Every answer was written and checked ahead of time, with the official document next to it. Nothing is made up on the spot.
Do I need a license to run a non-medical home care agency in Kansas?
Yes.
KDHE licenses home health agencies, and an agency that gives only supportive care services still needs a license. The rule says no one may provide home health services, HCBS or supportive care services before getting a license. KDHE's attestation form says breaking the licensing law is a Class B misdemeanor.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Can a supportive care (non-medical) agency bill Medicaid for waiver personal care?
Not with that license alone.
KDHE's attestation forms say HCBS falls only within the Skilled Services license. The FE waiver manual lists county health departments and KDHE-licensed or Medicare-certified home health agencies for Level II personal care. The PD manual says agency-directed personal care is paid through an enrolled home health agency. The FE manual does let other businesses enroll for Level I homemaking tasks; see where the documents disagree below.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What can a supportive care worker do in Kansas?
Hands-on help within set limits.
The current rule lets supportive care workers help with bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, transfers and other listed tasks, each with limits. They may remind clients about medications in pre-marked containers, but may not set up or give medications, do wound care or give respiratory care. Nail trimming is only for agencies licensed for home health services.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How much does a Kansas home health agency license cost, and how long does it last?
One year; $100 to $750 depending on type and size.
A first license costs $500 or $750 for home health or HCBS, and $250 or $500 for supportive care only, depending on whether you serve fewer than 100 clients or 100 or more. Renewal costs $350 or $600 ($100 or $350 for supportive care only). File at least 30 days before the license expires. KDHE's attestation form says a license is automatically canceled if the renewal and fee are not in within 30 calendar days of the expiration date.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What background checks do HCBS workers need in Kansas?
Up to seven checks, every two years.
KDADS policy requires, as they apply to the role: a KDADS criminal record check, DCF adult and child abuse registry checks, a KDADS Nurse Aide Registry check, an OIG exclusions check, the National Sex Offender Registry and, for drivers, a motor vehicle record. Checks must be done before the worker has direct access to participants and repeated every two years. Since April 1, 2025, the sex offender search must use the National Sex Offender Public Website and cover all 50 states, D.C., U.S. territories and Indian Country.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Is EVV required in Kansas, and which system do I use?
Yes — AuthentiCare Kansas.
EVV covers listed HCBS waiver services (such as personal care), non-waiver personal care and, since December 3, 2023, home health visits. Since February 6, 2025, HCBS and non-waiver personal care claims that need EVV must go through AuthentiCare, and original claims sent another way are rejected. The documents disagree on whether home health visit claims also go through AuthentiCare; see below. Personal care for PD and FE members in licensed assisted living and similar facilities is exempt.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Which Medicaid health plans operate in Kansas?
Three.
A June 2026 KMAP bulletin lists Healthy Blue, Sunflower Health Plan and United Healthcare as the KanCare plans. A March 2025 EVV bulletin also listed Aetna contacts, but the 2026 bulletin does not.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How often must a supervisor visit in Kansas?
Every three months for supportive care and HCBS workers.
For supportive care, a manager must supervise each worker on site at least every three months. For HCBS, the supervisor must observe each worker on site at least every three months, and a physician, registered nurse or other qualified health professional must visit the patient's home every 60 days if personal care is given. For home health with nursing or therapy, a visit every two weeks is required; with personal care only, at least every 60 days.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Are KDHE's new home health agency rules in effect?
Not in the documents we hold.
KDHE's September 8, 2025 summary calls the changes drafted revisions that still need a formal public comment period. They would create three separate licenses and change supportive care duties. Keep working to the current K.A.R. 28-51 rule.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What is the Kansas Community Support Waiver?
A new I/DD waiver starting October 1, 2026.
It serves people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who meet institutional level of care but need fewer supports, within a $20,000 yearly cost cap. Providers must enroll with KMAP under the new CSW specialties before delivering services. Agency-directed personal care is enrolled as provider type 55, specialty 584, and EVV is mandatory.
Written and checked September 23, 2026