Introduction 

Becoming a licensed Medicaid Waiver provider in Ohio allows agencies and individuals to deliver home and community-based services (HCBS) to Medicaid recipients. Ohio's Medicaid Waiver programs support individuals with developmental disabilities, the elderly, and others in need of long-term care, enabling them to remain in their homes and communities. This guide provides state-specific instructions for obtaining a Medicaid Waiver provider license in Ohio, addressing each stage of the application process. 

1. Understand Ohio's Medicaid Waiver Programs 

Description: Ohio operates several Medicaid Waiver programs that provide different types of care for specific populations. Familiarizing yourself with these waiver programs will help you determine which services your agency will offer and which waiver you will apply for. 

Key Waiver Programs in Ohio: 

Ohio Home Care Waiver: Serves individuals under 60 with significant care needs, providing services like personal care, home modifications, and nursing. 

PASSPORT Waiver: Serves individuals 60 years and older, offering in-home care, adult day services, and home-delivered meals. 

Individual Options (IO) Waiver: Provides comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities. 

Level One Waiver: Offers limited funding for individuals with developmental disabilities requiring intermittent services. 

SELF Waiver: Allows individuals with developmental disabilities to self-direct certain services. 

Tips: Visit Ohio’s Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) and Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) websites for comprehensive details about each waiver program. This will help you determine which services align with your agency's goals. 

2. Meet Basic Eligibility and Provider Requirements 

Description: Before applying, ensure that your agency meets the foundational eligibility requirements to become a Medicaid Waiver provider in Ohio. 

Key Steps: 

Register Your Business: Ensure that your agency is legally registered with the Ohio Secretary of State as an LLC, corporation, or other appropriate business structure. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. 

Secure Liability Insurance: Ohio requires Medicaid Waiver providers to carry general liability and professional liability insurance. Verify your state’s specific coverage requirements for waiver providers. 

Ensure Qualified Staff: Depending on the services you plan to offer, your agency must have properly credentialed staff. This may include: 

• Registered nurses, social workers, or therapists (if required for the services). 

• Direct care staff such as home health aides or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) with current certifications. 

• Staff trained in CPR and First Aid, especially for direct care services. 

Comply with Background Check Requirements: Ohio requires background checks for all direct care staff. These checks include criminal records and may require fingerprinting through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and FBI. 

Tips: Review Ohio's staff requirements for the specific waiver services you plan to offer. Ensure that all direct care workers meet certification and training requirements prior to applying. 

3. Complete the Ohio Medicaid Waiver Provider Application 

Description: The application to become a licensed Medicaid Waiver provider in Ohio involves submitting detailed information about your agency, staff, services, and policies to Ohio Medicaid. This application process may vary slightly depending on the waiver program you are applying for (DODD versus ODM). 

Key Steps: 

Obtain the Provider Application: Applications can be found on the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) website for PASSPORT, Ohio Home Care, and Assisted Living Waivers. For developmental disabilities waivers, such as IO, Level One, and SELF, apply through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). 

For DODD Waivers: Start the process through the DODD Provider Services Management (PSM) system. You’ll create an account and manage your application online. 

For ODM Waivers: Use the Medicaid Information Technology System (MITS) to apply. 

Submit Required Documentation: You’ll need to submit several documents, including: 

• Proof of legal business entity (Articles of Incorporation or business registration documents). 

• A completed IRS W-9 form. 

• Proof of liability insurance. 

• Staff qualifications and certifications (including training certificates and background checks). 

• Policies and procedures covering service delivery, incident reporting, client rights, and complaint processes. 

• Health and safety documentation for any facility-based services. 

Develop Policies and Procedures: You must submit formal policies that describe how your agency will deliver services under the waiver, maintain compliance, and safeguard clients. Common policies include: 

Client intake and care plans: A clear description of how you will assess clients and develop individualized care plans. 

Incident reporting and client rights: Procedures for handling and reporting client incidents and ensuring clients are aware of their rights. 

Health and safety plans: Protocols to ensure the safety of clients and staff, including emergency preparedness and infection control policies. 

Tips: Ensure that your policies align with Ohio’s administrative rules for Medicaid providers. Review Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 5123-9 for DODD services and relevant sections under OAC for other waiver programs. 

4. Attend Required Training and Orientation Sessions 

Description: Ohio may require new Medicaid Waiver providers to complete mandatory training or orientation sessions before becoming fully licensed. 

Key Steps: 

DODD Provider Training: For providers applying to serve individuals with developmental disabilities, complete mandatory provider training through the DODD. This training covers core topics like client rights, behavior support strategies, and person-centered planning. 

Register for the DODD training through their MyLearning platform. 

ODM Provider Orientation: For PASSPORT, Ohio Home Care, and Assisted Living Waiver programs, you may be required to attend a provider orientation or training session on billing, compliance, and service delivery. 

Tips: Complete these training sessions as early as possible to avoid delays in the licensing process. Keep records of any training certificates as proof of completion. 

5. Prepare for On-Site Inspections or Assessments 

Description: Depending on the services you offer, Ohio may require an on-site inspection of your facility or operations before granting a provider license. 

Key Steps: 

Prepare Your Facility: If your services involve a residential program, adult day services, or group home, ensure that your facility meets Ohio’s safety and accessibility requirements. This may include: 

Fire safety: Working smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits. 

ADA compliance: Accessible ramps, doorways, and bathrooms. 

Sanitation: Cleanliness standards for kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas. 

Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure that your facility complies with local health department requirements, including food safety (if applicable) and infection control protocols. 

Staff Preparedness: Ensure staff are trained to answer questions about service delivery, client care, and safety protocols during the inspection. 

Tips: Request a copy of the inspection checklist from the licensing authority to ensure that you meet all requirements before the on-site review. 

6. Obtain Your Provider Certification and Medicaid ID 

Description: Once your application is approved and any required inspections are completed, Ohio will issue you a Medicaid Waiver provider certification, allowing you to begin delivering services and submitting claims. 

Key Steps: 

Receive Your Medicaid Provider Number: Upon approval, you will be issued a Medicaid Provider Identification Number (PID) or National Provider Identifier (NPI). This number is used for billing Medicaid and receiving reimbursements for services. 

Complete Enrollment in MITS (ODM Waivers): If you applied through ODM, finalize your enrollment by registering with the Medicaid Information Technology System (MITS) for electronic claims submission. 

Access DODD PSM System (DODD Waivers): For DODD waiver providers, ensure that your agency is fully registered in the Provider Services Management system (PSM) for service documentation and billing. 

Tips: Keep your Medicaid ID and certification documentation secure and accessible, as you will need it for billing and audits. 

7. Start Delivering Services and Maintain Ongoing Compliance 

Description: After receiving certification, you can begin delivering Medicaid Waiver services to eligible clients. It’s critical to maintain compliance with Ohio’s regulations to continue operating as a Medicaid Waiver provider. 

Key Steps: 

Implement Care Plans and Document Services: Begin providing services based on client care plans and ensure that all service delivery is documented. Use approved templates and ensure that documentation is accurate and up to date. 

Submit Claims for Reimbursement: Use the MITS (ODM Waivers) or DODD PSM system (DODD Waivers) to submit claims for Medicaid reimbursement. Ensure that all claims are supported by proper documentation and billed using the correct codes. 

Monitor Compliance with State Regulations: Regularly audit your services, billing practices, and staff credentials to ensure compliance with Ohio Medicaid regulations. Participate in any required ongoing training. 

Prepare for Audits and Re-Certification: Ohio Medicaid Waiver providers must undergo regular audits and re-certification to ensure continued compliance. Keep all records updated, including client files, staff certifications, and insurance coverage. 

Tips: Use electronic recordkeeping systems to track service delivery, billing, and staff certifications. This will help streamline your audit preparation and ensure ongoing compliance. 

How Waiver Consulting Group Can Help 

Waiver Consulting Group provides expert assistance to Medicaid Waiver providers in Ohio, guiding you through the licensing process and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Our services include: 

Application Assistance: We help you complete the Medicaid Waiver provider application, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete. 

Policy and Procedure Development: Our team assists in creating policies that align with Ohio’s Medicaid requirements. 

Staff Training: We offer training programs to ensure your staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to deliver Medicaid Waiver services. 

Compliance Monitoring: We provide ongoing audits and monitoring to keep your agency compliant with Ohio Medicaid regulations. 

For more information on how we can assist your agency, get started with Waiver Consulting Group or schedule a consultation. 

Conclusion 

Becoming a licensed Medicaid Waiver provider in Ohio requires careful planning, compliance with state regulations, and a commitment to delivering high-quality services. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate the provider application process successfully, obtain your Medicaid provider certification, and begin offering much-needed services to Ohio’s Medicaid Waiver recipients. Waiver Consulting Group is here to support your agency throughout the process, helping you achieve compliance and success in serving your community. 

For additional resources or support, visit Waiver Consulting Group Services.