HOME MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN KENTUCKY

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 25
4 min read

CREATING SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE HOMES TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT LIVING AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Home Modification Services in Kentucky support individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions by adapting their homes to meet functional needs and ensure safety. These modifications reduce fall risk, enhance mobility, and enable individuals to remain in their communities. Covered under specific Kentucky Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, home modifications are critical to supporting aging in place and reducing institutional care reliance.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) — Department for Medicaid Services (DMS)

Role: Administers Medicaid reimbursement and enrollment for home modification providers

Agency: Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)

Role: Oversees approval standards and waiver criteria for home modifications

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures federal compliance and integration of environmental adaptations into person-centered planning

Agency: Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) under Kentucky Medicaid

Role: Authorize modifications through PCSPs, credential vendors, and oversee billing and quality reviews

2. SERVICE OVERVIEW

Home Modification Services involve physical changes to a participant’s residence that enhance accessibility, promote safety, and support independent living.

Approved modifications may include:

Installation of wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and stair lifts
Bathroom adaptations: roll-in showers, raised toilets, widened doorways
Kitchen accessibility improvements: lowered counters, accessible appliances
Widening of doorways or hallways
Installation of non-skid flooring or handrails
Voice-activated systems or door alarms (as allowed)
Structural changes are required to accommodate durable medical equipment

All services must be identified in the participant’s Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP) and justified as medically necessary with supporting clinical documentation.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Kentucky Secretary of State
Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
Enroll through the Medicaid Partner Portal Application (MPPA) as a home modification provider or vendor
Maintain general liability and construction-specific insurance (e.g., contractor bonding if applicable)
Hire or subcontract licensed general contractors, electricians, and plumbers as required
Develop a Home Modification Services Policy & Procedure Manual
Ensure compliance with ADA standards, building codes, and safety guidelines
Implement HIPAA-compliant records for participant information, estimates, and service logs

4. KENTUCKY PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Medicaid Enrollment

Apply through MPPA as a provider of Environmental Accessibility Adaptations or Home Modifications
Complete MCO credentialing and submit vendor pricing and compliance documentation

Step 2: Documentation Submission

Submit proof of licensure, insurance, business registration, and sample project scope templates
Provide written policies for estimates, quality control, and inspection procedures

Step 3: Service Authorization & Completion

Obtain a home assessment or a physician recommendation
Submit modification request to MCO for review and pre-authorization
Complete the project per the approved scope
Submit documentation, photos, and an invoice for reimbursement

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Kentucky business license
IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI verification
Contractor’s license (or subcontractor agreements)
General liability and construction insurance
Home Modification Services Policies & Procedures Manual, including:
- Home assessment and estimate templates
- Participant consent and approval forms
- Project scope, timelines, and inspection logs
- ADA and state building code compliance protocols
- Critical incident and repair warranty procedures
- Staff/subcontractor credentials and liability verification
- HIPAA compliance and Medicaid billing documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Project Coordinator / Home Modification Manager

Requirements: Experience in housing accessibility projects; background check and contractor oversight

Role: Contractor / Licensed Tradesperson

Requirements: Kentucky licensure or certification in applicable trades; insurance and bonding

Role (optional): Occupational Therapist or Accessibility Specialist

Requirements: Provides functional assessments and adaptation recommendations (if required)

All staff and subcontractors must complete:

HIPAA compliance training
Safety and construction standards orientation
Documentation protocols for Medicaid-funded projects
Background screening and insurance verification

7. MEDICAID PROGRAMS & HCBS WAIVERS

Home Modification Services are reimbursable under:

Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver
Michelle P. Waiver (MPW)
Home and Community-Based (HCB) Waiver
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI and ABI-LTC) Waivers
Model II Waiver (MIIW)

Delivery settings include:

Participant-owned or rented private residences
Group homes or supported living arrangements (when authorized)

Note: Modifications must not be for general home improvements or aesthetic upgrades and require clinical or case manager justification.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Setup and Contractor Agreements

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: MPPA Enrollment and MCO Credentialing

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Documentation and Pricing System Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Service Authorization and Project Launch

Timeline: Based on MCO approval (typically 30–60 days per project)

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services (DMS)

Website: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms

Medicaid Partner Portal Application (MPPA): https://mppa.ky.gov

Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)

Website: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS)

Website: https://chfs.ky.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — KENTUCKY HOME MODIFICATION PROVIDER

WCG supports contractors, rehab specialists, and accessibility vendors in launching compliant, Medicaid-approved home modification services in Kentucky.

Scope of Work: