COMPANION CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN CONNECTICUT

DELIVERING NON-MEDICAL SOCIAL SUPPORT AND SUPERVISION TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE AND WELL-BEING FOR INDIVIDUALS IN THEIR HOMES

Companion Care Services in Connecticut offer non-medical supervision, companionship, and social interaction to older adults and individuals with disabilities. These services are offered through Connecticut Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, such as the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE), and through state-funded respite and home support programs administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)

Role: Administers the CHCPE and other waiver programs, authorizes companion care, and monitors compliance

Agency: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP)

Role: Registers Homemaker-Companion Agencies (HCAs) and ensures compliance with state consumer protection laws

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight for HCBS programs and ensures person-centered planning compliance

2. COMPANION CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Companion Care Services are non-medical supports intended to reduce isolation and provide supervision and basic assistance in the home. Services are typically authorized in a care plan and are tailored to support community living and reduce caregiver burden.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Social companionship, conversation, and cognitive stimulation

• Supervision for safety and reassurance

• Accompaniment on walks or to appointments

• Reading, writing letters, and games

• Medication reminders (non-administration)

• Light errands or help organize mail and appointments

• Documentation of service hours and participant feedback

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Connecticut Secretary of the State

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

• Register as a Homemaker-Companion Agency (HCA) with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP)

• Enroll as a Medicaid provider through DSS (if billing through CHCPE)

• Ensure staff complete background checks and receive non-medical care training

• Maintain general liability insurance and client protection policies

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register as a Homemaker-Companion Agency

• Apply through the DCP HCA registration portal

• Submit ownership documentation, complaint policy, and proof of insurance

Step 2: Medicaid Enrollment via DSS

• Enroll through the Connecticut Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

• Submit NPI, EIN, HCA registration, and service scope

Step 3: Referral Coordination

• Connect with DSS case managers and area agencies on aging for service authorizations under CHCPE and related programs

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or proof of business registration

• IRS EIN Letter

• NPI confirmation

• DCP Homemaker-Companion Agency registration

• DSS Medicaid provider approval (if applicable)

• Policy & procedure manual including:

  • Client intake and consent forms

  • Staff screening, training, and supervision protocols

  • Daily visit logs and service tracking forms

  • Complaint resolution and client feedback forms

  • Emergency procedures and incident reporting system

  • Confidentiality, rights, and privacy protections

  • Service plan coordination and documentation procedures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Companion / Homemaker

Requirements:

• Background check and TB screening

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• CPR/First Aid certification (recommended)

Role: Agency Supervisor / Scheduler (for agencies)

Requirements: Experience in scheduling, client coordination, and documentation review

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• Confidentiality and HIPAA

• Client rights and dignity

• Abuse prevention and mandatory reporting

• Emergency preparedness

• Cultural competence and ethical service delivery

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Companion Care Services are covered under:

• Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)

• State-funded Respite Care and Alzheimer’s Support Programs

• Self-directed care models under certain HCBS waivers

Approved providers may deliver:

• Authorized hours of non-medical social support and supervision

• Companionship aligned with individualized care plans

• Reports and documentation per DSS and waiver guidelines

• Family support and communication to reduce caregiver stress

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: DCP HCA Registration

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: DSS Medicaid Enrollment (if applicable)

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Service Launch

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)

Email: dss.ctmedical@ct.gov

Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS

Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) – HCA Registration

Phone: (860) 713-6100

• Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DCP

Connecticut Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://www.ctdssmap.com

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — CONNECTICUT COMPANION CARE SERVICES PROVIDER

We assist individuals and agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Companion Care Services under Connecticut’s CHCPE and related state-funded programs.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)

• DCP Homemaker-Companion Agency registration and DSS enrollment

• Policy & procedure manual for companion services and staff management

• Templates for daily service logs, care notes, and client feedback forms

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Staff credentialing trackers and supervision logs

• Client intake packet, consent forms, and grievance tools

• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools

• Referral networking with DSS care managers, AAAs, and family caregivers

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.