Summer 2022 Edition

New Legislative Changes/Updates Effective 7/1/2022 (See 2021-2022 Legislative Updates Grid for more details):

• Budget increase of .81% for DD, CADI, CAC, BI waivers and .06% monthly increase for AC/EW.
• SEIU minimum wage increases to $15.25/hr. FMS will automatically update any wages lower than this.
• You will be notified of your new prorated budget amount through an updated service agreement generated by DHS. If you are wanting to make any changes using these extra funds, you can complete an Addendum.

 
Other Legislative Change Reminders:

• 7.5% Enhanced Budget. Eligibility went from being assessed for 12 hours/day of PCA to 10 hours of PCA for all waivers/AC. Must also have qualified/trained workers to access this increase.
• Payroll taxes increased to 10.1% due to SUTA increase and PTO is 4.15% (effective Jan. 1, 2022)
• New Floating Holiday Benefit Implementation – ALL staff must be allowed 2 shifts of their choice to be paid 1.5% typical wage by June 30 each year. Managing party MUST budget for this and staff should give at least a 2-week notice before planning to use this benefit.
• Background Study Implementation – New staff MUST complete and pass Net Study 2.0 (finger printing) prior to working. Staff hired during the pandemic must complete an online Net Study application by July 1, 2022 and be fingerprinted within 45 day or they will not be allowed to work.
• CDCS Support Staff that do not live in the participant’s household and were unable to work at times during COVID may be eligible for Front Line Worker Pay. Ask your FMS for more information. Applying for this benefit is very time sensitive.

Reminders When Renewing CDCS Plans:
Gym Memberships (for Adults only): Waiver funds can only be used for gym memberships if tied to an assessed need due to the person’s diagnosis (not just to be healthy). All gym memberships require a physician to monitor progress and provide an annual recommendation. Personal training may be approved on a limited basis. Some may be eligible for a Supplemental Basic Needs membership that cover gym memberships.

Multiple Waiver Participants in the Same Household MUST provide a Family Schedule. It is the county’s role to monitor safe staffing patterns and assure rules are being followed. The only way to do this is to see a “snapshot in time” typical schedule listing all waiver participants, staff, and which staff are working with each participant. If shared care is happening Edoc 6633D must also be completed. All participants must use the same FMS. Sample family schedules and templates can be found on the website in the Forms and Guidelines section .

Changing FMS Agencies Is Not Easy And Takes Time. You are allowed to switch FMS agencies for various reasons (e.g. dissatisfied, cost, etc.). However, switching to a new FMS agency can only happen at fiscal quarters (Jan. 1, April 1, July 1, and Oct. 1). This process must start 4 – 6 weeks in advance of switching. Work closely with BOTH FMS agencies for a seamless change.

Which Camps Can Waiver Funds Pay For? Waiver funds can only be used to pay for waiver needed services. When attending a camp open to the general public, the waiver service needed may be to have a staff paid to attend with them (not registration fee). Waiver funds can typically be used to pay for camps specifically designed for those with special needs. The waiver service needed is the specially trained staff, adapted environment, and skill building services being provided. Overnight camps must be licensed as a 245D provider through DHS and be American Camp Association certified or be licensed by the MN Dept. of Health. Day camps do not require a specific license or certification but must be providing skills training and be time limited (e.g. ½ day, full day, weekend, week). Camp cannot be used ongoingly as childcare for children ages 4-10 (parental responsibility).

Making a Change to Your CDCS Plan? You (or your Support Planner) may complete an Addendum found on our website in the Forms and Guidelines section  OR make the revision on the plan itself. Do not forget to provide new signature(s) or this will not be approved. Wait to implement the change until AFTER the item or service has been approved.
 
Other Updates & News:
2022 Non-Medical Federal Mileage Rate Increases to 62.5cents effective July 1, 2022. This is the maximum mileage reimbursement rate for staff providing non-medical transportation. The FMS cannot pay out more than this even if approved in the plan.

College Tuition Available for Staff Who Meet Income Guidelines. The Minnesota Future Together Grants offer tuition-free pathways for students in high-need career areas. Many direct support professionals who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree are likely to qualify for these grants. Go Here for more information.

Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Is Already Here OR Coming: The federal government requires FMS providers to use electronic visit verification systems to document that participants are receiving the services (e.g. staffing) that are billed to the state. This means that staff will need to use an app system to track and document their time:

• Type of service performed
• Who received the service
• Date of service
• Location of service delivery
• Who provided the service
• When the service begins and ends.

Household members are exempt from utilizing the location function of the app but still must manually go into the app and record the actual times and dates they worked. If you have not yet been contacted or trained by your FMS, watch for more information.

Waiver Reimagine Update and CDCS: Under Waiver Reimagine, self-direction options will expand. While CDCS in name only will no longer exist, all people will have the option to self-direct all, some or none of their services. People will not feel they have to choose between "traditional" and self-directed services. A person's budget will be based on their needs and not on how they choose to receive their services. Once a person is assigned to a support range (budget), then they will get to choose whether they self-direct all, some or none of their disability waivered services. People with similar needs on the same waiver will have the same budget amount, regardless of whether they self-direct or not. For more information go to the  Waiver Reimagine Website. The current projected rollout is in 2024.

NEED MORE STAFF? - (All staff need to be hired through the FMS once secured)
Joshin Care https://joshin.com/medicaid-info-page
Care.com https://www.care.com
DHS Direct Support Connect https://directsupportconnect.com/
Career Force Career Force Blog
 
GUARDIANSHIP/SUPPORTED DECISION MAKING:

• Wings MN
• Minnesota Disability Law Center- 1-800-292-4150.

 
Resources for Participants (Recommended by participants, not inclusive list):

• Allergy products may be covered by MA: Allergen-Reducing Products for Children https://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&dDocName=dhs-335097#cs
• Endeavor RX:  https://www.endeavorrx.com/ - dr. prescribed video game treatment for kids with ADHD
• State Park Track Chairs:  https://www.kare11.com/article/sports/outdoors/minnesota-dnr-unveils-adaptive-track-chairs-at-state-parks/89-724fe66f-acf3-48c0-923d-f3bfe8787335
• Into Adulthood Guide – Disability Law Center (also available in Spanish, Somali, Hmong)
  • https://mylegalaid.org/downloads/Into-Adulthood-Guide_Final-PDF-English-Dec.-2021.pdf
• Adaptive Gaming devices – waiver can pay for adaptations, controllers. Get an Assistive Technology assessment.
• Academy of Whole Learning (adult life skills classes): deduct $1000 from Friday class https://www.academyofwholelearning.org/
• Person Centered Planning: A person centered planner, helps a person develop/create a life plan to help them reach their goals and achieve their dreams in life. Contact The ARC Minnesota.
• Post-Secondary/Life Skills Programs:  Post-secondary school tuition for a degree is NOT fundable, but did you know that CDCS can cover staffing support if staffing is necessary to complete an academic degree?  And, if an academic degree is not an option, there are many “Life Skills College Programs” such as Bethel Build, Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC), and Beyond Limits.  These programs offer courses related to life skill development to live as independently as possible. Many times, these programs can be partially covered by CDCS. Courses related to independent living skills and employment skills, as well as staff support are allowable, as long as they are related to an assessed need. CDCS cannot fund room and board, food plans, or courses that are not related to an assessed need.  Talk to your case manager for more information!
• Wonder if Driving Is an Option?  Courage Kinney Drivers Assessment and Training provides a one of a kind, drivers assessment and drivers education for people with disabilities.  The assessment determines if driving is a safe option, and the drivers training is adapted for people with disabilities. This is typically an allowable expense under CDCS!
• Transportation needed? There are several options when it comes to transportation. Many options are covered by MA or the waiver. Check out the ARC’s Transportation Resources page.
• Free or Low-Cost Cell Phones For Adults:
• https://qlinkwireless.com/
• www.safelinkwireless.com 
• https://www.lifewireless.com/
• http://www.assurancewireless.com/

 
Stay Informed:

• Sign Up for The State E-List. Individuals can sign up to receive information directly from the state when changes are about to happen. Go to http://mn.gov/dhs/media/news-from-dhs
• Previous Anoka County Newsletters can be found on the website.

 
Other General information about CDCS:
Consumer -Directed Community Supports Page (DHS)
CDCS Policy Manual
MHCP Provider Manual (What Does MA Cover?)
Community Based Services Manual (CBSM)
EAA (Home and Vehicle modifications) Frequently Asked Questions