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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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:

• Daily living assistance and skill development in a shared setting
• Supervised medication and health-related supports
• Individualized service documentation per participant
• Conflict resolution and household support tailored to group living dynamics

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8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Home Readiness
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: SDS Application and Residence Inspection
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Onboarding and Training
Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and MMIS Setup
Timeline: 45–60 days

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)
Email: dsdsprovider@alaska.gov
Phone: (907) 269-3666
Website: https://dhss.alaska.gov/dsds

Alaska Medicaid Provider Enrollment – Conduent MMIS
Website: https://medicaidalaska.com

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business formation (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• SDS application and shared home setup guidance
• Development of Shared Care Policy & Procedure Manual
• Household rules, roommate matching, and conflict resolution templates
• Medicaid enrollment and billing setup via MMIS
• WEBSITE, DOMAIN, AND EMAIL SETUP
• CLIENT INTAKE AND ROOMMATE COMPATIBILITY PACKET
• TRAINING MATERIALS FOR CAREGIVERS AND HOME MANAGERS
• INCIDENT REPORTING AND DOCUMENTATION CHECKLISTS
• REFERRAL STRATEGIES AND PROVIDER OUTREACH PLANS
• QUALITY MONITORING TOOLS AND SERVICE DELIVERY TRACKERS

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ALASKA SHARED CARE SERVICES PROVIDER

We support providers in launching high-quality, Medicaid-compliant Shared Care homes under Alaska’s HCBS Waiver programs.