COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN KANSAS

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 24
3 min read

ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT AND SOCIAL PARTICIPATION

Community Integration Services in Kansas help individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions build meaningful relationships, participate in community life, and access public resources and recreational opportunities. These services are authorized under Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) through various HCBS waivers to promote inclusion, skill-building, and independence outside the home.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) — Division of Health Care Finance

Role: Oversees Medicaid reimbursement, provider enrollment, and claims for community-based services

Agency: Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)

Role: Defines standards for Community Integration within HCBS waivers and ensures program oversight

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal regulatory guidance and ensures Community Integration supports person-centered outcomes

Agency: Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) under KanCare

Role: Authorize community-based service plans, coordinate care teams, and manage quality assurance

2. SERVICE OVERVIEW

Community Integration Services assist participants in acquiring social, communication, and daily living skills to engage fully in community life.

Approved providers may deliver:

Community-based skill development and supported outings
Socialization and peer interaction opportunities
Participation in volunteer activities, civic engagement, and clubs
Training in using public transportation and community navigation
Support in attending religious, educational, or recreational events
Coaching for appropriate social behavior and safety in public settings
Encouragement of natural support development and community memberships

All services must be tied to goals within the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and demonstrate meaningful outcomes in inclusion and self-determination.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Kansas Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from IRS and Type 2 NPI
Enroll with Kansas Medicaid through the Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP)
Maintain liability insurance and staff coverage for community settings
Create a Community Integration Policy & Procedure Manual
Establish risk management, safety, and participant rights procedures
Hire staff with experience in disability services, inclusion, or community outreach
Ensure HIPAA compliance, transportation policies, and ISP-driven documentation systems

4. KANSAS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Medicaid Enrollment

Apply as a provider of Community Integration or similar HCBS service category via KMAP
Register with each KanCare MCO and complete credentialing

Step 2: Documentation Submission

Submit business documents, staff training records, and service policies
Include transportation procedures and community risk mitigation plans

Step 3: Service Authorization & Delivery

Coordinate with case managers to set ISP goals
Submit service requests to MCO for approval
Deliver services in approved settings and document progress toward integration outcomes
Submit claims using applicable HCPCS codes

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Kansas business license
EIN and NPI verification
General liability and auto insurance coverage
Community Integration Policies & Procedures Manual, including:
- ISP-based goal planning and implementation protocols
- Participant safety and community supervision procedures
- Transportation guidelines and emergency response plans
- Daily progress note templates and goal-tracking forms
- Consent forms, grievance procedures, and HIPAA compliance materials
- Critical incident reporting and staff credentialing logs
- Medicaid billing and chart audit readiness tools

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Community Integration Specialist / Support Worker

Requirements: Experience in community support, disability advocacy, or education; cleared background check and driver’s license if transporting participants

All staff must complete:

HCBS orientation and person-centered planning training
Safety, transportation, and emergency protocol training
Cultural competency and inclusion workshops
Documentation and ISP goal tracking instruction
Annual continuing education in community engagement best practices

7. MEDICAID PROGRAMS & HCBS WAIVERS

Community Integration Services are covered under:

HCBS Waivers:
- Intellectual/Developmental Disability (IDD) Waiver
- Brain Injury (BI) Waiver
- Physical Disability (PD) Waiver
- Autism Waiver
- Frail Elderly (FE) Waiver (case-by-case)

Services may be delivered:

One-on-one or in small group settings
In the community (libraries, parks, volunteer sites, job fairs, etc.)
At drop-in centers or day support locations when community access is the focus

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Manual Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Onboarding and Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: MCO Credentialing and Community Safety Planning

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: ISP Coordination and Program Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)

Website: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)

Website: https://kdads.ks.gov

Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP)

Website: https://www.kmap-state-ks.us

KanCare MCOs:

Sunflower Health Plan: https://www.sunflowerhealthplan.com
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan: https://www.uhccommunityplan.com/ks
Aetna Better Health of Kansas: https://www.aetnabetterhealth.com/kansas

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — KANSAS COMMUNITY INTEGRATION PROVIDER

WCG supports disability service organizations, advocacy groups, and direct support agencies in developing inclusive, Medicaid-compliant Community Integration programs.

Scope of Work: