HOME MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN MARYLAND

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 2
4 min read

ENHANCING ACCESS, SAFETY, AND INDEPENDENCE THROUGH CUSTOMIZED MODIFICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Home Modification Services in Maryland involve making physical changes to a participant’s residence to support their health, independence, and ability to remain safely at home. These services are provided under the Maryland Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs, including the Community First Choice (CFC) program and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Waivers: Community Pathways, Community Supports, and Family Supports.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Maryland Department of Health (MDH)

Role: Oversees Medicaid and CFC-funded services, including home modifications

Agency: Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Role: Approves and monitors modifications under its waiver programs

Agency: Office of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS Maryland)

Role: Provides billing, service tracking, and electronic documentation systems

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures compliance with federal HCBS and waiver service standards

2. HOME MODIFICATION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Home Modification services are intended to:

Increase accessibility and usability of the home
Support mobility devices and transfers
Enhance participant safety
Allow individuals to remain in their community-based residence

Common types of modifications include:

Wheelchair ramps and platform lifts
Stair lifts and grab bars
Widened doorways or hallways
Roll-in showers or accessible bathtubs
Lowered countertops and adjustable-height appliances
Visual alert systems (e.g., for doorbells, alarms)

NOTE: Modifications must be directly related to the individual’s disability, included in their Person-Centered Plan (PCP), and authorized by the appropriate agency.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
Obtain EIN from the IRS and Type 2 NPI
Hold an active Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license or relevant contractor certification
Apply to become a provider under DDA or Medicaid (CFC) through the ePREP portal or DDA Provider Application Portal
Maintain general liability insurance and workers’ compensation (if applicable)
Ensure compliance with ADA, state building codes, and DDA accessibility requirements

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Business Setup and Licensing

Finalize business registration, obtain MHIC license, and gather insurance documentation

Step 2: Apply via DDA Provider Portal or Medicaid ePREP

Choose “Environmental Accessibility Adaptation” (DDA) or “Home Modifications” (CFC)

Step 3: Submit Required Documentation

Scope of services, credentials, example proposals, safety protocols, and staff or subcontractor resumes

Step 4: Approval and Authorization

Begin services only upon PCP authorization and service plan approval
Maintain documentation and submit claims via LTSS Maryland

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC certificate
IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI documentation
Maryland contractor license (MHIC) or equivalent
DDA or CFC program approval letter
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Work proposals and bid comparison forms
- Pre/post photos and participant consent documentation
- Contractor/subcontractor agreements and credentials
- Safety inspection checklist and project logs
- Emergency protocols and compliance standards
- Privacy, consent, and HIPAA policies

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Licensed Contractor / Home Modification Specialist

Requirements: Active MHIC license, insurance, and understanding of ADA and HCBS accessibility standards

Role: Project Coordinator (optional)

Requirements: Background in accessibility services or care coordination, responsible for timelines and family communication

Training Requirements:

ADA compliance and home accessibility codes
Person-centered planning principles
Risk management and emergency planning
Confidentiality and HIPAA awareness
Infection control (for in-home work)

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Home Modification services are covered under:

Community First Choice (CFC) – For individuals who meet the nursing facility level of care
Community Pathways Waiver – For individuals with more intensive support needs
Community Supports Waiver – For individuals with part-time or targeted support needs
Family Supports Waiver – For children under 21 living in the family home
Self-Directed Services – Participants may use their approved budget to arrange home modifications with approved vendors

Covered elements:

Assessments to determine modification needs
Equipment and material purchases
Permits and labor
Inspections, training, and follow-up (as needed)

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Contractor Licensing

Timeline: 2–3 weeks

Phase: Policy Manual and Application Preparation

Timeline: 2–3 weeks

Phase: DDA or Medicaid Enrollment Review

Timeline: 6–10 weeks

Phase: Authorization for First Project and Service Delivery

Timeline: Per client referral and approval cycle

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Website: https://dda.health.maryland.gov

Email: dda.providerapps@maryland.gov

Maryland Medicaid Provider Enrollment (ePREP)

Website: https://eprep.health.maryland.gov

Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)

Website: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mhic

LTSS Maryland (for waiver billing)

Website: https://ltss.health.maryland.gov

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)

Website: https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MARYLAND HOME MODIFICATION PROVIDER

We support contractors, accessibility consultants, and home improvement professionals in launching fully compliant Home Modification services under Maryland Medicaid and DDA waivers.

Scope of Work: