Individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions and older adults in Minnesota have a new option for home-based care services. Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a health care option through the Minnesota Department of Human Services that offers support to remain at home. Individuals choose their caregivers – often family members or friends – and when and how they receive support.
“Home-based care services give families more choice over their care,” said Alaina Ericksen, senior director of PICS (Partners in Community Supports), a service of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. PICS offers CFSS and other home care services.
“PICS helps families navigate CFSS and offers ongoing personalized support.”
To be eligible for CFSS, a person must be on one of Minnesota’s health care programs, live in their own home, be able to direct their own care or have a representative who can do so on their behalf, and receive an eligibility assessment.
Care options under CFSS
Support offered through CFSS is person-centered – meaning each individual has a support plan developed for their specific needs. CFSS provides assistance for daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, mobility and other individual needs.
CFSS offers two service delivery models of care: the agency model and the budget model. Under the CFSS agency model, a provider agency hires, supervises and sets the wage rate for your caregivers.
The CFSS budget model offers individuals more control as the employer of their caregivers. A Financial Management Services (FMS) provider, like PICS, offers assistance by facilitating hiring paperwork, payroll, expense reimbursement, tax reporting and more. Under both models, individuals have the option to buy goods and services with the assistance of an FMS.
“With PICS, families have a direct contact who is there to guide them through any question about services, big or small,” said Ericksen. “We are here to be your partner every step along the way.”
CFSS became a service option in October 2024; both personal care assistance (PCA) and Consumer Support Grant (CSG) services will eventually be replaced by CFSS. “Individuals who are eligible for home-based care services have an annual assessment to determine what supports they receive,” Ericksen said. “If they currently use PCA or CSG services, they have the option to receive CFSS at their next assessment.”
Getting started with PICS
PICS is currently accepting enrollments statewide. In addition to CFSS, PICS offers Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) and Individualized Home Supports (IHS), other home care services. PICS’ enrollment team is available to support families as they start the process by phone at 651.967.5060 or online at picsmn.org/enroll.
About PICS
PICS (Partners in Community Supports)- has offered support for home-based care options to individuals and families for 25 years. Services are offered in all languages.
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