New Self-Directed Service Model: Community First Services and Supports
You might have heard about changes the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is making to self-directed services and supports. At PICS, we’re here to help you understand what this means for your family and navigate your choices.
What is CFSS?
Community first services and supports (CFSS) is a new self-directed program Minnesota DHS is developing for eligible individuals who use home care services. CFSS, which will have two service delivery models, will replace both personal care assistance (PCA) and the Consumer Support Grant (CSG). Those currently eligible for PCA and CSG services will also be eligible for CFSS when the new program is implemented.
Participant Choice: Budget Model or Agency Provider Model
CFSS will cover services that assist people who have assessed needs in completing daily living activities. It will provide more choice in how participants receive these services through two service delivery models: the budget model and the agency provider model. The two models offer options for how participants receive their services to meet their assessed needs.
Under the budget model, participants have the flexibility to recruit, hire, train, supervise the home care worker and set the worker's schedule when assistance is most needed. The participant selects a financial management services provider, such as PICS, to manage payroll, taxes and benefits for home care workers that the participant hires.
Under the agency provider model, the participant selects a CFSS provider agency to manage all staffing needs, including recruiting, training and management. This option is similar to current PCA agencies.
Both models allow the spouse or parent of a minor to serve as the participant’s worker – a change for those currently using PCA. Participants in either model may also purchase goods to support their independence. They will need to select a financial management services provider to assist with purchasing those goods. PICS is one of twelve financial management service providers in the state of Minnesota.
Timing of Change
Before they can implement CFSS, Minnesota DHS must obtain federal approval. DHS will schedule public comment periods when it submits Minnesota's CFSS plan to the federal government. PICS will post on our news webpage when Minnesota DHS has scheduled the public comment periods.
September 2022 Update: DHS has announced that CFSS will not launch before April 1, 2023. We will update you when we know more.
What this Means for You
If you currently use PICS as your financial management services provider, we are here to help you understand how these changes will affect you and your family. Participants currently using CSG will see a significant increase in their budget once CFSS has been implemented with the addition of federal funds. For participants using CDCS or Individualized Homes Supports, this change will not affect you. Contact us if you have questions.
Learn More
For more information about CFSS: