CFSS
Community First Services and Supports (CFSS): A 5-Minute Guide to Understand CFSS
Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a Minnesota health care program that offers flexible care options for the different needs of people. Starting Oct 1, 2024, CFSS services will replace the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) and the Consumer Support Grant (CSG) programs.
CFSS provides assistance with daily living activities and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) for individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or other conditions that affect their independence.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) ensures that CFSS programs align with the different Minnesota communities’ needs. Those eligible can choose how they’ll receive CFSS services, whether through an agency provider model or by acting as the employer of their support workers under the CFSS budget model.
You Will Learn:
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Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)
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Eligibility for Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)
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Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) Two Models
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Roles in Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)
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Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) Delivery Models
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Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) Worker Training
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Transitioning to Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)
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Budgeting for Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)
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Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) Tools and Resources
Understanding CFSS Services
CFSS provides essential services to meet the unique needs of individuals.
These services include:
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Individuals who need help with everyday activities such as eating, bathing, grooming, and mobility.
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Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) such as meal preparation, household tasks, and managing appointments.
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Health-related tasks are helped by a trained CFSS worker under the direction of a licensed healthcare professional.
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A personal emergency response system to enhance safety and security at home.
Eligibility for CFSS
To qualify for the CFSS program, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
They must:
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Be enrolled in Medical Assistance (MA) or another Minnesota health care program that covers CFSS.
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Require support with Daily Living Activities (DLAs) or instrumental activities of daily living due to a medical condition or disability.
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Need ongoing supervision or physical assistance to ensure their safety.
CFSS 2 Models
Participants have two primary options for receiving services
Agency Provider Model
Participants receive services from a CFSS provider agency like Blue Star Home Care, which hires and manages CFSS support workers on their behalf.
Budget Model
Participants can directly employ their own care workers, giving them more control over who provides their services. A financial management services provider (FMS provider) helps manage payroll and other administrative tasks.
Roles in CFSS
CFSS includes various roles to ensure smooth service delivery:
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CFSS participant – The person receiving services.
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Responsible party – A designated individual (e.g., a parent of a minor) who helps make decisions if the participant cannot do so independently.
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Participant’s representative – Someone authorized to assist with managing CFSS services.
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CFSS support workers – Individuals who provide direct care and assistance.
CFSS Providers and Service Delivery Models
CFSS services are delivered through CFSS provider agencies, which ensure high-quality care for participants. The lead agency (such as a county or tribal agency) helps determine eligibility and authorizes services.
Participants can also work with a financial management services provider if they choose the budget model, allowing them to hire and manage their own workers.
Types of Services Covered Under CFSS
CFSS offers a broad range of support, including:
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Health-related tasks, such as medication management and wound care.
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Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), including meal planning, shopping, and transportation.
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Personal care assistance, ensuring help with hygiene, dressing, and mobility.
CFSS Worker Training and Development
All CFSS workers undergo worker training to provide high-quality services. Training covers topics such as:
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Assisting individuals with unique needs and disabilities.
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Understanding service authorization and compliance.
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Providing backup support in case of emergencies.
Transitioning to CFSS
The CFSS transition process replaces the PCA program while offering more service models and new options for participants.
Key steps include:
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Undergoing an initial assessment by a lead agency.
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Choosing between the agency provider model or the CFSS budget model.
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Selecting a consultation provider to help navigate the process.
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Planning for the next annual reassessment to continue receiving services.
Financial Management and Budgeting for CFSS
Participants using the CFSS budget model work with a financial management services provider (FMS provider) to manage funds and ensure compliance with service authorization guidelines.
This includes:
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Setting up a development budget for services.
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Paying CFSS workers and tracking expenses.
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Ensuring backup support is available when needed.
Making Informed Decisions About CFSS
CFSS provides various tools and resources to help individuals and families make informed decisions.
Participants can:
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Consult care organizations and Consultation Service Providers for guidance.
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Review detailed information about CFSS options.
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Understand Consent Preferences and decision-making responsibilities.
Get Paid While on Vacation
CFSS workers may be paid while on vacation with the participant if the services align with the participant’s care plan and service authorization. If the participant needs assistance with daily living, health-related tasks, or IADLs while traveling, the support worker can continue receiving compensation for authorized CFSS services. Travel outside Minnesota may require prior approval from DHS or the lead agency.
At Blue Star Home Care, we understand the challenges of being a caregiver, including limited time off, financial stress, and burnout. That’s why we work with clients and employers to support vacation opportunities while ensuring continued care. For more information about this, contact Blue Star Home Care at (651) 440-9817.
Conclusion and Next Steps
CFSS offers a person-centered approach to support greater independence and flexible service delivery. Whether choosing an agency provider model or managing services independently, CFSS empowers participants to take charge of their care.
For more general information on Community First Services and Supports, visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services website or contact Blue Star Home Care at (651) 440-9817 today.
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We understand how hard it is for you or your loved ones to search for home care assistance if you have never done it before. Today, our complex health care system adds more frustration and confusion to anyone that is seeking for assistance. Elderly and people with disability have to face with many challenges to live a normal life. Let alone, many still have to face the difficulty finding the assistance they need on their own. That is why we created Blue Star Home Health Care, to help and advocate for those who are unable to. Our professional team will walk with you every step of the way and assist you to the right place where you will be able to seek the help you need. You are not alone. We are here for you from the very beginning to the end. Call us today.
You have been assessed by the nurse and you are approved for home care services.
What do you do next?
Who is going to be your caregiver?
How do you use the services?
When do you use the service?
So many questions and no clear answer. Take no more action. Call us and we will be happy to assist you. We can meet with you and explain in detail the service we will be providing to you. We will provide a match caregiver that will work well with you or if you prefer, we will hire the person of your choice to work with you whether it is a friend, a neighbor, or family member.
Everyday there are many persons receiving services who are not satisfied with the personal care services they are receiving from where they currently are. We are here to help each person develop a care plan that will tailor to their needs. Listening and addressing your concerns are what we do best at Blue Star Home Health Care. We promise to help you make a smooth transition of service to our agency as quick as possible. Turnaround time for transfer of services takes about two to four weeks. Let us work together.
Call – Call our intake specialist to inquire about services related to your need. We will walk you through the process and give you the information needed to call for an assessment.
Assessment – An assessor will come out to determine the services needed and how many hours you will qualify for.
Home Care Service– Services begin when you are determined to be eligible for services by the assessor.