DELIVERING NON-MEDICAL SOCIAL SUPPORT AND SUPERVISION TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE AND WELL-BEING FOR INDIVIDUALS IN THEIR HOMES
Companion Care Services in Connecticut offer non-medical supervision, companionship, and social interaction to older adults and individuals with disabilities. These services are offered through Connecticut Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, such as the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE), and through state-funded respite and home support programs administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS).
1. GOVERNING AGENCIES
Agency: Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)
Role: Administers the CHCPE and other waiver programs, authorizes companion care, and monitors compliance
Agency: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP)
Role: Registers Homemaker-Companion Agencies (HCAs) and ensures compliance with state consumer protection laws
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight for HCBS programs and ensures person-centered planning compliance
2. COMPANION CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW
Companion Care Services are non-medical supports intended to reduce isolation and provide supervision and basic assistance in the home. Services are typically authorized in a care plan and are tailored to support community living and reduce caregiver burden.
Approved providers may deliver:
- Social companionship, conversation, and cognitive stimulation
- Supervision for safety and reassurance
- Accompaniment on walks or to appointments
- Reading, writing letters, and games
- Medication reminders (non-administration)
- Light errands or help organizing mail and appointments
- Documentation of service hours and participant feedback
3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:
- Register business with the Connecticut Secretary of the State
- Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
- Register as a Homemaker-Companion Agency (HCA) with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP)
- Enroll as a Medicaid provider through DSS (if billing through CHCPE)
- Ensure staff complete background checks and receive non-medical care training
- Maintain general liability insurance and client protection policies
4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Step 1: Register as a Homemaker-Companion Agency
- Apply through the DCP HCA registration portal
- Submit ownership documentation, complaint policy, and proof of insurance
Step 2: Medicaid Enrollment via DSS
- Enroll through the Connecticut Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
- Submit NPI, EIN, HCA registration, and service scope
Step 3: Referral Coordination
- Connect with DSS case managers and area agencies on aging for service authorizations under CHCPE and related programs
5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
- Articles of Incorporation or proof of business registration
- IRS EIN Letter
- NPI confirmation
- DCP Homemaker-Companion Agency registration
- DSS Medicaid provider approval (if applicable)
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Client intake and consent forms
- Staff screening, training, and supervision protocols
- Daily visit logs and service tracking forms
- Complaint resolution and client feedback forms
- Emergency procedures and incident reporting system
- Confidentiality, rights, and privacy protections
- Service plan coordination and documentation procedures
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Companion / Homemaker
Requirements:
- Background check and TB screening
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- CPR/First Aid certification (recommended)
Role: Agency Supervisor / Scheduler (for agencies)
Requirements: Experience in scheduling, client coordination, and documentation review
Training Requirements for All Staff:
- Confidentiality and HIPAA
- Client rights and dignity
- Abuse prevention and mandatory reporting
- Emergency preparedness
- Cultural competence and ethical service delivery
7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES
Companion Care Services are covered under:
- Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)
- State-funded Respite Care and Alzheimer’s Support Programs
- Self-directed care models under certain HCBS waivers
Approved providers may deliver:
- Authorized hours of non-medical social support and supervision
- Companionship aligned with individualized care plans
- Reports and documentation per DSS and waiver guidelines
- Family support and communication to reduce caregiver stress
8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks
Phase: DCP HCA Registration
Timeline: 2–4 weeks
Phase: DSS Medicaid Enrollment (if applicable)
Timeline: 30–60 days
Phase: Staff Hiring and Service Launch
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) – HCA Registration
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 Homemaker-Companion Agency registration and DSS enrollment
- Policy & procedure manual for companion services and staff management
- Templates for daily service logs, care notes, and client feedback forms
- Website, domain, and email setup
- Staff credentialing trackers and supervision logs
- Client intake packet, consent forms, and grievance tools
- Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools
- Referral networking with DSS care managers, AAAs, and family caregivers
WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — CONNECTICUT COMPANION CARE SERVICES PROVIDER
We assist individuals and agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Companion Care Services under Connecticut’s CHCPE and related state-funded programs.
To get started, click the link to request portal access.