HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER IN HAWAII

Fatumata Kaba
1 day ago
3 min read

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE BY ASSISTING WITH HOUSEHOLD TASKS ESSENTIAL TO DAILY LIVING

Homemaker Services in Hawaii provide assistance with routine household tasks to individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or aging-related needs, helping them maintain a safe, clean, and healthy home environment. These services are authorized under Hawaii’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and are essential for supporting independent living and preventing institutionalization.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) — Med-QUEST Division

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

Agency: Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) — Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD)

Role: Administers HCBS waiver Homemaker Services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight, ensuring Homemaker Services meet Medicaid HCBS standards for community-based supports

2. HOMEMAKER SERVICE OVERVIEW

Homemaker Services assist participants with light housekeeping and household management tasks they would otherwise be unable to complete independently.

Approved providers may deliver:

Housekeeping services such as dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and trash removal
Laundry and linen changing
Meal preparation assistance (excluding medical-level meal services)
Grocery shopping and other essential errands
Light home organization to promote accessibility and safety
Assistance with household scheduling (e.g., coordinating utility services, basic organization)

Homemaker Services must directly support the individual’s health and well-being and be tied to objectives outlined in the participant’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Enroll as a Medicaid provider through Hawaii’s Med-QUEST Division
Maintain general liability insurance
Develop participant-centered policies and procedures for service delivery, safety, and documentation

4. MED-QUEST/DHS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Submit Provider Enrollment Application for Homemaker Services through Hawaii’s Med-QUEST Division
Identify service areas and scheduling models

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, proof of insurance, operational policies, and staff qualification standards
Provide sample daily service logs, participant intake forms, and emergency contact procedures

Program Readiness Review:

DHS and DOH review provider readiness, including documentation systems, safety standards, participant protections, and Medicaid compliance

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, configure billing codes specific to Homemaker Services (hourly or per-visit reimbursement models)

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Hawaii DCCA)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of general liability insurance
HCBS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Participant intake, needs assessment, and service planning procedures
- Housekeeping, meal preparation, and household support protocols
- Emergency preparedness and participant safety procedures
- HIPAA confidentiality, participant rights, and grievance handling procedures
- Staff credentialing, background screening, and competency tracking
- Medicaid billing, service authorization tracking, and audit readiness systems

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Homemaker Services Program Manager / Supervisor

Requirements: Experience managing personal care, home management, or disability support services preferred; background screening clearance

Role: Homemaker Staff / Direct Support Workers

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

All staff must complete:

HIPAA confidentiality and participant rights training
Household safety, emergency response, and infection control training
Abuse prevention and participant safeguarding training
Annual refresher courses on homemaker service standards and Medicaid compliance

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

The following Hawaii Medicaid Waivers authorize Homemaker Services:

Developmental Disabilities/Intellectual Disabilities (DD/ID) Waiver
Community Care Services (CCS) Program (if home management is necessary to prevent institutionalization)

Approved providers may deliver:

Light housekeeping, laundry, and home organization services
Basic meal preparation and shopping assistance
Essential home maintenance to promote participant safety and accessibility

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Initial Credentialing Setup

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Med-QUEST Provider Application and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Homemaker Program Setup

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Billing System Configuration

Timeline: 45–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) — Med-QUEST Division

Website: https://medquest.hawaii.gov/

Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) — Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD)

Website: https://health.hawaii.gov/ddd/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — HAWAII HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports homemaker agencies, personal care providers, and community-based organizations in launching Medicaid-compliant Homemaker Services under Hawaii’s HCBS waiver programs.

Scope of Work:

Business registration and EIN/NPI setup
Medicaid provider enrollment support
Development of Homemaker Services Policy & Procedure Manual
Staff credentialing templates and participant intake/service planning documents
Medicaid billing configuration and claims management
Website, domain, and email setup
Participant intake, daily documentation, and service authorization tracking templates
Emergency response procedures and quality assurance systems
Community networking and partnership development strategies