HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER IN IDAHO
- Fatumata Kaba
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
SUPPORTING DAILY LIVING AND HOUSEHOLD TASKS TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE AND COMMUNITY LIVING
Homemaker Services in Idaho assist individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or aging-related needs by helping them maintain a clean, safe, and functional home environment. These services are authorized under Idaho’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and Medicaid State Plan benefits, enabling participants to continue living independently in their own homes or community settings.
1. GOVERNING AGENCIES
Agency: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) — Division of Medicaid
Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for Homemaker Services
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Homemaker Services meet Medicaid HCBS community-based living standards
2. HOMEMAKER SERVICE OVERVIEW
Homemaker Services include assistance with routine household activities and tasks that participants are unable to perform independently due to physical, cognitive, or developmental limitations.
Approved providers may deliver:
Light housekeeping (e.g., dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping)
Laundry services (washing, drying, folding clothes and linens)
Meal preparation and cleanup
Grocery shopping and basic household errands (where authorized)
Assistance with organizing and maintaining safe living spaces
Bed making and linen changing
Garbage removal and household sanitation tasks
Services must be based on assessed participant needs documented in the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and cannot duplicate personal care or direct medical services.
3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:
Register business with the Idaho Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Enroll as a Medicaid provider through Idaho Medicaid Provider Enrollment
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance
Develop operational policies for service delivery, participant safety, and emergency preparedness
Staff must meet background screening and basic competency requirements in housekeeping and participant support
4. IDHW PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Initial Interest and Application:
Submit Provider Enrollment Application for Homemaker Services through Idaho’s Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)
Application and Documentation Submission:
Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, operational policies, and participant intake forms
Provide sample service plans, task tracking forms, emergency protocols, and participant rights policies
Program Readiness Review:
IDHW reviews provider readiness including staff qualification standards, participant safety systems, and Medicaid billing compliance
Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:
Upon approval, configure billing codes for Homemaker Services (typically billed hourly)
5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Articles of Incorporation or Business Registration (Idaho Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
HCBS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
Participant intake, needs assessment, and service planning procedures
Task documentation, service verification, and scheduling protocols
Emergency preparedness and incident reporting procedures
HIPAA confidentiality, participant rights, and grievance handling policies
Staff credentialing, background checks, and training documentation
Medicaid billing, service authorization tracking, and audit readiness documentation
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Homemaker Services Manager / Supervisor
Requirements: Experience in personal care services, housekeeping management, or home support services preferred; background screening clearance
Role: Homemaker Workers / Home Support Staff
Requirements: High school diploma or GED preferred; training in housekeeping, meal preparation, and participant safety; CPR/First Aid certification recommended; background screening clearance
All staff must complete:
HIPAA confidentiality and participant rights training
Abuse prevention, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness training
Annual competency evaluations and refresher training in service delivery standards
7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS
The following Idaho Medicaid Waivers authorize Homemaker Services:
Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver
Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver (for participants requiring environmental support)
Approved providers may deliver:
Housekeeping and household support are necessary to maintain a safe and clean living environment
Non-medical assistance related to meal preparation and home organization
Support with activities indirectly linked to health maintenance and community living
8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Business Formation and Credentialing Setup
Timeline: 1–2 weeks
Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development
Timeline: 1–2 months
Phase: Idaho Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review
Timeline: 60–90 days
Phase: Medicaid Billing System Configuration and Claims Management
Timeline: 30–45 days
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) — Medicaid Division
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Website: https://www.cms.gov/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — IDAHO HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER
WCG supports home support agencies, homemaker service companies, and community organizations in launching Medicaid-compliant Homemaker Services under Idaho’s HCBS waiver programs.
Scope of Work:
Business registration and EIN/NPI setup
Medicaid provider enrollment assistance
Development of Homemaker Services Policy & Procedure Manual
Staff credentialing templates and participant intake/service tracking forms
Medicaid billing system setup and claims management
Website, domain, and email setup
Daily documentation templates, scheduling systems, and task tracking sheets
Quality assurance programs for service delivery monitoring and participant satisfaction
Community outreach and referral partnership development strategies
Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.
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