CHORE SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALASKA

Fatumata Kaba
4 days ago
4 min read

SUPPORTING SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH NON-MEDICAL HOME MAINTENANCE

Chore Services in Alaska are designed to assist individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or functional limitations in maintaining a safe and sanitary living environment. These services support people enrolled in Alaska’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs by addressing essential tasks that the individual cannot safely perform on their own and that are not otherwise covered under other services.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

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

Role: Oversees waiver services, approves chore service providers, and monitors service quality and compliance

Agency: Alaska Medicaid (under the Department of Health)

Role: Processes provider enrollment and reimburses for authorized HCBS chore services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal-level oversight and enforces compliance with HCBS regulations

2. CHORE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Chore Services provide assistance with heavy-duty cleaning, minor home repairs, and other non-routine household tasks necessary to ensure the health and safety of individuals living independently. These services are authorized under a person-centered service plan and must be based on assessed needs.

Approved providers may deliver:

Deep cleaning and sanitation (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms, living areas)
Trash removal and pest eradication preparation
Minor home maintenance to reduce health or safety risks (e.g., replacing light bulbs, clearing walkways)
Yard work or snow removal to ensure safe access to the home
Assistance with setting up essential home safety features (grab bars, non-slip mats)

Services must not duplicate services covered under other Medicaid benefits and must directly relate to the individual’s functional limitations and safety needs.

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 an office or designated service location in Alaska
Acquire appropriate business insurance, including general liability and vehicle coverage if transportation is used
Demonstrate capacity to perform and document chore services safely and effectively
Hire staff trained in heavy-duty cleaning, basic maintenance, and safety awareness

4. SDS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Contact SDS to request the Chore Services Provider application
Attend optional provider orientation or technical assistance sessions

Application Submission:

Submit business information and service plan outlining the scope of chore services
Include sample documentation forms, staff supervision protocols, and risk mitigation strategies

Operational Review:

Conduct staff background checks and driver’s license verification (if applicable)
Submit emergency preparedness and incident reporting procedures
Show readiness to respond to urgent cleaning or hazard-related tasks

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Once approved by SDS, complete Medicaid enrollment through Alaska’s MMIS system
Select and activate billing codes specific to Chore Services
Finalize provider agreement and set up electronic claims submission

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Proof of office location or service area in Alaska
SDS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Intake and referral procedures for chore services
- Assessment and documentation of health/safety risks
- Staff scheduling, time tracking, and supervision procedures
- Emergency response and hazard mitigation policies
- Service verification logs and consumer sign-off forms
- Quality control and service feedback mechanisms
- Incident reporting and resolution protocols