HOME MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEW YORK

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 4
4 min read

CREATING SAFE, ACCESSIBLE, AND FUNCTIONAL LIVING SPACES TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENCE IN HOME AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS

Home Modification Services in New York enhance accessibility and safety for individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or mobility challenges. These modifications allow individuals to live independently in their own homes by reducing physical barriers and creating adaptive environments. Home Modification Services are authorized under New York Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Home Modification Services and oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

Role: Provides oversight for home modification services targeting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Agency: New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)

Role: Ensures compliance for home modification programs serving individuals with mental and behavioral health needs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded Home Modification Services meet quality, safety, and accessibility standards.

2. HOME MODIFICATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Home Modification Services involve structural changes and adaptations to a residence to improve accessibility, safety, and independence for individuals with disabilities.

Approved providers may deliver:

Accessibility Enhancements: Installing ramps, stairlifts, and widened doorways.
Bathroom Modifications: Adding grab bars, roll-in showers, and accessible sinks.
Kitchen Modifications: Lowering countertops, installing adaptive fixtures, and optimizing layout for wheelchair use.
Safety Improvements: Installing non-slip flooring, handrails, and safety lighting.
Mobility Supports: Adding ceiling lifts, track systems, and transfer aids.
Environmental Controls: Integrating smart home systems for remote lighting, temperature, and door control.
Emergency Accessibility: Adding accessible exits and fire safety improvements.
Sensory Modifications: Creating environments suitable for individuals with sensory processing disorders.
Documentation: Maintaining records of assessments, installation, and compliance with safety standards.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the New York Department of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Home Modification provider via the New York Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal (eMedNY).
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for accessibility assessments, project planning, and safety compliance.
Ensure staff complete required background checks, health screenings, and construction safety training.

4. NEW YORK PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the eMedNY Portal for Home Modification Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, modification policies, and staff training documentation.

Program Readiness Review:

NYSDOH, OPWDD, and OMH evaluate provider readiness, including safety protocols, modification standards, and staff qualifications.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Home Modification Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (New York Department of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Home Modification Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Accessibility assessment and modification planning procedures
- Construction safety protocols and compliance guidelines
- Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records
- Documentation standards for modification tracking and Medicaid billing
- HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling
- Emergency response and safety verification protocols
- Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Home Modification Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in construction management, rehabilitation engineering, or healthcare administration; experience in project management and accessibility planning.

Role: Accessibility Consultants

Requirements: Certification in accessibility planning, architecture, or rehabilitation technology; experience in home modification assessments.

Role: Construction Technicians

Requirements: Experience in building modifications, safety compliance, and ADA standards; OSHA certification preferred.

All staff must complete: