HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER IN ARIZONA

SUPPORTING HEALTH AND SAFETY THROUGH NON-MEDICAL HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING LONG-TERM CARE SERVICES

Homemaker Services in Arizona help individuals who are elderly or have disabilities remain safely in their homes by providing assistance with routine household tasks. These services are authorized under Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) through Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and are part of the state’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) offerings.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

Role: Administers Medicaid and ALTCS; authorizes and reimburses HCBS providers

Agency: Arizona Department of Economic Security – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DES/DDD)

Role: Manages services for individuals with developmental disabilities enrolled in ALTCS

Agency: Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) / Program Contractors (e.g., Mercy Care, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Banner – University Family Care)

Role: Coordinate services, conduct monitoring, and issue service authorizations

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight for Medicaid HCBS program compliance

2. HOMEMAKER SERVICE OVERVIEW

Homemaker Services include non-medical assistance with routine household activities to maintain a clean, safe, and functional home. These services support individuals who are unable to manage tasks independently due to physical, cognitive, or behavioral limitations.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Light housekeeping (sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting)

• Laundry, bed-making, and changing linens

• Dishwashing, kitchen cleanup, and organization

• Trash removal and sanitation of common areas

• Meal preparation support (non-medical)

• Shopping assistance and errands (if approved by MCO)

• Service documentation and communication with care managers

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Arizona Corporation Commission

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)

• Apply to become an AHCCCS-registered provider under ALTCS

• Complete contracting with one or more AHCCCS Program Contractors (MCOs)

• Ensure staff meet fingerprinting, background checks, and training standards

• Maintain general liability and workers’ comp insurance

• Comply with AHCCCS policies and quality management standards

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business and obtain an NPI

Step 2: Apply to become an AHCCCS provider through the AHCCCS Online Provider Enrollment Portal

Step 3: Contract with one or more ALTCS Managed Care Organizations (e.g., Mercy Care, UHC, Banner)

Step 4: Submit administrative documents, staffing plan, and quality assurance policies

Step 5: Receive approval and begin receiving service referrals through case managers

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or business registration (Arizona Corporation Commission)

• IRS EIN Letter

• NPI confirmation

• Certificate of liability and workers’ comp insurance

• AHCCCS provider approval

• MCO contracts and credentialing confirmations

• Policy & procedure manual including:

  • Client intake and service scheduling procedures

  • Daily documentation logs and task checklists

  • Staff training records and supervision plans

  • Confidentiality and HIPAA compliance

  • Emergency protocols and safety procedures

  • Incident reporting and grievance process

  • Cultural competency and abuse prevention policies

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Homemaker / Home Care Aide

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED preferred

• Background check and fingerprint clearance (Level I)

• CPR/First Aid certification

• Ability to document services and follow individualized service plans (ISPs)

Role: Supervisor / Administrator

Requirements:

• Responsible for scheduling, training, and quality assurance

• Familiarity with AHCCCS and MCO documentation standards

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• Infection control and home safety

• Confidentiality and HIPAA

• Abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevention

• Documentation accuracy and incident reporting

• Cultural competence and respectful communication

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Homemaker Services are reimbursed under:

• Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS)

• Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) ALTCS program

• AHCCCS HCBS waivers and managed care plans

Approved providers may deliver:

• Housekeeping and support services per the member’s service plan

• Time-tracked, task-specific documentation for billing

• Ongoing coordination with MCOs and case managers

• Person-centered service delivery that supports independence

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: AHCCCS Provider Enrollment

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: MCO Contracting and Credentialing

Timeline: 30–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Service Delivery Setup

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

Phone: (602) 417-4000

Website: https://www.azahcccs.gov

AHCCCS Provider Enrollment

Website: https://www.azahcccs.gov/PlansProviders/NewProviders

Arizona DES – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Phone: (844) 770-9500

Website: https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities

ALTCS Managed Care Plans (e.g., Mercy Care, Banner, UHC)

Contact links are available on each MCO’s website

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ARIZONA HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER

We guide direct care professionals and agencies in launching AHCCCS-compliant Homemaker Services programs under ALTCS and DDD.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)

• AHCCCS provider enrollment and MCO contracting support

• Policy & procedure manual for task-based care, documentation, and compliance

• Templates for task logs, daily checklists, and incident reports

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Staff credentialing trackers and training records

• Client intake packet, consent forms, and safety checklists

• Incident reporting systems and audit readiness tools

• Referral networking with case managers and managed care organizations

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.