Personal Care Services in Nebraska provide essential support for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions, helping them maintain independence in their own homes. These services focus on assisting with daily living activities, promoting safety, and enhancing quality of life. Personal Care Services are authorized under Nebraska Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Personal Care Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division
Role: Oversees quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Personal Care Services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Personal Care Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards.

2. PERSONAL CARE SERVICES OVERVIEW

Personal Care Services assist individuals with daily living tasks to maintain safety, hygiene, and comfort within their home environment.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Personal Hygiene Assistance: Bathing, grooming, dressing, and personal care routines
• Mobility Support: Assisting with transfers, walking, and positioning
• Meal Preparation and Feeding: Preparing meals according to dietary needs and assisting with feeding
• Medication Reminders: Assisting with taking prescribed medications
• Housekeeping: Light cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a safe living space
• Companionship and Social Interaction: Providing emotional support and reducing isolation

All services are provided in accordance with the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet the specific needs of the participant.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the Nebraska Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Personal Care provider via the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
• Obtain licensure as a Personal Care Agency through Nebraska DHHS if applicable
• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance
• Develop policies for personal care planning, safety management, and emergency response
• Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and relevant training requirements

4. NEBRASKA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Personal Care Services under HCBS waivers

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, staff qualifications, and policy manuals

Program Readiness Review:

• DHHS evaluates provider readiness, including staff qualifications, safety protocols, and care planning procedures

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon successful review, providers receive authorization to bill Medicaid for Personal Care Services using designated billing codes

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Nebraska Secretary of State)
• IRS EIN confirmation
• NPI confirmation
• Personal Care Agency License (if applicable)
• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

Personal Care Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Client intake, assessment, and care planning procedures
• Safety protocols and infection control practices
• Medication assistance and monitoring guidelines
• Staff credentialing, training, and background checks
• HIPAA compliance, client rights, and grievance handling
• Billing, service documentation, and audit readiness procedures
• Emergency response and safety management policies

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Personal Care Program Director
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in healthcare or human services; supervisory experience preferred.

Role: Personal Care Aides
Requirements: High school diploma or GED; CPR/First Aid certification, training in personal care assistance and hygiene practices, background clearance.

Role: Home Health Aides (if applicable)
Requirements: State certification, supervised by a licensed nurse, experience in in-home care.

All staff must complete:

• Training in infection control, safety, and emergency procedures
• HIPAA compliance and client rights education
• Annual competency evaluations and continuing education
• Ongoing professional development in personal care practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Personal Care Services are available under the following Nebraska Medicaid Waivers:

• Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
• Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
• Children with Disabilities Waiver
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

Services may include:

• Assistance with bathing, grooming, and personal hygiene
• Support with mobility and transfers
• Meal preparation and dietary assistance
• Companionship and emotional support
• Housekeeping and environmental safety maintenance

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation
Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development
Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Personal Care Service Launch
Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/

Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division
Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid.aspx

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Website: https://www.cms.gov/

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance
• Policy manual development tailored to personal care services
• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and documentation guidance
• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management
• Branding, website development, and outreach strategies
• Quality assurance systems for safety monitoring and compliance
• Community networking for client referrals and caregiver support