COMPANION CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN FLORIDA

SUPPORTING SOCIALIZATION, SAFETY, AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FOR INDIVIDUALS IN THEIR HOMES AND COMMUNITIES

Companion Care Services in Florida provide non-medical assistance, supervision, and socialization to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or aging-related needs. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and aim to enhance quality of life, promote independence, and reduce isolation.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for Companion Care Services

Agency: Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Role: Coordinates Companion Services for individuals with developmental disabilities under the iBudget Florida Waiver

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Companion Care Services meet HCBS person-centered planning requirements

2. COMPANION CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Companion Care Services focus on supervision, social engagement, and assistance with non-medical tasks, helping participants stay active and connected.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Supervision and protective oversight in the participant’s home or community

• Assistance with recreational activities and community outings

• Companionship and conversation to reduce social isolation

• Support with activities like reading, playing games, or attending community events

• Monitoring for participant safety and emotional well-being

Companion services do not include hands-on personal care (such as bathing or dressing) or skilled nursing tasks.

All services must align with the participant’s individualized service plan and cannot duplicate other Medicaid-covered services.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)

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

• Obtain a Homemaker and Companion Services License from AHCA (mandatory)

• Maintain general liability insurance

• Develop policies for supervision, documentation, and participant rights protection

• Complete Level 2 background screenings for all direct care staff

4. AHCA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Request Homemaker and Companion Services License application materials from AHCA

• Attend HCBS provider orientation sessions (recommended)

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance coverage, staff credentialing documents, and service delivery plan

• Provide participant intake forms, daily activity documentation logs, and incident reporting procedures

Licensing Inspection:

• AHCA may conduct a pre-licensure inspection to verify operational readiness

Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon licensure approval, complete Medicaid enrollment through the Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

• Set up billing codes for Companion Care Services under HCBS programs

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Sunbiz)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Florida Homemaker and Companion Services License

• Proof of general liability insurance

• AHCA-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Participant intake, assessment, and service planning procedures

  • Supervision and safety monitoring procedures

  • Community activity support and documentation protocols

  • Client rights, HIPAA confidentiality, and grievance policies

  • Staff credentialing, background checks, and training documentation

  • Medicaid billing, service tracking, and compliance protocols

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Companion Care Services Supervisor / Program Manager

Requirements: Experience supervising supportive services preferred; background screening clearance

Role: Companions / Direct Support Staff

Requirements: High school diploma or GED recommended; CPR/First Aid certification preferred; background screening clearance

All staff must complete:

• Participant rights, HIPAA confidentiality, and abuse prevention training

• Emergency preparedness and incident response training

• Training on documentation of daily supervision and community engagement activities

• Annual refresher training on best practices for providing companionship support

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Florida Medicaid Waivers authorize Companion Care Services:

• iBudget Florida Waiver (for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities)

• Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care (LTC) Program (for elderly and disabled adults)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Supervision and safety monitoring

• Companionship and community participation support

• Emotional and social interaction to enhance mental and emotional health

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Licensing Application

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: AHCA Homemaker and Companion License Processing and Approval

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training, and Documentation Setup

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Billing System Setup

Timeline: 45–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

Website: https://ahca.myflorida.com/

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Website: https://apd.myflorida.com/

Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://home.flmedicaidmanagedcare.com/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — FLORIDA COMPANION CARE SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports agencies and entrepreneurs in launching Medicaid-compliant Companion Care Services under Florida’s Medicaid and HCBS waiver programs.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration and EIN/NPI setup

• AHCA licensing and Medicaid provider enrollment support

• Development of Companion Care Services Policy & Procedure Manual

• Staff credentialing templates and participant intake forms

• Medicaid billing system configuration and claims management

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Participant intake, activity planning, and service tracking templates

• Emergency preparedness, incident reporting, and client rights protection systems

• Quality assurance programs and service satisfaction surveys

• Community outreach and social participation program development

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.