HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER IN FLORIDA

Fatumata Kaba
6 days ago
3 min read

SUPPORTING DAILY LIVING THROUGH HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, CHRONIC CONDITIONS, OR AGE-RELATED NEEDS

Homemaker Services in Florida assist individuals enrolled in Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs by providing help with household tasks necessary to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy living environment. These services allow individuals to continue living independently in their homes and participating fully in their communities.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

Role: Oversees Medicaid enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for Homemaker Services

Agency: Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Role: Coordinates homemaker service delivery for individuals with developmental disabilities enrolled in the iBudget Florida Waiver

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Homemaker Services meet HCBS compliance and person-centered service standards

2. HOMEMAKER SERVICE OVERVIEW

Homemaker Services assist individuals who are unable to complete household tasks themselves due to disability, medical condition, or age-related limitations.

Approved providers may deliver:

Light housekeeping tasks (sweeping, dusting, mopping, vacuuming)
Laundry and linen changing
Grocery shopping assistance
Meal preparation and kitchen cleanup
Basic organization and home maintenance to ensure a safe environment
Trash removal and home sanitation tasks

Homemaker services do not include hands-on personal care such as bathing or dressing (which are covered under Personal Care Assistance Services).

All services must be consistent with the participant’s individualized service plan and focus on maintaining a healthy, sanitary home.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Obtain a Homemaker and Companion Services License from AHCA (mandatory unless exempt under certain limited circumstances)
Maintain general liability insurance coverage
Develop policies for service delivery, documentation, participant rights, and emergency procedures
Complete background screenings for owners and direct service staff

4. AHCA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request Homemaker and Companion Services License application materials from AHCA
Complete background screening submissions for administrators and employees

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of liability insurance, organizational chart, and business plan
Provide participant intake forms, daily task logs, and emergency response protocols

Licensing Inspection:

AHCA may conduct a pre-licensure inspection to verify readiness for service delivery

Medicaid Enrollment:

After licensing approval, complete Medicaid provider enrollment through the Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
Select billing codes appropriate for Homemaker Services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Sunbiz)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Florida Homemaker and Companion Services License
Proof of general liability insurance
AHCA-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Participant intake and service planning protocols
- Documentation of tasks performed and participant satisfaction tracking
- Emergency preparedness, incident reporting, and home safety procedures
- Client rights, grievance resolution, and HIPAA confidentiality policies
- Staff credentialing, background screening, and ongoing training records
- Medicaid billing, service authorization tracking, and documentation retention systems

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Homemaker Services Supervisor / Program Manager

Requirements: Experience managing supportive services or healthcare operations preferred; background screening clearance

Role: Homemaker Service Workers

Requirements: High school diploma or GED recommended; CPR/First Aid certification recommended; background screening clearance

All staff must complete:

Participant rights, abuse prevention, and confidentiality training
Basic emergency response and infection control training
Annual training on homemaker tasks, home safety, and documentation standards
Medicaid documentation and service compliance training

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Florida Medicaid Waivers authorize Homemaker Services:

iBudget Florida Waiver (for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities)
Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care (LTC) Program (for elderly and disabled adults)

Approved providers may deliver: