TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALABAMA

Fatumata Kaba
Jun 25
3 min read

Updated: Jun 30

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES DURING MOVES TO MORE INDEPENDENT LIVING

Transitional Assistance Services in Alabama are designed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as they move from institutional, residential, or dependent care settings into more independent, community-based living arrangements. These services are authorized under the Alabama Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and must follow protocols set by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)

Role: Approves providers and monitors service delivery under the state’s HCBS waiver programs

Agency: Alabama Medicaid Agency

Role: Handles Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for Transitional Assistance Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with HCBS waiver rules

2. TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Transitional Assistance Services provide essential supports to help individuals with IDD successfully transition to a new living arrangement. These services are typically one-time or short-term and are included in the person-centered plan.

Approved providers may deliver:

Purchase of household items (e.g., furniture, kitchen supplies, linens)
Payment for utility deposits and setup
Assistance with basic home setup and move-in coordination
Support with connection to ongoing community-based services
Documentation and reporting of expenditures

All expenses must be pre-approved and must directly support the health, safety, and independence of the individual in their new home.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Alabama Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Maintain a physical office or service location in Alabama
Demonstrate the ability to procure and document goods and services according to Medicaid and ADMH requirements
Hire staff or contractors to assist with logistics, shopping, and documentation
Maintain detailed financial tracking systems

4. ADMH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Transitional Assistance Services Provider Application Packet from ADMH
Submit a business and service plan detailing how transitions will be managed
Include financial control procedures, staff roles, policies, and cost tracking

Background & Credentialing:

Background checks for staff involved in financial handling or direct contact
Drug screening and eligibility verification
Review of organizational capacity to manage funds and purchases

Program Readiness Review:

Review of internal controls and documentation templates
System for tracking and reconciling transitional funds
Staff training protocols and consumer privacy policies

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Once approved by ADMH, enroll with Alabama Medicaid as a provider of Transitional Assistance Services
Add appropriate billing codes to your Medicaid service lines

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Lease or proof of office location in Alabama
ADMH-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Eligibility verification and referral procedures
- Documentation of purchases and allowable expenses
- Consumer rights and confidentiality
- Complaint and grievance process
- Emergency and fraud prevention policies
Financial tracking logs and client budget forms
Signed client consent and receipt of goods forms
Staff job descriptions and training logs