Learn more about CFSS in Minnesota
In early 2024, the U.S. government approved replacing Personal Care Assistance (PCA) services with a program called Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) as part of the Affordable Care Act. The CFSS program will also replace Minnesota’s state-funded Consumer Support Grant (CSG) benefit.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is helping transition care recipients to this new model. CFSS will give care recipients more freedom, flexibility, and control over their home care services.
Best Care is also committed to helping individuals, families, and caregivers understand the process for CFSS and prepare for the upcoming changes. We are a state leader in this implementation, so let’s review what you need to know!
“Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a Minnesota health care program that offers flexible options to meet the unique needs of people. CFSS allows people greater independence in their homes and communities. CFSS will replace personal care assistance (PCA) and the Consumer Support Grant (CSG).” (Source: CFSS MN DHS)
At Best Care, we are excited that under CFSS, people will have access to more options for ongoing support to help them live independently! Benefits include:
Added Workers: A spouse or the parent of a child can be hired as a support worker and receive payment for their care.
Training: Care recipients will now be allocated a budget for training and development. You or a provider agency can utilize this budget to ensure your support worker receives appropriate and effective training to give you the best care possible.
Purchase of Goods: To aid in your independence, you can purchase goods and services, including a personal emergency response system (PERS).
There are two service delivery models for CFSS: the Agency Model and the Budget Model. Regardless of the model you choose, you'll have access to all the benefits listed above, such as the ability to direct care, a voice in who provides your care, and assistance from a consultation services provider to write your service delivery plan.
To qualify for CFSS, a person must meet the same requirements as for PCA, including:
The qualification requirements for CFSS are the same as for PCA. This means if you're already receiving PCA services, you will simply transition into CFSS during your next annual reassessment, assuming there are no changes in your condition that would disqualify you from eligibility. If there are any changes in your condition, you may no longer be eligible for CFSS.
As far as caregiver requirements, similar to PCA, CFSS test details can be found on the DHS website.
PCA services did not allow individuals to hire spouses or parents of a minor in need of home care services. But under CFSS, a spouse or parent of a minor child can be employed as a support worker and receive payment for their care!
To make it a seamless transition, Best Care is proud to offer all services under the CFSS program, as we are both an agency and budget model provider. This means you can choose the model that best suits your needs (budget or agency), without worrying about compromising on the quality of your care or having to change your care team.
Our team is available to answer your questions and help you transition into the new CFSS program. Simply call our office: (651) 330-2550.
Up For Reassessment? Learn about Transitioning from PCA to CFSS
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