HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEW JERSEY

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT LIVING THROUGH ESSENTIAL HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE

Homemaker Services in New Jersey support individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions by providing assistance with essential household tasks. These services help maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable living environment while promoting independence. Homemaker Services are authorized under New Jersey Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS)

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

Agency: Division of Aging Services (DoAS)

Role: Ensures 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 non-medical support to individuals, helping them maintain a clean and safe living environment.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Housekeeping: Light cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, and trash removal.

• Laundry and Linen Care: Washing, drying, folding, and changing bed linens.

• Meal Preparation: Cooking and meal planning based on dietary needs.

• Grocery Shopping: Purchasing groceries and household essentials.

• Home Safety Checks: Identifying and addressing potential hazards.

• Organization Assistance: Helping to maintain a clutter-free and organized space.

• Companionship: Providing social interaction while completing tasks.

• Errands: Assisting with light shopping and pharmacy visits.

All services are delivered according to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet the participant’s household and safety needs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

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

• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Homemaker provider via the New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.

• Obtain any required licensure from DHS if applicable.

• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.

• Develop policies for household management, safety protocols, and staff training.

• Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and homemaking training requirements.

4. NEW JERSEY PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the New Jersey 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:

• DHS and DoAS evaluate provider readiness, including safety protocols, staff qualifications, and homemaker procedures.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Homemaker Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (New Jersey Division of Revenue)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

• Homemaker Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Participant intake, assessment, and service planning procedures

  • Housekeeping, meal preparation, and personal environment maintenance protocols

  • Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records

  • Documentation standards for service tracking and Medicaid billing

  • HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling

  • Safety protocols, emergency response, and infection control measures

  • Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Homemaker Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in human services, healthcare administration, or related field; supervisory experience preferred.

Role: Homemakers/Direct Support Workers

Requirements: High school diploma or GED; basic housekeeping and meal preparation skills; CPR/First Aid certification; background clearance.

Role: Personal Care Aides (if applicable)

Requirements: CPR/First Aid certification; experience in light personal care assistance; background clearance.

All staff must complete:

• Homemaking and light caregiving training

• Safety and infection control education

• HIPAA compliance and client rights training

• Annual competency evaluations and continuing education

• Ongoing training in household safety and wellness monitoring

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Homemaker Services are available under the following New Jersey Medicaid Waivers:

• Community Care Program for the Elderly and Disabled (CCPED)

• Supports Program Waiver

• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver

• Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Waiver

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

Services may include:

• Light housekeeping and laundry assistance

• Meal preparation and dietary support

• Grocery shopping and essential errands

• Safety checks and home maintenance assistance

• Social interaction and companionship

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Homemaker Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS)

Website: https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/

Division of Aging Services (DoAS)

Website: https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/doas/

New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://www.njmmis.com/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

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

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

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Homemaker Services in New Jersey, offering:

Scope of Work:

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance

• Policy manual development for homemaking support and household safety

• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and service documentation guidance

• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management

• Branding, website development, and community outreach strategies

• Quality assurance systems for household safety and compliance monitoring

• Networking with community-based organizations for referrals

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.