SUPPORTING SOCIALIZATION, SAFETY, AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION FOR INDIVIDUALS IN THEIR HOMES AND COMMUNITIES

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)
Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for Companion Care Services

Agency: Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)
Role: Coordinates Companion Services for individuals with developmental disabilities under the iBudget Florida Waiver

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Companion Care Services meet HCBS person-centered planning requirements

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2. COMPANION CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Companion Care Services focus on supervision, social engagement, and assistance with non-medical tasks, helping participants stay active and connected.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Supervision and protective oversight in the participant’s home or community
• Assistance with recreational activities and community outings
• Companionship and conversation to reduce social isolation
• Support with activities like reading, playing games, or attending community events
• Monitoring for participant safety and emotional well-being

Companion services do not include hands-on personal care (such as bathing or dressing) or skilled nursing tasks.

All services must align with the participant’s individualized service plan and cannot duplicate other Medicaid-covered services.

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3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Obtain a Homemaker and Companion Services License from AHCA (mandatory)
• Maintain general liability insurance
• Develop policies for supervision, documentation, and participant rights protection
• Complete Level 2 background screenings for all direct care staff

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4. AHCA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Request Homemaker and Companion Services License application materials from AHCA
• Attend HCBS provider orientation sessions (recommended)

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance coverage, staff credentialing documents, and service delivery plan
• Provide participant intake forms, daily activity documentation logs, and incident reporting procedures

Licensing Inspection:

• AHCA may conduct a pre-licensure inspection to verify operational readiness

Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon licensure approval, complete Medicaid enrollment through the Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
• Set up billing codes for Companion Care Services under HCBS programs

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5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Sunbiz)
• IRS EIN confirmation
• NPI confirmation
• Florida Homemaker and Companion Services License
• Proof of general liability insurance

AHCA-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Participant intake, assessment, and service planning procedures
• Supervision and safety monitoring procedures
• Community activity support and documentation protocols
• Client rights, HIPAA confidentiality, and grievance policies
• Staff credentialing, background checks, and training documentation
• Medicaid billing, service tracking, and compliance protocols

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6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Companion Care Services Supervisor / Program Manager
Requirements: Experience supervising supportive services preferred, background screening clearance

Role: Companions / Direct Support Staff
Requirements: High school diploma or GED recommended, CPR/First Aid certification preferred, background screening clearance

All staff must complete:

• Participant rights, HIPAA confidentiality, and abuse prevention training
• Emergency preparedness and incident response training
• Training on documentation of daily supervision and community engagement activities
• Annual refresher training on best practices for providing companionship support

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7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Florida Medicaid Waivers authorize Companion Care Services:

• iBudget Florida Waiver (for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities)
• Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care (LTC) Program (for elderly and disabled adults)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Supervision and safety monitoring
• Companionship and community participation support
• Emotional and social interaction to enhance mental and emotional health

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8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Licensing Application
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: AHCA Homemaker and Companion License Processing and Approval
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training, and Documentation Setup
Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Billing System Setup
Timeline: 45–60 days

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)
Website: https://ahca.myflorida.com/

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)
Website: https://apd.myflorida.com/

Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
Website: https://home.flmedicaidmanagedcare.com/

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and EIN/NPI setup
• AHCA licensing and Medicaid provider enrollment support
• Development of Companion Care Services Policy & Procedure Manual
• Staff credentialing templates and participant intake forms
• Medicaid billing system configuration and claims management
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Participant intake, activity planning, and service tracking templates
• Emergency preparedness, incident reporting, and client rights protection systems
• Quality assurance programs and service satisfaction surveys
• Community outreach and social participation program development

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — FLORIDA COMPANION CARE SERVICES PROVIDER

We support agencies and entrepreneurs in launching Medicaid-compliant Companion Care Services under Florida’s Medicaid and HCBS waiver programs.