Getting Started with PICS
Are you looking to find the right home-based care service for yourself or a loved one? We understand this may be new and confusing, which is why we are here to help. Call or email your questions to our Enrollment Team at 651.967.5063 or enrollment@picsmn.org. They are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ready to get you started and help you find the answers.
When you are ready to enroll, contact us and we will schedule a time to meet with you virtually, by phone or in person to complete the enrollment meeting and intake paperwork.
Enrolling with PICS
PICS (Partners in Community Supports) works with you to facilitate self-directed and licensed services for individuals receiving service from Community First Services and Supports (CFSS), Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS), Consumer Support Grant (CSG), Individualized Home Supports and Individual Private Pay.
Individuals, their families, counties and PICS are all responsible for portions of the enrollment process.
1. Determine Eligibility
To determine your eligibility for the program, please contact your county of residence.
2. Create a Support Plan
Once you are deemed eligible for a waiver or grant, complete a Support Plan. This is available from your county.
Your Support Plan should cover:
- The supports, goods and services you plan to use
- The cost of each of your supports and services
- How you plan to monitor your supports and services
- The training and qualifications you’d like your support providers to have
3. Enroll with PICS
After you begin your Support Plan, your Lead Agency Representative provides you a list of Financial Management Services (FMS) from which to choose. PICS has been operating in Minnesota since 1999, helping people manage the financial aspects of self-directed services.
It’s easy to get started with PICS online. Make an appointment with a PICS enrollment team member by completing the service request form. To learn more about directing your own services with PICS, contact us today.
After receiving your request, members of the PICS enrollment team will meet with you virtually or by phone to answer questions, explain policies and procedures, and help you select the service model that best fits your needs.
4. Lead Agency Approves Plan
Submit your completed Support Plan to your Lead Agency Representative for review and approval. If your plan is not approved, your Lead Agency Representative will identify corrections or clarifications that need to be made in order for the plan to be approved.
When your plan has been approved, the Lead Agency Representative submits the plan to PICS.
5. PICS Creates a Budget
PICS creates a budget based on your Support Plan, making any necessary corrections to fees. PICS then submits the budget to your Lead Agency Representative for approval.
6. Lead Agency Approves Budget
Your Lead Agency Representative reviews and approves the recommended budget. After approving the budget, your Lead Agency Representative requests a service agreement from the state.
7. Services Begin
After PICS receives the service agreement, the services in your plan may begin. You keep track of your expenses and your support workers’ schedules. PICS reimburses expenses, handles taxes and accounting, and manages payroll, benefits and training for your support workers.
A Note About Fees
Fees vary between programs. Please contact us to determine fees for specific programs.