Minnesota Homecare Goods and Services: What Can I Buy Through CFSS, CDCS, or Waivers?
Learn what goods and services are covered through CFSS, CDCS, CSG, and Minnesota waivers, including covered items, purchasing steps, and support options.
Whether you need grab bars to make your home safer, a tablet that supports communication, or adaptive equipment that helps you live more independently, Minnesota programs like CFSS, CDCS, CSG and waiver services may help cover the cost. This guide explains what's covered, what's not, and how Accra can help you through the process.
What Are Goods and Services?
Goods and services are items or supports that help you live more independently at home or in your community and improve your quality of life. What you are able to purchase depends on the program or waiver you use, your approved support plan, and your assessed needs.
These supports can include a variety of items and services designed to increase independence, improve safety, and help you or your loved ones achieve their personal goals. Examples include items like grab bars, adaptive household equipment, sensory items, swim lessons, and more.
Personal emergency response systems (PERS) are also available under certain waivers, Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS), and Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) Agency and Budget Models.
Can I Purchase Goods and Services Through My Plan?
Many Minnesota homecare programs include the ability to purchase goods and services, giving you more choice and flexibility. Your plan will allow you the flexibility to purchase approved items and services that help you live more confidently at home and in your community.
Goods and services can be purchased under the following plans:
- Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) Agency & Budget Models
- Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS)
- Consumer Support Grant (CSG) – Minnesota is currently in the process of replacing CSG with CFSS.
- Waivers such as:
- Alternative Care (AC) Waiver
- Brain Injury (BI) Waiver
- Community Alternative Care (CAC) Waiver
- Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver
- Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
- Elderly Waiver (EW)
The specific goods and services available will vary based on the program, your assessed needs, and what is included in your plan.
What Goods and Services Are Covered Under CFSS and CDCS?
Everyone has different goals, needs, and daily routines, which is why Minnesota homecare programs offer a wide variety of goods and services. The goods and services available to you will depend on your assessed needs and program requirements, giving you the flexibility to meet your unique needs.
Examples of commonly approved purchases include:
Adaptive Equipment and Home Supports
- Grab bars and other bathroom modifications
- Ramps
- Vehicle modifications that increase accessibility
- Specialized devices for dressing and grooming
Technology and Accessibility Supports
- Smart phones and tablets
- Smart home devices
- Specialized communication devices
Independence and Skill-Building Supports
- Adaptive bicycles
- Adaptive clothing
- Swimming lessons for individuals under age 12 who are at a higher risk of drowning
- Specialized therapies
Daily Living and Personal Supports
- Purchases of supplies (e.g. incontinence supplies)
- Meal supplements
- Bedding
- Meal delivery
- Laundry service and reimbursement
What Goods and Services Aren’t Covered?
While many goods and services are available to you, purchases must meet program requirements to ensure they address your specific needs and make the best use of available funding. Goods and services generally won’t be approved if they are:
- Not related to an assessed need
- Not directly benefiting the client
- Not the most cost-effective option
- Available through another funding source, such as Medical Assistance
Examples of items that are not covered include, but are not limited to:
- Vacation expenses
- Legal fees
- Recreational activities
- Utilities
- Gift cards
How Do I Purchase Goods and Services in Minnesota?
Our goal at Accra is to make the purchasing process as smooth as possible so you can access the supports you need to live a more independent and fulfilling life.
If you are an Accra client, purchases can be made by you and reimbursed by Accra, or you may request that we purchase them on your behalf.
Reimbursement
To request reimbursement, submit your receipt and a completed expense form to our reimbursement team. Reimbursements are processed within 3-10 business days.
We Purchase For You
If you would like Accra to purchase goods or services for you, submit a request to your Coordinator. Once approved, Accra will make the purchase on your behalf within 3-5 business days and have it shipped directly to your home.
If you aren't an Accra client and are interested in easy purchasing processes, you can connect with us to get started here.
Additional Support Through the Accra Way Fund
Accra has a unique fund available for our clients, their families, and their caregivers: The Accra Way Fund.
The Accra Way Fund is designed to pay for a one-time need that helps move you or a loved one towards a more self-directed life. Funds can be used for items or services that cannot be paid for through Medical Assistance or other available funding sources.
Examples of items that can be paid for through these funds are:
- A tablet with apps that could help someone calm themselves
- A bean bag chair that assists someone with therapy
- Respite camp
- A microwave so that someone can prepare their own meals
- Simple modifications such as grab bars, etc.
The Accra Way Fund can provide up to $1,000 per person in a given year.
Accra is proud to be able to offer this additional resource to the people we serve. We see it as another way to provide personalized care and help people live full, independent lives.
Accra clients can connect with their Service Professional or Service Coordinator to learn more about the Accra Way Fund.
Accra Is Here to Help
If you have questions about what specific goods and services may be covered, Accra’s Service Coordinators and Supervising Professionals are equipped to provide guidance and help you understand your options. Our team can answer your questions and guide you through the purchasing process so you can make the most of your benefits.
Not an Accra client yet? Visit our referral page to get in touch and learn how we can help you access personalized homecare services that support your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but only if it increases independence and is needed for specific technology related to your disability. Phones purchased for general use are not covered by CFSS.
Yes. Smart home technology, such as Alexa or Ring, can be purchased through both CFSS and CDCS as long as it is approved in your support plan.
Yes. Goods must meet a specific disability-related need and receive prior approval in your service delivery or support plan.
Yes. GPS devices may be approved for individuals who are at risk of wandering or getting lost and may reduce the need for direct supervision by a caregiver.
Yes. Purchasing of goods and services is intended to increase independence, which includes items that reduce or even replace the need for caregiver assistance.
If the goods and services are noted in your support plan, DHS-approved, and you have the funds in your budget, they should be approved. Accra will reach out to you if clarification is needed on any requests.
Your Service Coordinator or Service Professional at Accra can help walk you through the purchasing process. Purchases can be made by you and reimbursed, or purchased directly by Accra.
About Accra
Accra provides individualized homecare services and support to people and families across all 87 counties in Minnesota. By focusing on choice, independence, and high-quality care, Accra helps people with care needs live safely and comfortably, while strengthening the broader homecare system. Learn more at www.accrahomecare.org.