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COMPANION CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN KANSAS

  • Writer: Fatumata Kaba
    Fatumata Kaba
  • Jul 24
  • 4 min read

FOSTERING INDEPENDENCE AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING THROUGH NON-MEDICAL SOCIAL SUPPORT

 

Companion Care Services in Kansas offer individuals support and supervision that promotes social engagement, safety, and well-being at home and in the community. These services are ideal for individuals who do not require hands-on personal care but benefit from assistance, company, and gentle guidance in daily activities. Companion care is authorized under Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) through specific Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs.

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1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

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

Role: Manages Medicaid enrollment and reimbursement for non-medical support services including companion care

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

Role: Defines service parameters and establishes provider standards for companion care under HCBS waivers

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Oversees federal requirements, ensuring services support the goals of community-based care and prevent institutionalization

Agency: Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) under KanCare

Role: Authorize service plans, credential providers, and manage billing and participant outcomes

 

2. SERVICE OVERVIEW

Companion Care Services provide supervision and support to individuals who live alone or are socially isolated and need assistance with non-medical daily activities.

Authorized providers may deliver:

  • Conversation, emotional support, and recreational engagement

  • Accompaniment to medical appointments, errands, or community events

  • Meal assistance (non-preparation) and light snack support

  • Supervision for safety and well-being

  • Assistance with letter writing, reading, and other cognitive activities

  • Gentle prompting or reminders for medications and daily routines

  • Support during transitions, such as hospital discharge follow-up

All services must align with the participant’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and are non-skilled, meaning they do not involve hands-on personal care or medical services.

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3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

  • Register your business with the Kansas Secretary of State

  • Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI

  • Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP)

  • Obtain general liability and (if applicable) auto insurance

  • Develop a Companion Care Policies & Procedures Manual

  • Establish protocols for safety, documentation, and participant rights

  • Employ or contract with Companion Care staff who meet background and training requirements

  • Ensure HIPAA compliance and training on social support in disability and aging populations

 

4. KANSAS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Medicaid Enrollment

  • Apply through KMAP as a provider of Companion or Non-Medical Support Services

  • Complete credentialing with KanCare MCOs

Step 2: Documentation Submission

  • Provide business license, proof of insurance, and policies for service delivery and staff training

  • Submit staff qualifications and risk management procedures

Step 3: Service Authorization & Delivery

  • Coordinate with case managers to determine ISP needs

  • Obtain MCO service authorization

  • Begin service provision and submit claims using HCPCS codes assigned to companion services

 

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

  • Articles of Incorporation or Kansas business license

  • IRS EIN and NPI registration

  • Proof of insurance coverage (liability and auto if transporting participants)

  • Companion Care Policies & Procedures Manual, including:

    • Intake and participant preference forms

    • Daily service documentation and goal tracking templates

    • Safety and emergency response plans

    • Consent, grievance, and HIPAA policies

    • Critical incident protocols and supervision logs

    • Staff background check process and training documentation

    • Medicaid billing records and audit compliance systems

 

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Companion Care Aide / Support Worker

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent preferred; strong interpersonal skills; cleared background check and screening

All staff must complete:

  • HCBS orientation and ISP-based service delivery training

  • Participant confidentiality and HIPAA compliance training

  • Emergency preparedness and safety procedures

  • Annual continuing education in aging, disability support, and community engagement

 

7. MEDICAID PROGRAMS & HCBS WAIVERS

Companion Care Services are authorized under:

  • HCBS Waivers (based on ISP and participant needs):

    • Frail Elderly (FE) Waiver

    • Physical Disability (PD) Waiver

    • Brain Injury (BI) Waiver

    • Intellectual/Developmental Disability (IDD) Waiver

    • Technology Assisted (TA) Waiver (case-specific)

Delivery settings may include:

  • Participant’s home

  • Community environments such as parks, libraries, or places of worship

  • Accompaniment to appointments and public events

 

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Manual Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring and Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: MCO Credentialing and Service Plan Coordination

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Companion Care Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)

Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP)

KanCare MCOs:

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COMPANION CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN KANSAS

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

WCG partners with home-based service providers, faith-based organizations, and community care agencies to launch fully compliant Companion Care programs across Kansas.

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Scope of Work:

  • Business formation, KMAP enrollment, and MCO credentialing

  • Development of Companion Care policy and supervision manuals

  • Intake forms, daily logs, and goal documentation tools

  • Staff hiring templates, training guides, and QA systems

  • Medicaid billing templates and audit-ready compliance documents

  • Branding, website setup, and local outreach strategy to engage referrers and case managers




Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements. 

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