PROVIDING SOCIAL SUPPORT AND COMPANIONSHIP FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES OR THE ELDERLY

Companion Care Services in Minnesota are designed to provide non-medical support, social interaction, and companionship for individuals who may feel isolated or need assistance with daily routines. These services are beneficial for individuals with disabilities, older adults, or those recovering from illness. Companion Care Services are available under Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid programs, including companion care services under HCBS Waivers

Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

Role: Licenses and regulates companion care agencies

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance

2. COMPANION CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Companion Care Services focus on promoting well-being and reducing social isolation through companionship and supportive interactions. Services are tailored according to the Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and may include:

• Social interaction and conversation
• Accompaniment to appointments or community events
• Assistance with light household tasks
• Meal preparation and assistance with eating
• Assistance with hobbies or recreational activities
• Safety supervision and companionship

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Minnesota Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid provider with the Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Obtain a Companion Care Services License from the Minnesota Department of Health (if required)
• Maintain liability insurance and documentation of staff qualifications

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

• Contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services to understand provider requirements for companion care

Step 2: Application Submission

• Submit business registration, liability insurance, and service descriptions

Step 3: License Verification

• Obtain and verify the Companion Care Services License (if required)

Step 4: Approval and Medicaid Number Assignment

• Once approved, receive a Medicaid provider number and authorization to provide services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business Name Registration
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Companion Care Services License (if applicable)
• Liability insurance certificate

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Client intake and service planning protocols
• Safety and supervision guidelines
• Daily activity logs and interaction records
• Documentation of services and client satisfaction logs
• Staff training and supervision records

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Companion Care Program Manager

Requirements: Experience in social services, caregiving, or community support

Role: Companion Care Worker

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Background check and TB clearance
• Training in companionship and client interaction

Training Requirements:

• Communication skills and empathy training
• Client safety and risk management
• Personal care and supervision techniques
• Emergency response and first aid

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Companion Care Services in Minnesota are available through:

• 1915(c) HCBS Waiver for the Elderly and Disabled
• Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver
• Brain Injury (BI) Waiver

Approved providers may deliver:

• Companionship and social engagement
• Safety supervision during daily activities
• Light housekeeping and meal assistance

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Medicaid Provider Enrollment

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Training

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Facility and Program Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

Website: https://mn.gov/dhs

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

Website: https://www.health.state.mn.us

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and licensing assistance
• Medicaid provider enrollment
• Policy & procedure manual for companion care operations
• Templates for interaction logs and client satisfaction forms
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing and training documentation
• Client intake packet and activity planning forms
• Risk management and safety protocols
• Referral networking with community agencies and healthcare providers

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MINNESOTA COMPANION CARE SERVICES PROVIDER

We support agencies and entrepreneurs in launching compliant Companion Care Services across Minnesota under the HCBS Waiver models.

To get started, click the link to request portal access