HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEBRASKA

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 8
4 min read

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT LIVING THROUGH HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE AND PERSONAL CARE

Homemaker Services in Nebraska provide essential household support for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions. These services help individuals maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable living environment, promoting independence and well-being. Homemaker Services are authorized under the Nebraska Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Homemaker Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division

Role: Oversees quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Homemaker Services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Homemaker Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards.

2. HOMEMAKER SERVICES OVERVIEW

Homemaker Services provide essential household support and personal care assistance to help individuals maintain a clean, safe, and manageable home environment.

Approved providers may deliver:

Household Cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing surfaces.
Laundry and Linen Care: Washing, drying, folding, and organizing clothing and bed linens.
Meal Preparation: Preparing meals according to dietary needs and preferences.
Grocery Shopping: Assisting with shopping for food and household supplies.
Personal Care Assistance: Light personal hygiene tasks and grooming support.
Safety and Home Maintenance: Checking for hazards, replacing light bulbs, and maintaining a safe environment.
Social and Emotional Support: Providing companionship and reducing isolation.

All services are provided based on the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet the specific needs of the participant.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the Nebraska Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Homemaker Services provider via the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.
Obtain licensure as a Homemaker Agency through Nebraska DHHS if applicable.
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for household assistance, safety management, and emergency response.
Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and relevant training requirements.

4. NEBRASKA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Homemaker Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, staff qualifications, and policy manuals.

Program Readiness Review:

DHHS evaluates provider readiness, including staff qualifications, service delivery protocols, and client safety procedures.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon successful review, providers receive authorization to bill Medicaid for Homemaker Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Nebraska Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Homemaker Agency License (if applicable)
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Homemaker Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Client intake, assessment, and service planning procedures
- Safety and hygiene protocols for household tasks
- Personal care assistance guidelines
- Staff credentialing, background checks, and training requirements
- HIPAA compliance, client rights, and grievance handling
- Billing, documentation, and audit readiness procedures
- Emergency response and safety management policies