1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)
Role: Administers Medicaid and waiver programs, authorizes homemaker services through care plans, and monitors provider compliance

Agency: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (if registered as a homemaker companion agency)
Role: Registers Homemaker Companion Agencies (HCAs) and maintains oversight of consumer rights protections

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures HCBS waiver services meet federal requirements for community-based care

2. HOMEMAKER SERVICE OVERVIEW

Homemaker Services help individuals who are elderly or have disabilities maintain their independence by assisting with routine household tasks. These services are non-medical and must be documented in the participant’s care plan.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Light housekeeping (sweeping, mopping, dusting)
• Laundry and linen changes
• Meal preparation and light dishwashing
• Grocery shopping and errand running
• Organization and home safety upkeep
• Routine documentation of tasks performed and time spent

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Connecticut Secretary of the State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)

If employing staff to work in client homes, register as a Homemaker Companion Agency (HCA) with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP)

• Enroll as a Medicaid provider through DSS for CHCPE or PCA Waiver
• Maintain liability insurance and employee records
• Implement staff training, background checks, and supervision protocols

​

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register as a Homemaker Companion Agency (if applicable)

• Apply through the DCP online portal
• Submit background check policies, agency ownership details, and business practices

Step 2: Medicaid Enrollment via DSS

• Enroll through the DSS Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
• Submit EIN, NPI, business license, and HCA registration (if applicable)

Step 3: Referral Coordination

• Upon approval, begin accepting referrals from DSS case managers and waiver care teams

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or proof of business registration
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• DCP Homemaker Companion Agency registration (if applicable)
• Medicaid enrollment confirmation

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Client intake and service authorization process
• Task checklists and homemaker visit logs
• Supervision and quality assurance processes
• Confidentiality, privacy, and client rights documentation
• Complaint and grievance procedures
• Emergency protocols and health/safety policies
• Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records

​

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Homemaker / Companion
Requirements:

• Background check and TB screening
• Valid driver’s license (if performing errands)
• Experience in housekeeping or senior support preferred
• CPR/First Aid certification (recommended)

Role: Supervisor / Scheduler
Requirements: Experience in home care coordination, staff supervision, and scheduling logistics

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• Elder abuse recognition and reporting
• Infection control and home safety
• Documentation and ethical service delivery
• Confidentiality and rights of persons served
• Annual performance and safety training updates

​

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Homemaker Services are reimbursed under:

• Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)
• Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Waiver
• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waivers
• State-Funded Connecticut Respite and Community Care Programs

Approved providers may deliver:

• Non-medical household task support in participant homes
• Documented services per DSS care plan or Medicaid authorization
• Coordination with family members, case managers, and community resources
• Regular communication with waiver programs for compliance and outcome tracking

​

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: HCA Registration with DCP (if applicable)
Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment with DSS
Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training, and Referral Onboarding
Timeline: 2–4 weeks

​

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)
Email: dss.ctmedical@ct.gov
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS

Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) – Homemaker Companion Agency Registry
Phone: (860) 713-6100
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DCP

Connecticut Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
Website: https://www.ctdssmap.com

​

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• DCP HCA registration and DSS Medicaid enrollment support
• Policy & procedure manual for in-home tasks, safety, and quality control
• Templates for service logs, task lists, and client feedback forms
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing trackers and supervision logs
• Client intake packet, consent forms, and rights documentation
• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools
• Referral networking with case managers and senior resource centers

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — CONNECTICUT HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER

We help new providers establish Homemaker Services that meet Connecticut’s Medicaid and waiver compliance standards, from agency setup to staff credentialing and policy development.

To get started, click the link to request portal access.