ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALASKA

Fatumata Kaba
4 days ago
4 min read

ENHANCING HOME SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH CUSTOM MODIFICATIONS

Environmental Modification Services in Alaska provide physical adaptations to a person’s home that enable greater independence, accessibility, and safety. These services are part of the Alaska Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver programs, specifically designed to support individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions who choose to live in their own homes or family settings. All modifications must be medically necessary, cost-effective, and authorized within the individual’s person-centered plan.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

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

Role: Approves Environmental Modification providers, reviews modification requests, and ensures service quality and compliance

Agency: Alaska Medicaid (under the Department of Health)

Role: Manages Medicaid enrollment and reimbursement for environmental modifications

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures that waiver-funded modifications align with HCBS program rules

2. ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Environmental Modifications are physical changes to a person’s primary residence that are necessary to ensure health, welfare, and safety or that enable greater independence in the home. These are typically one-time expenses, approved based on an assessment and incorporated into the individual's care plan.

Approved providers may deliver:

Installation of wheelchair ramps, grab bars, or railings
Widening of doorways for mobility access
Bathroom modifications such as roll-in showers, ADA-compliant toilets, or sink adjustments
Floor leveling or stair modifications for safety
Installation of non-slip flooring, handrails, or visual alert systems
Minor structural changes are needed to support the individual's physical or sensory needs

All modifications must be pre-authorized by SDS and Medicaid and must meet applicable building codes and safety standards.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Hold applicable contractor or specialty trade licenses in Alaska
Carry general liability, property, and workers’ compensation insurance
Demonstrate knowledge of ADA compliance and accessible design
Maintain secure recordkeeping systems for cost estimates, invoices, and completed work

4. SDS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Contact SDS to request the Environmental Modification Services application packet
Attend an optional provider orientation or technical assistance meeting

Application and Capability Review:

Submit business license, contractor license, proof of insurance, and project portfolio
Include sample bids, cost estimation forms, and service documentation templates
Outline safety protocols, warranty policies, and subcontractor agreements (if applicable)

Inspection & Readiness Review:

SDS may request site inspection of past projects
Verification of capacity to complete timely, compliant, and customized installations
Review of customer service procedures and client satisfaction tools

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Once approved by SDS, enroll through Alaska MMIS as a Medicaid provider
Select Environmental Modification billing codes under applicable HCBS waivers
Complete provider agreement and set up electronic claims system access

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Alaska Contractor License and bonding (as required)
Insurance certificates (general liability, vehicle, workers’ comp)
SDS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Intake and assessment procedures
- Cost estimation and pre-authorization workflows
- ADA compliance and construction standards
- Subcontractor and material procurement guidelines
- Client consent and sign-off forms
- Change order, delay, and dispute resolution policies
- Service documentation, invoicing, and project completion forms
- Warranty, safety checks, and follow-up procedures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Project Manager / Construction Supervisor

Requirements: Licensed contractor or equivalent with experience in residential modifications and ADA-compliant installations

Role: Installation Technician / Carpenter

Requirements: Skilled trades professional with experience in accessibility modifications and safety compliance

All staff and subcontractors must:

Pass background checks (if working in occupied residences)
Be licensed or certified per Alaska trade standards
Complete SDS orientation and training on documentation and client interaction
Follow safety, confidentiality, and service reporting protocols

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Alaska Medicaid Waivers authorize Environmental Modification Services:

Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) Waiver
Adults with Physical and Developmental Disabilities (APDD) Waiver
Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Waiver
Children with Complex Medical Conditions (CCMC) Waiver

Approved providers may deliver:

Custom home modifications based on client assessments
Detailed project proposals with pre-approval workflows
Timely and code-compliant installation of adaptive features
Documentation and invoicing aligned with Medicaid billing requirements

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Licensing

Timeline: 1–3 weeks

Phase: SDS Application Review and Approval

Timeline: 45–90 days

Phase: Project Workflow Preparation and Training

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and MMIS Setup

Timeline: 45–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Email: dsdsprovider@alaska.gov

Phone: (907) 269-3666

Website: https://dhss.alaska.gov/dsds

Alaska Medicaid Provider Enrollment – Conduent MMIS

Website: https://medicaidalaska.com

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ALASKA ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER

We help new contractors and accessibility service professionals establish Environmental Modification businesses under Alaska’s HCBS Medicaid Waiver programs.

Scope of Work: