CFSS Transition in Minnesota

What is CFSS?

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

What Program Does CFSS Replace?

CFSS, when implemented, is intended to replace the current 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; no action is needed by clients at this time. 

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 participant’s 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 Models

CFSS will have two service delivery models, the agency provider model and the budget model. In both models, the person:

• Directs care;

• Has a say in selecting his/her worker, including the person’s spouse or the parent of a minor;

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

In the agency provider model, the person selects an agency that serves as the workers’ employer. This means the agencies will recruit, hire, train, supervise and pay CFSS support workers. We expect that DHS will continue to use PCA Choice agencies like Accra to deliver these services. In the budget model, CFSS participants are the employers of their own support workers. They will have a budget rather than service units. Participants will recruit, hire, train and supervise their support workers. The person will select a financial management services (FMS) provider to help the person comply with applicable laws.

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 on the individual needs of the person.
• The consultation services provider will provide education and support in writing the person’s plan.

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 services. As implementation approaches, DHS will communicate with people who provide and receive PCA services. Watch the Minnesota Department of Human Services video.

(Current as of March 2021)