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 Mississippi?
Not that we can find.
The documents we hold show no state license for non-medical personal care agencies. MSDH licenses home health agencies, which must give skilled nursing. DOM's fingerprint guidance is written for "non-licensed" waiver and state plan personal care agencies, and the E&D Waiver lists no license for personal care providers. To bill Medicaid you still need Division of Medicaid approval.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How do I become an E&D Waiver personal care provider?
Orientation, Part 208 training, proposal, then enrollment.
You must have been in business for at least a year serving private-pay clients, with a Mississippi office (not in a home) for six months and a business privilege tax license. Pass the virtual orientation exam (score of at least 85), complete Part 208 training and submit a proposal with the required attachments, including a business line of credit covering three months of costs. Within six months of the approval letter, apply for Medicaid enrollment through Gainwell and sign a provider agreement. Part 208 training is repeated every year by the owner, administrator, compliance officer and program director.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What does Medicaid pay for E&D Waiver personal care?
$6.24 per 15 minutes.
Since January 1, 2026, E&D personal care and in-home respite pay $6.24 per 15-minute unit, and adult day care pays $4.93. If you bill through HHAeXchange, set the visit rate at the hourly $24.96.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Which EVV system do I have to use in Mississippi?
HHAeXchange (free), or an approved system of your own.
Part 200, Rule 1.14 lets you use the state's HHAeXchange portal or a DOM-approved system you contract for, which must send visit data to the state within 14 days. EVV claims must go through the state's EVV system. DOM warns that using another vendor may delay setup and payment.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
What training do E&D Waiver aides need?
An 11-topic course every year, plus CPR and first aid.
Personal care and in-home respite workers must complete a course on hire covering 11 topics, including the Vulnerable Persons Act, and pass a scored exam before giving care. They repeat the course every year, pass a hands-on skills assessment and keep first aid and CPR current. Keep proof at the agency.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How often must I run background checks?
Fingerprints every two years; registries monthly.
Run a national fingerprint check before hire and every two years, and check the Mississippi Nurse Aide Abuse Registry and the OIG exclusion list before hire and every month. For agencies that are not licensed, MSDH processes the fingerprint checks; DOM's 2022 guidance lists the cost as $50 per applicant. Since July 1, 2026, MSDH makes the final employment eligibility decision.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Which Medicaid health plans operate in Mississippi?
Three: Magnolia, Molina and TrueCare.
Since July 1, 2025, Magnolia Health, Molina Healthcare and TrueCare cover MississippiCAN and CHIP (the Children's Health Insurance Program). UnitedHealthcare left on June 30, 2025. HHAeXchange lists the three plans as payers for EVV visits; you bill them outside HHAeXchange.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
Can a family member be paid as the aide?
Sometimes.
Relatives who are not legally responsible may be paid if they are qualified, the member or a representative signs to verify services, and the relative agrees in writing to the service rules. Spouses, parents of minor children, guardians, holders of power of attorney and representative payees cannot be paid. DOM asks you to keep the Qualifying Relative DCW Questionnaire (new version August 2025) on file.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How far from my office can I serve clients?
60 miles, unless a supervisor works closer.
E&D personal care and respite providers serve counties within 60 miles' driving distance of their office. You can go further only if a supervisor has a designated worksite within 60 miles of each person served. Supervisors oversee no more than 20 full-time staff, and files must reach the main office within 10 business days.
Written and checked September 23, 2026
How long does a Mississippi home health license last?
Until June 30; renew every year.
Each MSDH home health license expires on June 30 after it is issued. Renewal needs an application, the fee, an approved annual report and evidence of a Certificate of Need where it applies. To serve counties outside those on your license, you need a Certificate of Need and a sub-unit.
Written and checked September 23, 2026