HOME MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN OHIO

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 17
3 min read

CREATING SAFE, ACCESSIBLE LIVING ENVIRONMENTS THAT PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE

Home Modification Services in Ohio help individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or aging-related mobility limitations by adapting their living environments to improve accessibility, safety, and independence. These modifications are tailored to meet the individual’s functional needs and are authorized under Ohio Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM)

Role: Oversees reimbursement and compliance for home modification services under Medicaid waivers.

Agency: Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)

Role: Certifies and monitors providers serving individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).

Agency: Ohio Department of Aging (ODA)**

Role: Coordinates home modification services under the PASSPORT Waiver for older adults.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure modifications meet HCBS quality, safety, and accessibility standards.

2. HOME MODIFICATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Home Modification Services involve physical adaptations to a participant’s residence that are necessary to ensure their health, safety, and ability to function independently in the home.

Approved providers may deliver:

Mobility Enhancements: Installation of ramps, grab bars, stair lifts, widened doorways, and handrails.
Bathroom Modifications: Roll-in showers, raised toilet seats, and accessible sinks.
Kitchen Modifications: Lowered countertops, cabinet adjustments, and adaptive appliances.
Flooring & Surface Changes: Installing non-slip surfaces and smooth transitions between rooms.
Door and Lock Modifications: Lever handles, electronic locks, and automatic door openers.
Environmental Controls: Smart switches, remote-access lighting, or thermostats.
Customized Supports: Adaptive shelving, transfer benches, or furniture for safety.
Safety Enhancements: Emergency alert systems and fall prevention adaptations.
Documentation: Maintaining blueprints, receipts, photos, and justification of modifications linked to the participant’s needs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll through Ohio Medicaid’s Provider Enrollment Portal or DODD (for DD-specific modifications).
Maintain general liability, workers’ compensation, and construction-related insurance.
Work with licensed contractors in good standing with the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB).
Ensure compliance with ADA standards and local building codes.
Develop written policies for planning, installation, quality assurance, and consumer protections.

4. OHIO PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Application:

Apply through the appropriate portal (ODM or DODD) for Medicaid provider certification.

Document Submission:

Business license, insurance, contractor credentials, home modification policies, cost estimates, and staff certifications.

Compliance Review:

Agencies assess safety protocols, cost reasonableness, and readiness to deliver construction-based services.

Approval & Billing Readiness:

Upon approval, providers receive a Medicaid billing number and authorization to deliver and invoice for approved home modifications.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of general, professional, and contractor liability insurance
Home Modification Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Needs assessment and scope-of-work planning
- Pre- and post-installation inspection protocols
- Client communication and consent documentation
- Contractor licensing verification procedures
- Staff and vendor background checks and training records
- Safety compliance, billing documentation, and quality assurance tools
- HIPAA and participant rights protections

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Home Modifications Program Manager

Requirements: Experience in construction management, rehabilitation services, or occupational therapy; familiarity with ADA and building code compliance.

Role: Licensed Contractors / Subcontractors

Requirements: Valid Ohio contractor license; experience in accessible modifications and Medicaid waiver work; insurance and background check required.

Role: Accessibility Assessors / Evaluators (if separate from installers)

Requirements: Experience in occupational therapy or assistive housing assessments.

All staff and subcontractors must complete: