IN-HOME SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER IN FLORIDA

PROVIDING PERSONALIZED SUPPORT TO HELP INDIVIDUALS LIVE SAFELY AND INDEPENDENTLY IN THEIR OWN HOMES

In-Home Support Services in Florida offer individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions the personalized assistance they need to live independently in their homes and participate fully in community life. These services are authorized under Florida’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and are designed to support activities of daily living (ADLs), safety, community integration, and skill development.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Role: Oversees service delivery under the iBudget Florida Waiver for individuals with developmental disabilities

Agency: Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

Role: Manages Medicaid provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for In-Home Support Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight, ensuring In-Home Support Services meet Medicaid HCBS standards

2. IN-HOME SUPPORT SERVICE OVERVIEW

In-Home Support Services provide assistance to individuals in their homes with a focus on promoting independence, skill development, and community participation.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and mobility

• Assistance with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, and medication reminders

• Support for community activities (accompanying individuals to medical appointments, work, or social activities)

• Skill-building activities to increase self-sufficiency and daily living skills

• Protective oversight and safety monitoring

• Health and wellness promotion (within non-nursing scope)

All services must be based on the participant’s individualized support plan and authorized service levels.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)

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

• Complete APD Qualified Provider Application process

• Maintain liability insurance coverage

• Ensure compliance with Level 2 background screening requirements for all direct care staff

• Develop person-centered planning and service documentation systems

4. APD PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Request the In-Home Support Services provider application packet from APD

• Attend APD provider orientation sessions (recommended)

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of liability insurance, staffing structure, and operational policies

• Provide participant intake forms, service delivery schedules, and emergency response procedures

• Submit background screening documentation and staff training records

Program Readiness Review:

• APD reviews provider readiness including participant protection systems, staff qualifications, and service tracking procedures

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon APD approval, complete Medicaid enrollment through the Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

• Set up appropriate billing codes for In-Home Support Services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Sunbiz)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Proof of liability insurance

• APD-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Participant intake and individualized support planning

  • ADL/IADL assistance procedures

  • Skill-building and community integration activities

  • Incident reporting, emergency preparedness, and participant safety protocols

  • Confidentiality, client rights, and HIPAA compliance policies

  • Staff background checks, credentialing, and ongoing training logs

  • Medicaid billing, service authorization tracking, and documentation retention

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: In-Home Support Services Program Manager

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a human services field preferred; supervisory experience in disability services or home support settings; background screening clearance

Role: Direct Support Staff / In-Home Support Aides

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

All staff must complete:

• APD Core Competency Training

• HIPAA confidentiality and client rights training

• Emergency procedures, safety, and abuse prevention training

• Medicaid service documentation and compliance training

• Annual refresher training on skill-building and best practices for in-home care

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Florida Medicaid Waiver authorizes In-Home Support Services:

• iBudget Florida Waiver (for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Direct assistance with daily living activities

• Community integration supports

• Life skills training and independence promotion

• Protective oversight and safety monitoring services

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Initial Setup

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: APD Qualified Provider Application and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training, and Documentation Finalization

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Billing Setup

Timeline: 45–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Website: https://apd.myflorida.com/

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

Website: https://ahca.myflorida.com/

Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://home.flmedicaidmanagedcare.com/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — FLORIDA IN-HOME SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG helps providers and entrepreneurs launch Medicaid-compliant In-Home Support Services under Florida’s iBudget Waiver program.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration and EIN/NPI setup

• APD Qualified Provider Application and Medicaid enrollment support

• Development of In-Home Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual

• Staff credentialing templates and service tracking documentation

• Medicaid billing setup and authorization management

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Participant intake and support planning templates

• Emergency preparedness, incident reporting, and safety protocols

• Quality assurance and compliance tracking systems

• Community outreach and referral development strategies

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

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