SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT LIVING THROUGH ESSENTIAL HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE

Homemaker Services in New Jersey support individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions by providing assistance with essential household tasks. These services help maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable living environment while promoting independence. Homemaker Services are authorized under New Jersey Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS)
Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Homemaker Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Division of Aging Services (DoAS)
Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Homemaker Services under HCBS waiver programs.

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

2. HOMEMAKER SERVICES OVERVIEW

Homemaker Services provide non-medical support to individuals, helping them maintain a clean and safe living environment.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Housekeeping: Light cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, and trash removal.
• Laundry and Linen Care: Washing, drying, folding, and changing bed linens.
• Meal Preparation: Cooking and meal planning based on dietary needs.
• Grocery Shopping: Purchasing groceries and household essentials.
• Home Safety Checks: Identifying and addressing potential hazards.
• Organization Assistance: Helping to maintain a clutter-free and organized space.
• Companionship: Providing social interaction while completing tasks.
• Errands: Assisting with light shopping and pharmacy visits.

All services are delivered according to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet the participant’s household and safety needs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Homemaker provider via the New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.
• Obtain any required licensure from DHS if applicable.
• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
• Develop policies for household management, safety protocols, and staff training.
• Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and homemaking training requirements.

4. NEW JERSEY PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Homemaker 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:

• DHS and DoAS evaluate provider readiness, including safety protocols, staff qualifications, and homemaker procedures.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Homemaker Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (New Jersey Division of Revenue)
• IRS EIN confirmation
• NPI confirmation
• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

Homemaker Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Participant intake, assessment, and service planning procedures
• Housekeeping, meal preparation, and personal environment maintenance protocols
• Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records
• Documentation standards for service tracking and Medicaid billing
• HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling
• Safety protocols, emergency response, and infection control measures
• Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Homemaker Program Director
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in human services, healthcare administration, or related field; supervisory experience preferred.

Role: Homemakers/Direct Support Workers
Requirements: High school diploma or GED; basic housekeeping and meal preparation skills; CPR/First Aid certification; background clearance.

Role: Personal Care Aides (if applicable)
Requirements: CPR/First Aid certification; experience in light personal care assistance; background clearance.

All staff must complete:

• Homemaking and light caregiving training
• Safety and infection control education
• HIPAA compliance and client rights training
• Annual competency evaluations and continuing education
• Ongoing training in household safety and wellness monitoring

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Homemaker Services are available under the following New Jersey Medicaid Waivers:

• Community Care Program for the Elderly and Disabled (CCPED)
• Supports Program Waiver
• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver
• Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Waiver
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

Services may include:

• Light housekeeping and laundry assistance
• Meal preparation and dietary support
• Grocery shopping and essential errands
• Safety checks and home maintenance assistance
• Social interaction and companionship

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: New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

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

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS)
Website: https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/

Division of Aging Services (DoAS)
Website: https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/doas/

New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
Website: https://www.njmmis.com/

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

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance
• Policy manual development for homemaking support and household safety
• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and service documentation guidance
• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management
• Branding, website development, and community outreach strategies
• Quality assurance systems for household safety and compliance monitoring
• Networking with community-based organizations for referrals

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WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NEW JERSEY HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER

We support agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Homemaker Services in New Jersey.

To get started, click the link to request portal access