RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEBRASKA

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT LIVING AND COMMUNITY INTEGRATION THROUGH PERSONALIZED CARE

Residential Support Services in Nebraska empower individuals with disabilities to live independently within their communities. These services provide personalized assistance with daily living activities, skill development, and community engagement, fostering independence while ensuring health and safety. Residential Support is authorized under 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 Residential Support Services and oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

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

Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Residential Support Services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

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

2. RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT SERVICES OVERVIEW

Residential Support Services offer long-term, community-based living assistance for individuals with disabilities, helping them maintain independence while participating in community life.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Personal Assistance: Support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, meal preparation, and medication management.

• Community Integration: Facilitating social, recreational, and community engagement opportunities.

• Skill Development: Training in self-care, communication, budgeting, and household management.

• 24/7 Supervision: On-site staff support in group homes or supervised apartments to ensure safety and well-being.

• Healthcare Coordination: Assistance with medication reminders, routine health monitoring, and coordination with healthcare providers.

All services are delivered based on the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet the specific needs and preferences 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 Residential Support provider via the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.

• Secure appropriate facility licensure from DHHS if offering residential group living.

• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.

• Develop policies covering participant intake, care planning, emergency response, health and safety protocols, and documentation.

• Ensure staff meet health screenings, background checks, 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 Residential Support 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 reviews provider readiness, including staff credentials, care planning protocols, and documentation practices.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

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

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Nebraska Secretary of State)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Facility License (if providing residential group home services)

• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

• Residential Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:

  • Participant intake and assessment procedures

  • Daily living support, medication management, and healthcare coordination protocols

  • Safety and emergency procedures

  • Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records

  • Medicaid billing and service documentation practices

  • HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Residential Services Program Director / Supervisor

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in social services, healthcare, or a related field; supervisory experience preferred; completion of specialized residential care training.

Role: Residential Support Workers / Direct Support Professionals

Requirements: High school diploma or GED; CPR/First Aid certification; training in residential care and community integration; background clearance.

All staff must complete:

• Safety, infection control, and wellness training

• HIPAA and participant rights education

• Crisis intervention and behavioral support training

• Annual competency evaluations and continuing education

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Residential Support Services are available under the following Nebraska Medicaid Waivers:

• Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver

• Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver

• Children with Disabilities Waiver

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

Services may include:

• Community living assistance and independent living skills training

• Support in group living or supervised apartment settings

• Health and safety monitoring, medication assistance, and personal care support

• Social and community engagement activities

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: Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Residential Support Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/

Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division

Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid.aspx

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

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

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NEBRASKA RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Residential Support Services in Nebraska, offering:

Scope of Work:

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and facility licensure assistance

• Policy manual development tailored to residential care services

• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and documentation guidance

• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management

• Branding, website development, and community outreach strategies

• Quality assurance systems for safety monitoring and incident reporting

• Community networking for collaboration and client 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.