CFSS transition
Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) in Minnesota
Live independently with flexible, person-centered support. CFSS is a Minnesota health care program that offers options tailored to the unique needs of people with disabilities, chronic conditions, and older adults—at home and in the community. CFSS replaced Personal Care Assistance (PCA) and the Consumer Support Grant (CSG) beginning Oct. 1, 2024, with transition continuing through 2025–2026.
What CFSS Means for You
- Greater choice and control: Decide how services are delivered through either the agency model or the budget model.
- Family caregivers can be paid: Spouses and parents of minors may serve as paid support workers under CFSS.
- Consultation services support: Independent consultation providers educate you on options and help you write a person-centered service delivery plan.
- Training & development budget: A dedicated annual budget funds worker training specific to your needs (replaces PCA QP units).
- Purchase goods & services (+ PERS): Buy allowable items and services that promote independence (e.g., adaptive tools, laundry service) and personal emergency response systems (PERS).
CFSS vs. PCA: What’s Changing—What’s Staying the Same
What stays the same: Eligibility framework, assessment process, and core covered services (ADLs, IADLs including driving, health-related tasks, observation/redirection). You still direct your care—or a representative can do so.
What’s new in CFSS: Budget model option; paid family caregivers; consultation services; purchase of goods/services and PERS; flexible use of units/dollars; updated wage floors and tiered rates.
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify for CFSS if you:
- Live in the community (not in a nursing facility), and can direct your care or have a representative.
- Are enrolled in Minnesota Health Care Programs (e.g., MA, certain MinnesotaCare), AC, or waivers, and complete an assessment.
Eligibility is determined through an assessor from your lead agency (county, tribal government or managed care organization).
How to Get Started (Step by Step)
- Request an assessment from your lead agency (required before services can start).
- After assessment, choose a Consultation Services Provider from DHS’s statewide list. They’ll help you understand options and write your service delivery plan.
- Select your model:
- Agency Model: Choose a CFSS provider agency that hires, trains, supervises and pays workers. Units (15-minute increments) are authorized to the agency.
- Budget Model: You employ your workers; an FMS provider supports payroll and financial tasks. Dollars are authorized to your FMS.
- Your consultation provider submits the plan for lead agency approval; services begin once the service authorization is issued.
Already using PCA/CSG? You’ll transition at your next annual reassessment—no immediate action required before then.
Why Choose HealthMax Home Health Care
HealthMax Home Health Care serves Minnesota communities—including the Twin Cities, St. Cloud and surrounding areas—and offers CFSS, PCA, and CFSS consultation services. Contact us to discuss which model works best for you and to start your service delivery plan.
Twin Cities Office • St. Cloud Office • Coon Rapids • St. Louis Park
Phone: 612‑521‑2400 • Email: info@healthmaxmn.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to switch right away?
No. If you currently use PCA/CSG, you’ll transition to CFSS at your next annual reassessment.
Can spouses or parents of minors be paid workers?
Yes—CFSS allows spouses and parents of minors to serve as paid support workers.
Can I change models mid‑year?
Yes. Work with your consultation provider to update your plan; the lead agency must approve the change and update the service agreement.
What’s the annual worker training budget amount?
DHS set the worker training & development budget at $1,272.96/year at launch (subject to legislative change).
Where can I find the Consultation Services Provider list?
DHS maintains a statewide list of contracted providers who serve all of Minnesota.
Accessibility & Language Support
Consultation providers must supply interpreters if they don’t have a staff member who speaks your language.
Note: This page is a HealthMaxMN rewrite based on official Minnesota DHS guidance and public resources; it contains no references to other agencies and is designed to reflect current CFSS policy.