Adult Companion Services in Missouri offer non-medical support to individuals who need assistance with social engagement, supervision, and daily living activities. These services are particularly beneficial for adults with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related challenges who may experience social isolation or require support with routine tasks. Adult Companion Services are available under Missouri’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)

Role: Administers Medicaid and HCBS Waiver programs, including adult companion services

Agency: Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment and service authorization

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance

2. ADULT COMPANION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Adult Companion Services focus on providing non-medical social support and supervision. Services are tailored according to the Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and may include:

• Social interaction and companionship
• Accompaniment to medical appointments or community activities
• Assistance with light household tasks
• Meal preparation and basic assistance
• Supervision to ensure safety and well-being
• Engaging in recreational or social activities

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

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

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

• Contact the Missouri Department of Social Services for provider requirements related to adult companion services

Step 2: Application Submission

• Submit business registration, companion care license, liability insurance, and service descriptions

Step 3: License Verification

• Obtain and verify the Companion Care License

Step 4: Approval and Medicaid Number Assignment

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

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business Name Registration
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Companion Care License
• Liability insurance certificate

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Client intake and assessment protocols
• Social engagement and supervision procedures
• Safety and risk management practices
• Documentation of visits and client interactions
• Staff training and supervision logs

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
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Background check and TB clearance

Training Requirements:

• Communication and interpersonal skills training
• Safety and supervision techniques
• Client rights and confidentiality
• Emergency response and first aid

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Adult Companion Services in Missouri are available through:

• Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW)
• Independent Living Waiver
• Medically Fragile Adult Waiver

Approved providers may deliver:

• Social support and companionship
• Safety supervision during daily activities
• Community engagement and social participation

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

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)

Website: https://health.mo.gov

Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS)

Website: https://mydss.mo.gov

10. SCOPE OF WORK

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