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INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS SERVICES PROVIDER IN MASSACHUSETTS
- Fatumata Kaba
- Aug 7, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 15
SUPPORTING SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND DAILY FUNCTIONING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH PERSON-CENTERED COACHING AND SKILL-BUILDING
Independent Living Skills (ILS) Services in Massachusetts are designed to help individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions gain, improve, or retain the skills needed to live as independently as possible. These services are delivered in homes and communities through Medicaid HCBS waivers, MassHealth programs, or through partnerships with agencies like the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
1. GOVERNING AGENCIES
Agency: Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)
Role: Oversees MassHealth, waivers, and long-term support programs
Agency: MassHealth (Medicaid)
Role: Funds and authorizes ILS services under waiver programs and long-term supports
Agency: Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Role: Oversees services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Agency: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
Role: Coordinates ILS services for adults with disabilities seeking independence and employment
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal guidance and 1915(c) waiver oversight
2. INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS SERVICE OVERVIEW
ILS services support individuals by building competencies in areas that promote self-determination, community integration, and daily functioning.
Examples of ILS support include:
Budgeting and money management
Cooking, grocery shopping, and meal prep
Personal hygiene and grooming routines
Medication reminders (non-clinical)
Scheduling and attending appointments
Communication skills and relationship building
Navigating public transportation and safety awareness
Maintaining a clean and organized home
Services are tailored to each individual’s needs and are outlined in their Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Plan of Care (POC).
3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:
Register your business with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
Obtain an IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
Secure liability and workers’ compensation insurance
Develop HIPAA-compliant documentation practices
No clinical licensure is typically required (unless offering overlapping clinical supports)
Meet staff training and supervision requirements
Special Note: ILS is considered a habilitative, non-medical service. However, coordination with case managers and clinicians may be necessary to align goals and prevent overlap with clinical care.
4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Step 1: MassHealth Provider Enrollment
Apply through the Provider Online Service Center (POSC):https://massgov.account.gov
Step 2: DDS or MRC Program Credentialing
Submit documentation to enroll under DDS Adult Services or MRC’s Independent Living Program
Step 3: Develop and Submit Service Plans
Include skill-building curricula, supervision structure, and safety protocols
Step 4: Execute Medicaid Provider Agreements and Secure Referrals
Complete onboarding, submit ISP-aligned goals, and coordinate with support coordinators
5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Articles of Incorporation or DBA filings
IRS EIN and NPI confirmations
Insurance certificates
Independent Living Skills Service Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
Client intake and goal-setting templates
Daily skills tracking logs and progress notes
Emergency response protocols
Staff training and supervision records
Consent and participant rights forms
Documentation for billing and audits
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Independent Living Skills Trainer / Coach
Requirements: High school diploma (minimum), experience supporting individuals with disabilities, background checks, and CPR/First Aid
Role: Program Supervisor (for agencies)
Requirements: Experience in social services or habilitation, responsible for supervision and quality assurance
Required Trainings:
Person-centered planning and documentation
HIPAA and confidentiality
Safety in home and community settings
Abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevention
Effective communication and motivational coaching
7. MEDICAID WAIVER & STATE PROGRAMS
ILS services are reimbursable under the following:
DDS Adult Waiver Programs (Community Living, Intensive Supports)
ABI Waivers (Acquired Brain Injury)
MFP Community Living Waiver (Money Follows the Person)
MassHealth PCA Program (non-duplicative support)
MRC Independent Living Programs (non-Medicaid funding)
Providers may bill for:
Hourly coaching sessions
Group or 1:1 skill-building
Community integration support
Remote or hybrid sessions (if approved)
All services must be authorized through an ISP or waiver plan.
8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Business Setup and MassHealth Enrollment
Timeline: 1–2 months
Phase: Waiver Program Credentialing (DDS or MRC)
Timeline: 30–60 days
Phase: Policy Manual Development and Staff Onboarding
Timeline: 4–6 weeks
Phase: Referral Coordination and Program Launch
Timeline: Ongoing based on support coordinator networks and waitlist priorities
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
MassHealth Provider Enrollment Portal
Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MASSACHUSETTS ILS PROVIDER
WCG equips individuals and community organizations to launch ILS programs that support real-world skills and Medicaid-approved billing.
Scope of Work:
Business registration and Medicaid credentialing
DDS/MRC application and provider setup
Independent Living Skills manual development
Daily documentation forms and client tracking logs
Staff training resources and supervision protocols
Referral networking support with case managers
Audit-ready documentation templates and billing logs
Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.
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