SUPPORT BROKERAGE SERVICES PROVIDER IN OHIO

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 17
3 min read

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS TO DIRECT THEIR OWN CARE THROUGH COORDINATION, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY

Support Brokerage Services in Ohio assists individuals enrolled in self-directed Medicaid waiver programs by helping them manage their services, hire support staff, and navigate person-centered planning. Support brokers empower participants to make informed choices about their care, ensuring services align with personal goals, preferences, and community living objectives. These services are authorized under Ohio Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs—especially the SELF Waiver.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)

Role: Oversees support brokerage under the SELF Waiver, certifies providers, and monitors service delivery standards.

Agency: Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM)

Role: Administers waiver funding, billing policies, and program integrity.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Ensures that support brokerage services meet federal HCBS guidelines, emphasizing self-direction and participant protections.

2. SUPPORT BROKERAGE SERVICES OVERVIEW

Support brokers act as guides and facilitators—not decision-makers—who help individuals with disabilities manage self-directed waiver services and live independently.

Approved providers may deliver:

Person-Centered Planning Support: Helping individuals develop, implement, and revise their Individual Service Plans (ISPs).
Budget & Fiscal Oversight Assistance: Supporting participants in managing self-directed budgets (in collaboration with Financial Management Services).
Employer Authority Support: Assisting with hiring, training, and supervising support staff.
Service Coordination: Helping individuals access transportation, housing, employment, and other supports.
Advocacy & Education: Teaching participants and families about waiver rules, rights, and responsibilities.
Crisis Prevention Planning: Developing contingency plans and reducing service disruptions.
Recordkeeping & Documentation: Supporting logs of staff hours, progress notes, and service expenses.
Monitoring & Follow-Up: Conducting regular check-ins to ensure services align with individual goals.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Obtain an EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll through the DODD Provider Certification Wizard (SELF Waiver).
Maintain general and professional liability insurance.
Develop service policies aligned with person-centered planning, self-direction, and employment support.
Ensure all brokers complete DODD-required training, background checks, and ISP development education.

4. OHIO PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Application:

Apply via the DODD Provider Portal to become certified for Support Brokerage under the SELF Waiver.

Documentation Submission:

Business registration, insurance coverage, staff resumes, training documentation, and service delivery protocols.

Compliance Review:

DODD assesses provider readiness, person-centered philosophy, and understanding of self-directed supports.

Approval & Medicaid Billing Authorization:

Once approved, providers receive billing authorization and may begin providing services.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI registration
General and professional liability insurance
Support Brokerage Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Budget guidance and financial planning protocols
- Staff hiring, training, and employment oversight procedures
- ISP development and revision workflows
- Participant rights, decision-making support, and grievance resolution
- Staff credentialing and documentation standards
- Quality assurance and crisis response procedures
- Medicaid billing logs and audit readiness systems

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Support Broker / Service Coordinator

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in human services, special education, social work, or a related field; understanding of HCBS waivers and person-centered planning; experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Role: Program Administrator (if agency-based)

Requirements: Oversight experience, strong communication and documentation skills; ability to train and supervise brokers.

All staff must complete:

DODD-required training on ISP development, waiver navigation, and self-direction
HIPAA and participant rights education
Annual reviews and documentation training
Crisis prevention and emergency protocol training

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Support Brokerage Services are currently offered under: