CREATING SAFE, ACCESSIBLE LIVING ENVIRONMENTS TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENCE AND COMMUNITY LIVING

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)
Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for Home Modification Services

Agency: Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)
Role: Administers waiver services and monitors provider compliance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Home Modification Services meet Medicaid HCBS standards

2. HOME MODIFICATION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Home Modification Services involve the physical alteration of a participant’s primary residence to ensure the individual can safely access, use, and navigate their home environment.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Installation of wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, and grab bars
• Widening of doorways for mobility access
• Bathroom modifications (roll-in showers, accessible sinks, safety rails)
• Kitchen accessibility adjustments (lowered counters, accessible appliances)
• Flooring changes to reduce fall risks
• Structural modifications necessary for medical equipment use
• Installation of specialized alarms or sensory enhancements (visual fire alarms)

All modifications must be medically necessary, directly support the participant’s health and safety, and be authorized in the participant’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

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3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Georgia Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)
• Complete DBHDD Provider Enrollment and Certification process
• Obtain appropriate professional licensure — Georgia General Contractor License required for structural modifications
• Maintain general liability and, if applicable, worker’s compensation insurance
• Develop procedures for project management, participant communication, building code compliance, and safety inspections

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4. DBHDD/DCH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Submit a Letter of Intent to DBHDD Provider Enrollment
• Complete a pre-qualification checklist including business registration, licensure, and insurance verification

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, contractor license verification, insurance documentation, and sample project plans
• Provide participant intake forms, home assessment templates, and emergency response plans

Program Readiness Review:

• DBHDD reviews provider readiness including safety standards, documentation systems, and participant-centered project procedures

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon DBHDD approval, complete Medicaid enrollment through GAMMIS
• Configure billing codes specific to Home Modification Services under Georgia’s HCBS waivers

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Georgia Secretary of State)
• IRS EIN confirmation
• NPI confirmation
• Georgia Certified Contractor License
• Proof of general liability and worker’s compensation insurance

DBHDD-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Participant intake, home assessment, and needs verification protocols
• Project planning, scheduling, and inspection procedures
• Emergency preparedness and incident response procedures
• Client rights, HIPAA compliance, and grievance resolution policies
• Staff background checks, credential verification, and safety training documentation
• Medicaid billing, service authorization tracking, and audit readiness protocols

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Home Modification Services Manager / Project Supervisor
Requirements: Georgia Certified General or Residential Contractor License; experience with accessibility construction standards; background screening clearance

Role: Skilled Trades Workers (carpenters, electricians, plumbers)
Requirements: Appropriate state licensure and certifications for specialty work; background screening clearance

All staff must complete:

• OSHA safety training (recommended)
• Participant rights and HIPAA confidentiality training
• Emergency procedures and Medicaid compliance training
• Annual continuing education on ADA accessibility standards

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7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Georgia Medicaid Waivers authorize Home Modification Services:

• Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP)
• New Options Waiver Program (NOW)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Modifications that promote accessibility, safety, and functional independence
• Structural alterations that allow participants to live more independently
• Specialized adaptations tied to medical or mobility needs

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8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Licensing Setup
Timeline: 2–3 weeks

Phase: DBHDD Provider Application and Readiness Review
Timeline: 90–120 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Safety Training
Timeline: 30–45 days

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

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)
Website: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/

Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)
Website: https://dch.georgia.gov/

Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)
Website: https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/

Georgia Secretary of State – Contractor Licensing Division
Website: https://sos.ga.gov/

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and EIN/NPI setup
• Contractor licensing support and Medicaid provider enrollment
• Development of Home Modification Services Policy & Procedure Manual
• Staff credentialing templates and participant project management documentation
• Medicaid billing system configuration and claims management
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Participant intake, needs assessment, and authorization tracking templates
• Emergency planning, incident reporting, and safety compliance systems
• Quality assurance tools for project completion and participant satisfaction
• Community networking and partnership strategies with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and disability service organizations

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — GEORGIA HOME MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER

We support contractors, home adaptation specialists, and service agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Home Modification Services under Georgia’s Medicaid and HCBS waiver programs.

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