Homemaker Services in Montana help individuals who need assistance with essential household tasks to maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable living environment. These services are particularly beneficial for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or those recovering from illness. Homemaker Services are available under Montana’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid and HCBS Waiver programs, including homemaker services

Agency: Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI)

Role: Oversees licensing and compliance for healthcare and support services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance

2. HOMEMAKER SERVICE OVERVIEW

Homemaker Services focus on assisting individuals with basic household tasks to ensure a safe and well-maintained living space. Services are tailored according to the Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and may include:

• Light housekeeping (e.g., vacuuming, dusting, mopping)
• Laundry and linen changes
• Meal preparation and basic cooking assistance
• Grocery shopping and errands
• Organizing personal spaces and maintaining cleanliness
• Assistance with planning and budgeting for household needs

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Montana Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid provider with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
• Obtain a Homemaker Services License from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry
• Maintain liability insurance and documentation of staff qualifications

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

• Contact the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to understand homemaker service provider requirements

Step 2: Application Submission

• Submit business registration, liability insurance, and service descriptions

Step 3: License Verification

• Obtain and verify the Homemaker Services License

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
• Homemaker Services License
• Liability insurance certificate

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Client intake and assessment protocols
• Safety and hygiene procedures
• Cleaning and household maintenance guidelines
• Documentation of services and client feedback logs
• Staff training and supervision records

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Homemaker Program Manager

Requirements: Experience in home support services or social services management

Role: Homemaker / Household Support Aide

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Background check and TB clearance
• Basic training in household safety and cleaning practices

Training Requirements:

• Safety and infection control
• Household management and task planning
• Client communication and service documentation
• Emergency response and risk management

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Homemaker Services in Montana are available through:

• Big Sky Waiver (BSW)
• Community First Choice/Personal Assistance Services (CFC/PAS)
• Medicaid Home Health Services

Approved providers may deliver:

• General housekeeping and cleaning support
• Meal preparation and grocery assistance
• Basic home organization and safety maintenance

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 Equipment Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)

Website: https://dphhs.mt.gov

Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI)

Website: https://dli.mt.gov

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and licensing assistance
• Medicaid provider enrollment
• Policy & procedure manual for homemaker service operations
• Templates for cleaning logs and client feedback forms
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing and training documentation
• Client intake packet and service plans
• Risk management and safety protocols
• Referral networking with community agencies and healthcare providers