS FEAs and MCO networks as a waiver service provider

Step 5: Coordinate with professionals (e.g., OTs, SLPs) for AT evaluations if required

Step 6: Begin service provision upon authorization of AT need in care plan and device justification

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Business registration and ForwardHealth provider ID
AT Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Device evaluation and recommendation process
- Participant training protocols
- Repair and maintenance policy
- Return/exchange and warranty tracking
- HIPAA and confidentiality compliance
- Device delivery, setup, and training logs
- Outcome monitoring and service effectiveness forms
- Client rights and complaint resolution policies
Documentation templates for:
- Justification of need
- AT delivery and training checklists
- Evaluation summaries and follow-up assessments

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Specialist / Technician

Requirements:

Experience with AT installation, customization, or device programming
Onboarding training in Medicaid waiver policies, documentation, and confidentiality
Background check clearance and CPR/First Aid (if working directly in homes)

Role: Licensed Evaluator (e.g., OT, PT, SLP, or ATP Certified)

Requirements:

Wisconsin license in the respective profession
Must conduct assessments and make formal recommendations
Required for certain high-cost or complex device justifications under IRIS, MCOs, or CLTS

All staff must be trained in:

Equipment safety and troubleshooting
Participant-centered instruction
HIPAA, documentation, and reporting
Abuse and neglect prevention

7. MEDICAID PROGRAMS THAT COVER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

IRIS Waiver: Participant-directed AT with evaluator recommendation and Fiscal Employer Agent approval
Family Care / Partnership: MCO-authorized AT based on care team recommendation
Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Waiver: Covers a wide range of AT and supports for eligible children
Katie Beckett Program (via CLTS): May allow for AT access for children with complex needs not otherwise Medicaid-eligible

Note: AT purchases must be cost-effective, necessary for achieving care plan goals, and supported by proper justification. Ongoing training and support may be included.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration & Policy Manual Development

Timeline: 2–3 weeks

Phase: Licensing/Enrollment and Partnerships (OTs/ATPs)

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: ForwardHealth and Waiver Program Enrollment

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Begin Services

Timeline: Upon service authorization and fulfillment of any evaluation or justification requirements

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

ForwardHealth Provider Enrollment

Website: https://www.forwardhealth.wi.gov

Wisconsin DHS – Assistive Technology Overview

Website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/children/assistive-technology.htm

WisTech (Wisconsin Assistive Technology Program)

Website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disabilities/wistech.htm

IRIS Program Overview

Website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/iris

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN WISCONSIN

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

WCG helps device vendors, AT consultants, and community agencies offer life-changing assistive technology solutions across Wisconsin’s waiver programs.

Scope of Work: