CFSS Transition in Minnesota

What is Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)?

Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a new self-directed option being developed by the state of Minnesota, offering those who need home services more choice, control and flexibility with their services and supports required to live and work in their community.

Accra will provide all services under the CFSS models, so current Accra clients may rest assured that you can continue working with Accra and your current caregiver.

If you have additional questions after reading through the following information, we are here for you. Please use the form at the bottom of this page or call us at 866-935-3515.

What Program Does CFSS Replace?

CFSS, when implemented, is intended to replace the current Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program and the state-funded Consumer Support Grant (CSG) benefit. You can learn more about it here, at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) website. Note that this program is still under development and requires federal approval; DHS will not launch CFSS before April 1, 2023. No action is needed by clients at this time. 

What will current clients need to do to transfer your services to CFSS?

Once it is time for current clients to transfer homecare services to CFSS, you must choose a consultation services provider. This provider will help you identify which delivery model best meets your needs. Accra will be a consultation provider. However, if you select Accra as your consultation provider, you will not be able to choose Accra as your service provider under CFSS.

What Stays the Same and What Changes?

Similar to PCA services, CFSS will offer assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), and health-related tasks and back-up systems to assure continuity of services and supports based on assessed functional needs for people who require support to live in the community.

Unlike PCA services, CFSS will offer permissible services and supports related to an assessed need or goal in the person-centered service plan, which may include, but are not limited to: 

• Services and supports that increase a person’s independence; 

• Items such as assistive technology and environmental modifications to substitute for or reduce the need for human assistance; or 

• Acquisition of skills to complete ADLs. 

Two Delivery Model Options: Agency or Budget

CFSS will have two service delivery models, the agency provider model and the budget model. Accra will provide both models, so we can provide your CFSS homecare services regardless of which model you select.

In both models, you or your responsible party:

• Directs all care;

• Has a say in selecting your worker, who can be your spouse or a parent if the person who needs care is a minor;

• Writes the plan with assistance from the consultation services provider as desired; and
• May purchase goods.

In the agency provider model, you will select a provider that serves as the caregiver’s employer. This means the agency will recruit, hire, train, supervise and pay CFSS support workers. DHS will use PCA agencies, including Accra, to deliver these services. Under the agency model, you will be able to keep your current, trusted caregiver.

In the budget model, you will employ your support workers and have a budget rather than service units. You will be responsible for the recruitment, hiring, training and supervision of your support workers. You will select a financial management services (FMS) provider, from a list including Accra, to help you comply with applicable laws.

Will Accra Offer Clients Both Models?

Accra will offer both the agency model and the budget model so that we can serve our current and future clients under CFSS. Accra has experience as a PCA Choice provider and as an FMS provider, so we can continue to serve current clients when you transition to CFSS services and choose which model works best for you.

Additionally, Accra will offer consultation services, but remember, if you choose Accra as your consultation service provider, you must select another provider to deliver your services.

More Options and Supports

People who use CFSS will have more options and supports:

• Unlike PCA, in CFSS a person’s spouse or the parent of a minor may serve as that person’s support worker.
• People may choose to purchase goods to aid in their independence.
• The state provides a budget that the provider agency or the person may use to train workers to support the person’s individual needs.
• The consultation services provider will provide education and support in writing the person’s plan.

DHS will not launch CFSS before April 1, 2023. When Minnesota gets final federal approval for CFSS, DHS will provide information about the transition plans and time frame. DHS will transition people gradually over the course of the year to ensure no disruption of care programs. As implementation approaches, DHS will communicate with people who provide and receive PCA services and CSG services. Watch the Minnesota Department of Human Services video.

In the meantime, Accra is here to answer all your questions. Please call us at 866-935-3515 if you want to talk to someone about this change.

(Current as of June 2022)