SHARED CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALASKA

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 3
4 min read

Updated: Jul 4

ENHANCING COMMUNITY LIVING THROUGH SHARED SUPPORT IN A HOME SETTING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Shared Care Services in Alaska provide a supportive, shared living arrangement for two or more individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) who live together and receive coordinated care and habilitation services. These services are authorized under Alaska’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver programs and focus on promoting independence, social interaction, and community integration while maintaining the safety and dignity of each individual.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)

Role: Approves and monitors Shared Care providers, ensures homes meet health and safety standards, and enforces person-centered service delivery

Agency: Alaska Medicaid (under the Department of Health)

Role: Administers Medicaid enrollment and reimbursement for Shared Care Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures Shared Care Services comply with HCBS community-based and least-restrictive environment standards

2. SHARED CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Shared Care Services involve two or more individuals with disabilities sharing a residence and receiving habilitative support and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) from a qualified caregiver. The service model is built around mutual compatibility, skill-building, and increased quality of life in a family-style, home-based setting.

Approved providers may deliver:

24-hour supervision and support in a shared home
Assistance with ADLs (e.g., bathing, dressing, meal preparation)
Medication reminders and health-related monitoring
Habilitation activities such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, or personal hygiene
Community outings and social skill development
Conflict resolution and housemate compatibility management
Daily progress tracking and care documentation

All services must align with each individual’s person-centered plan and be individualized, even within the shared setting.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Secure and maintain a shared residential setting that complies with zoning, fire, and safety regulations
Complete a home inspection by SDS
Submit background checks and required training documentation for all caregivers and adult household members
Establish clear roommate matching and conflict resolution procedures
Maintain documentation and service delivery systems for each participant

4. SDS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Shared Care Services provider application from SDS
Attend SDS orientation covering shared living models and habilitation expectations

Application and Home Submission:

Submit a full service plan outlining how shared care will be structured and individualized per resident
Provide home details, daily routines, habilitation plans, and documentation templates
Include emergency procedures, household rules, conflict resolution strategies, and quality assurance practices

Inspection and Readiness Review:

SDS completes a site inspection of the shared residence
Review of safety systems, home setup, fire exits, and accessible design
Background checks and credentialing for caregivers or provider staff assigned to the home

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Once SDS approval is granted, enroll as a Shared Care Services provider through Alaska MMIS
Activate appropriate billing codes under eligible HCBS waivers
Complete Medicaid provider agreement and configure claims submission access

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Lease, deed, or proof of home location for shared residence
SDS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Admission, roommate matching, and discharge policies
- Service documentation and individual goal tracking
- Daily routines, meal planning, and household management procedures
- Medication assistance and health monitoring
- Conflict prevention, resolution, and behavioral support policies
- Emergency evacuation, fire safety, and incident reporting protocols
- Staff/family training records and supervision protocols
- Participant rights, dignity, and choice documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Shared Care Home Manager / Program Supervisor

Requirements: Experience in managing group or shared residential settings, familiarity with person-centered habilitation services

Role: Direct Support Staff / Caregivers

Requirements: High school diploma or GED, experience supporting individuals with disabilities, background check clearance

All staff must complete:

SDS Shared Care and HCBS waiver training
Person-centered planning, rights, and habilitation documentation training
Emergency preparedness and behavior support techniques
Annual refreshers on confidentiality, safety, and client dignity protocols
CPR/First Aid certification (recommended)

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Alaska Medicaid Waivers authorize Shared Care Services:

Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Waiver
Adults with Physical and Developmental Disabilities (APDD) Waiver
Children with Complex Medical Conditions (CCMC) Waiver (case-by-case based on age and setting)

Approved providers may deliver: