SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE BY ASSISTING WITH HOUSEHOLD TASKS ESSENTIAL TO DAILY LIVING
Homemaker Services in Hawaii provide assistance with routine household tasks to individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or aging-related needs, helping them maintain a safe, clean, and healthy home environment. These services are authorized under Hawaii’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and are essential for supporting independent living and preventing institutionalization.
1. GOVERNING AGENCIES
Agency: Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) — Med-QUEST Division
Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for Homemaker Services
Agency: Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) — Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD)
Role: Administers HCBS waiver Homemaker Services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Homemaker Services meet Medicaid HCBS standards for community-based supports
2. HOMEMAKER SERVICE OVERVIEW
Homemaker Services assist participants with light housekeeping and household management tasks they would otherwise be unable to complete independently.
Approved providers may deliver:
- Housekeeping services such as dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and trash removal
- Laundry and linen changing
- Meal preparation assistance (excluding medical-level meal services)
- Grocery shopping and other essential errands
- Light home organization to promote accessibility and safety
- Assistance with household scheduling (coordinating utility services, basic organization)
Homemaker Services must directly support the individual’s health and well-being and be tied to objectives outlined in the participant’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP).
3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:
- Register business with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
- Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
- Enroll as a Medicaid provider through Hawaii’s Med-QUEST Division
- Maintain general liability insurance
- Develop participant-centered policies and procedures for service delivery, safety, and documentation
4. MED-QUEST/DHS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Initial Interest and Application:
- Submit Provider Enrollment Application for Homemaker Services through Hawaii’s Med-QUEST Division
- Identify service areas and scheduling models
Application and Documentation Submission:
- Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, proof of insurance, operational policies, and staff qualification standards
- Provide sample daily service logs, participant intake forms, and emergency contact procedures
Program Readiness Review:
- DHS and DOH review provider readiness including documentation systems, safety standards, participant protections, and Medicaid compliance
Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:
- Upon approval, configure billing codes specific to Homemaker Services (hourly or per-visit reimbursement models)
5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
- Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Hawaii DCCA)
- IRS EIN confirmation
- NPI confirmation
- Proof of general liability insurance
HCBS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Participant intake, needs assessment, and service planning procedures
- Housekeeping, meal preparation, and household support protocols
- Emergency preparedness and participant safety procedures
- HIPAA confidentiality, participant rights, and grievance handling procedures
- Staff credentialing, background screening, and competency tracking
- Medicaid billing, service authorization tracking, and audit readiness systems
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Homemaker Services Program Manager / Supervisor
Requirements: Experience managing personal care, home management, or disability support services preferred; background screening clearance
Role: Homemaker Staff / Direct Support Workers
Requirements: High school diploma or GED; CPR/First Aid certification recommended; background screening clearance
All staff must complete:
- HIPAA confidentiality and participant rights training
- Household safety, emergency response, and infection control training
- Abuse prevention and participant safeguarding training
- Annual refresher courses on homemaker service standards and Medicaid compliance
7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS
The following Hawaii Medicaid Waivers authorize Homemaker Services:
- Developmental Disabilities/Intellectual Disabilities (DD/ID) Waiver
- Community Care Services (CCS) Program (if home management is necessary to prevent institutionalization)
Approved providers may deliver:
- Light housekeeping, laundry, and home organization services
- Basic meal preparation and shopping assistance
- Essential home maintenance to promote participant safety and accessibility
8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Business Formation and Initial Credentialing Setup
Timeline: 1–2 weeks
Phase: Med-QUEST Provider Application and Readiness Review
Timeline: 60–90 days
Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Homemaker Program Setup
Timeline: 30–45 days
Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Billing System Configuration
Timeline: 45–60 days
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) — Med-QUEST Division
Website: https://medquest.hawaii.gov/
Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) — Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD)
Website: https://health.hawaii.gov/ddd/
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Website: https://www.cms.gov/
10. SCOPE OF WORK
- Business registration and EIN/NPI setup
- Medicaid provider enrollment support
- Development of Homemaker Services Policy & Procedure Manual
- Staff credentialing templates and participant intake/service planning documents
- Medicaid billing configuration and claims management
- Website, domain, and email setup
- Participant intake, daily documentation, and service authorization tracking templates
- Emergency response procedures and quality assurance systems
- Community networking and partnership development strategies
WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — HAWAII HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER
We support homemaker agencies, personal care providers, and community-based organizations in launching Medicaid-compliant Homemaker Services under Hawaii’s HCBS waiver programs.
To get started, click the link to request portal access.