Community First Services and Supports (CFSS): The Role of Consultation Services Providers
Finding the right support is essential for maintaining independence and quality of life for those who need extra support at home. Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a Medicaid-funded program designed to help individuals with disabilities and older adults live independently in their homes and communities. One key player in the success of CFSS is the consultation services provider, a service covered by CFSS at no cost to participants. But what is a consultation services provider, and how do they help individuals in the program?
Responsibilities of Consultation Services Providers
Each person using CFSS will need to select a consultation services provider that will educate individuals about the CFSS program. Consultation services providers are contracted by Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and provide services statewide, both in person and virtually. Every provider is required to supply interpreters in the language requested if they do not have a staff member who speaks the language a person needs.
The role of the consultation services provider includes:
- Setting up initial CFSS supports and providing annual orientation.
- Assisting individuals in creating their service delivery plan, if desired.
- Offering guidance to ensure that only covered services and goods are included.
- Reviewing the plan and offering ongoing consultation and support as needed.
Individuals can meet with consultation services providers up to six times a year.
It's important to note that some organizations offer both CFSS and Consultation Services, but your consultation services provider cannot also be your CFSS provider.
CFSS Service Delivery Models
As part of Consultation Services, they will describe the two available CFSS service delivery models – the agency provider model and the budget model – and help individuals choose the best option for them.
- Agency provider model
In the agency model, you select a home care agency that will be your caregiver’s employer. This means the agency will recruit, hire, train, supervise and pay your caregiver. The agency will determine your caregiver's hourly wage. - Budget model
In the budget model, you employ your caregivers and pay them from an allowed budget. You will be responsible for recruiting, hiring, training and supervising your caregivers and setting their hourly wage. For those who choose the budget model, a Financial Management Service (FMS) provider – like PICS – must be selected to help with budget management.
PICS is an FMS provider for the CFSS budget model and can also help you purchase goods if you choose the Agency Model. Reach out today to learn more about how PICS can support you.