CFSS in Minnesota -

Community First Services and Support (CFSS)

CFSS is Minnesota’s updated program for supporting independent living. It is built on the principle of ‘person-centered’ care, offering individuals the flexibility to hire their own support staff including family members and access dedicated funding for professional training and assistive equipment. It is designed to help people thrive in their own homes while maintaining their personal dignity and autonomy

CFSS Models

Agency Model

The Agency Model is ideal for those who want to focus on their lifestyle and independence while leaving the administrative ‘heavy lifting’ to the experts.

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Budget Model

The Budget Model is the ultimate “Self-Directed” option. It’s designed for individuals who want maximum autonomy and the power to design their own support system.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is CFSS?

Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a Minnesota program designed to offer more choice and control for individuals who need assistance with daily tasks. It allows you to lead an independent life in your own home by providing the resources to hire support workers and purchase life-enhancing technology.

Will hiring Awcuvix reduce the number of hours I have for my support workers?

No. The Budget Model Advantage: In the Budget Model, you have the flexibility to invest in tools that make your life easier. Think of it as an ‘Upgrade’ to your home that works alongside your team, not in place of them.

Dedicated Training Funds: The state provides a specific Worker Training and Development budget that is separate from your personal care hours. If you don’t use it for training, it expires. It cannot be used to pay for more hours.

Increasing Efficiency: Our Environmental Support is designed to make your home safer. By using the ‘Goods and Services’ budget for technology, you reduce the risk of emergencies, ensuring your care hours are used for quality support rather than basic environmental tasks.

Can I just use my ‘Worker Training’ budget to pay my worker more per hour instead?

No. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has strict rules on how these funds are used. The Worker Training and Development budget is specifically for hiring a “Supervising Professional” or trainer (like Awcuvix) to educate your staff. If this budget is not used for training by the end of your service year, the funds return to the state. They cannot be converted into hourly wages for your workers

How is CFSS different from the old PCA program?

CFSS is much more flexible. Unlike the previous model, it allows you to use a dedicated budget for worker training and to purchase “goods and services” (like assistive technology) that help you stay independent. It also expands who can be a paid support worker for you.

Why should I work with Awcuvix for my CFSS journey?

While your agency or the state manages the paperwork, Awcuvix acts as your “Digital Bridge.” we specialize in the parts of CFSS that often get overlooked: expert training for your workers and the setup of life-changing assistive technology. We ensure you aren’t just “getting by,” but truly thriving.

Can my family members be my paid support workers?

Yes! One of the biggest updates in CFSS is that spouses and parents of minors can now be hired and paid to provide support. This ensures that the people who know you best are the ones helping you thrive.

Who is eligible for CFSS?

CFSS is available to individuals living in Minnesota who are enrolled in Medical Assistance (MA) or a waiver program and require assistance with activities of daily living. Eligibility is determined through a functional assessment.

My worker is worried about their paycheck. How does this help them?

When you hire Awcuvix to train your team, your worker gains professional “Tech-Supported Care” skills at no cost to them. This makes their job easier, reduces their physical “heavy lifting” (through voice-controlled environments), and increases their value as a professional caregiver. We are here to support your team, not replace them.

How do I start the process of getting CFSS?

The process begins with a MnCHOICES assessment. A specialist will visit with you to discuss your daily routines and determine the level of support that best fits your needs.

What is a “Consultation Services” provider?

In CFSS, you will work with a Consultation Services provider. They help you write your service plan, manage your budget, and understand your rights. They work alongside you to ensure your plan reflects your personal goals.

Can I change my mind about which model I use?

Yes. CFSS is designed to be flexible. If you start with the Agency Model and decide later that you want more control through the Budget Model (or vice versa), you can work with your consultation provider to make that change.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

Know Your Rights: A Participant’s Guide to CFSS

The transition to Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) represents a major shift in Minnesota’s commitment to person-centered care. As a participant, you have specific rights designed to give you more control over your lifestyle and the technology you use to stay independent.

Who Can Help Me Exercise My Rights?

Awcuvix: We advocate for your right to a tech-enabled, independent life.

Your Consultation Services Provider: They are required by law to help you understand your rights and build a plan that reflects them.

The MN Ombudsman for Long-Term Care: A free resource that helps participants resolve issues with providers or the state.

The Right to Choice of Provider

The Question: Does a provider agency have the right to deny my Service Delivery Plan (SDP) because of the vendor I chose?

The Answer: Under Minnesota’s Person-Centered principles, participants have the Right to Choice of Provider. While a provider agency must ensure that all services in the home meet safety and quality standards, they generally cannot deny your choice of a specialized vendor like Awcuvix. If a conflict arises regarding your choice of specialized technology or training, you have the right to seek guidance from your Consultation Services provider to ensure your personal goals are prioritized.

The Right to Lead Your Own Planning

In the CFSS model, you have the Right to Person-Centered Planning. This means you (not the agency or the state) are the lead architect of your Service Delivery Plan (SDP). You work with an independent Consultation Services provider to include the specific goals, services, and technology (like Environmental Controls) that you believe will enhance your independence.

The Right to a Dedicated Training Budget

You have the Right to a Competent Support Team. Minnesota provides a separate Worker Training and Development (WTD) budget (S5116) specifically for your plan. You have the right to use these funds to hire specialized trainers, such as Awcuvix, to provide “enhanced” training on your specific technology and safety needs. This budget is separate from your agency’s mandatory basic orientation costs.

The Right to Appeal Decisions

If a service, device, or budget request is denied by the Lead Agency (County or Tribe), you have the Right to a Fair Hearing. You must receive a written notice of any denial, and you have the right to appeal that decision to the state. Awcuvix can support this right by providing technical assessments and justifications to help explain why a service is necessary for your health and autonomy.

Do I have the right to choose how my services are managed?

Yes. One of your primary rights in CFSS is the Right to Choose Your Model. You can select the Agency Model (where a provider handles the “business” side) or the Budget Model (where you act as the employer). You also have the right to switch models if your needs or preferences change.

Do I have a say in what goes into my Service Delivery Plan (SDP)?

Yes. You have the Right to Person-Centered Planning. Your plan is not designed by the state or an agency; it is designed by you with the help of a Consultation Services provider. You have the right to include goals, preferences, and specialized services, like the technology and training provided by Awcuvix, that reflect your unique lifestyle.

Do I have the right to professional training for my support workers?

Yes. You have the Right to a Competent Workforce. Minnesota provides a dedicated Worker Training and Development (WTD) budget specifically for you to hire professional trainers. You have the right to use these funds to ensure your workers are experts in the specific tools and safety protocols required for your home.

Will I lose my support hours if I exercise my right to buy technology?

No. You have the Right to Balanced Support. In CFSS, the “Worker Training” budget is a separate allocation that does not impact your base care units. While the “Goods and Services” budget is part of your overall allocation, utilizing technology often creates a safer environment that protects your long-term independence without sacrificing the quality of your personal care.

CFSS IN MINNESOTA