CDCS and CFSS Budget Model: Two FMS Options in Minnesota
Learn about CDCS and CFSS Budget Model, two FMS options in Minnesota. Learn about what your responsibilities are as the participant, spending flexibility, and key components of self-direction.
Financial Management Services (FMS) may be right for you if you are looking for more control and flexibility over your care. Minnesota programs like CDCS and CFSS Budget Model give you greater choice over how that care is provided, including who your support workers are and your budget. An FMS partner like Accra helps you manage administrative tasks like payroll and taxes. Learn the key differences between these two services to help you decide which option may be right for you.
CDCS and CFSS Budget Model: Two FMS Options in Minnesota
What is Financial Management Services (FMS) in Minnesota? How Does It Work?
A Financial Management Service, or FMS, provides administrative support to you, the participant. Two of our programs at Accra are FMS: Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)(opens in new tab) Budget Model and Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS)(opens in new tab).
FMS(opens in new tab) allows you to retain control over your care, with administrative tasks such as payroll, taxes, and expense reimbursements being handled by the FMS so you can focus on what matters: your independence and wellbeing.
Both CFSS Budget Model and CDCS offer you greater flexibility over spending and self-direction with support from our dedicated FMS team.
Key Differences Between CDCS and CFSS Budget Model
CDCS and CFSS Budget Model have many similarities, with a few key differences.
| CDCS | CFSS Budget Model |
|---|---|
| Must be on a waiver to be eligible | Must either be on a waiver or Medical Assistance (MA) to be eligible |
| Available budget allows for expanded purchasing of goods & services | Primary focus of CFSS is increasing independence and reliance on support workers |
| More flexibility in spending, allowing for an individualized approach to your support needs | Larger emphasis on your assessed care needs |
| The Responsible Party can also be a support worker | The Participant Representative cannot also be a support worker |
Overall, CDCS allows you to create a customized package of goods & services that increase your independence and improve your quality of life. CFSS Budget Model provides you with a budget option to supplement care provided by your support workers. Both services give you the freedom to make the choices that are right for you.
How Accra Partners with You Under CDCS & CFSS Budget Model
One of the key differences between FMS and other services is that you, the participant, are the employer, rather than the FMS. Accra’s role as the FMS is to be your partner and assist you with administrative tasks while helping you retain control over your care.
Below is an overview of the responsibilities of the Participant and Accra:
Participant Employer (Your Responsibilities)
- Hiring, training, scheduling, firing of support workers
- Establish pay rates for support workers
- Manage your own budget
Employer Partner (Accra/Your FMS Provider’s Responsibilities)
- Accra helps open an Employer Identification Number/business for you
- Payroll and tax compliance for support workers
- Billing to the MN Department of Human Services
- Expense reimbursements for goods and services you purchase
- Maintain compliance and assist with Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) tracking and support
What Are My Responsibilities as the Participant in CDCS and CFSS Budget Model?
While Accra takes care of much of the administrative burden for you under FMS, you will maintain control over key aspects of your care such as staffing, supervision, and decision-making.
As the participant, you are responsible for:
- Choosing your workers: Recruit and hire the people you trust to provide your care. Accra can help workers complete necessary employment paperwork, but you will maintain the responsibility of finding your own trusted workers.
- Training your workers: Provide training to help your workers understand your specific needs, preferences, and goals. CFSS Budget Model additionally requires a short online training provided by DHS.
- Scheduling your workers: Create and manage your workers’ schedules
- Supervising your workers: Provide direction and oversight during your workers’ shifts
- Managing your budget: Track your available funds and make decisions about how to use your budget effectively
Ultimately, you are responsible for making decisions about your care. As your FMS partner, Accra is here to provide support while allowing you to be the driver of your care.
What Goods and Services Can I Buy Under CDCS and CFSS Budget Model?
The items available to you will depend on your assessed needs and program requirements, but the overarching goal is the same: to increase your independence and improve your quality of life.
Examples of commonly approved purchases include:
- Grab bars, ramps and other home modifications
- Adaptive technology, e.g. bicycles and communication devices (based on program requirements)
- Specialized therapies
- Personal emergency response systems (PERS)
For more information, check out our recent guide(opens in new tab) on buying goods and services through CFSS, CDCS and waivers.
Your Trusted Partner in Self-Direction
In self-direction, having a team you can trust by your side is essential. At Accra, we are committed to being an FMS partner you can count on. Our dedicated team is here to ease the burden of administrative tasks, answer your questions, and make sure you can focus on what matters most to you.
Not an Accra client yet? Visit our referral page(opens in new tab) to get in touch and learn how we can help you access personalized homecare services that support your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, workers are covered by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)(opens in new tab) in both CFSS Budget and CDCS. This is in contrast to CFSS Agency Model, which is not covered by the union.
CFSS Budget does not have a waiting list if you are already determined to be eligible. CDCS, on the other hand, may have a waiting list depending on your county of residence.
Under CFSS Budget Model, you cannot be the Participant Representative and the worker. In CDCS, your worker may also be the Responsible Party.
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.