Both CFSS and PCA programs allow participants to hire a caregiver. The PCA Program allows family members to provide care, but not spouses. Under CFSS, participants can choose to have their spouses provide care instead of hiring a family member. The services provided by CFSS and PCA are both entitlements, so participants can get them as long as they meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
The Consumer Support Services (CFSS) program will replace the PCA program and state-funded Consumer Support Grant benefit. The program is currently in development and requires federal approval. CFSS will provide similar services to PCA, including health-related tasks, observation, and behavior. A person can receive both types of services, or neither. Beneficiaries of both programs can choose which option works best for them. Whether to choose one or the other depends on your circumstances and your health care needs.
The DHS has an interactive video on CFSS, so you can learn more about it. You can also learn about CFSS from Minnesota DHS' FAQ page. For more information, see their PCA/CFSS worker test and find out which one suits you best. If you're unsure about which option is best for your situation, consider hiring a CFSS worker. This can make all the difference in the world for your loved one.
When can CFSS services begin? The DHS is planning to implement the CFSS plan by April 1, 2014. However, the DHS's proposed implementation date cannot be met. Despite the fact that MnChoices, a computerized tool for evaluating an individual's abilities, limitations, and goals, will not be rolled out until June. The April 1 effective date means that persons with disabilities will be assessed using several tools until MnChoices is fully implemented.
Minnesota's Department of Human Services (DHS) is preparing for a transition from personal care assistance (PCA) to community-first services and supports, or CFSS. PCA is a program that provides support and services for disabled and elderly residents to remain independent in their homes and communities. CFSS is similar to PCA in many ways, including benefits and services that PCA currently covers.
The CFSS program supports community-based living and individual choice, but the key difference is in the way the services are delivered. The agency provider model allows you to hire a home care worker, supervise them, and set their schedule. The budget model uses a financial management services provider to oversee the services and manage payroll, taxes, and benefits for the home care workers. The budget model also allows for more independence for individuals.
The Community First Services and Supports Program is expected to launch on Aug. 1, 2022, replacing personal care assistance and the Consumer Support Grant. In Minnesota, DHS submitted state plan amendments to CMS on March 18, 2022. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will review the plans and make any necessary changes before they are implemented. If all goes well, Community First Services and Supports can replace PCA in Minnesota.
