Summer 2023 Edition
Legislative Updates:- In this year’s MN legislative session, several bills were passed that impact CDCS. The changes beginning 7/1/23, have been confirmed and are being implemented. Some of the changes scheduled to begin 1/1/24, still require federal approval, but are being included for your planning purposes. We will send another Newsletter out later in the year confirming these changes.
BEGINNING 7/1/23: - Holidays:
- Floating holidays eliminated.
- 2 NEW designated holidays - Independence Day, Veterans Day
- Already designated: New Year’s Day, MLK, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving
- Juneteenth will be added as well in 2024
- Staff must be paid 1.5x current wage when working on any of these holidays.
- Account for these holidays in your CDCS plan so that you do not overspend
- Federal mileage rate:
- Max. of up to 65.5 cents/mile
- Training Stipend Resumes:
- Retention Bonus for Qualifying Staff:
- Up to 2 payments of $575/worker beginning April 1, 2023- March 15, 2024.
- Must apply. Second bonus automatically sent. Applications received after 1/1/24 can only receive one $575 bonus.
- Criteria include 2 tax years with same agency or person and earn less than 300% federal poverty level Retention Bonuses | The Odyssey Group
- Bonus does not come out of CDCS budget. It is through a grant.
BEGINNING 1/1/24 (or upon federal approval, whichever is later): - Holidays:
- ADD another holiday – Juneteenth
- Minimum Wage for ALL Staff:
- Increases minimum wage from $15.25 (currently) to $19/hr.
- Parents of Minors/Spouse Maximum Wage:
- Because PCA/CFSS rates are increasing, so is CDCS. Maximum wage up to $23.80/hr. minus PTO cost. Exact rate still to be determined.
. Legislative Updates | Minnesota Council On Disability (state.mn.us) - Maximum Hours Paid Parents of Minors/Spouse Can Work:
- Increase from 40 hours/week to 80 hours/week when more than one parent is providing services(provided no single parent provides more than 40 hours)
- Single parent/spouse households may increase total number of hours/weeks to 60 hours/week.
- In order for lead agency to approve, must still meet waiver criteria and budget must be able to support increased hours and/or overtime.
- Overall Budget Increase:
- Increase of 8.49%. Prorated if mid-year.
- Retention Bonus –
- One bonus available ($575) if qualify up until March 15, 2024
- PTO/Sick and Safe:
- People will no longer be able to opt out of PTO.
- PTO rate to be determined.
- Will accumulate 1 hour of PTO for every 30 hours worked. FMS will provide more information on how it can be used.
CDCS Updates and Reminders: - Approving Goods and Services:
- We have gotten some new direction from DHS on certain goods and services. There may be services or goods that were previously approved but no longer will be approved based on this direction. Some goods and services may still be getting approved in other counties that have not yet gotten the same DHS direction.
- Waiver funds cannot be used to pay for goods typically approved by Medical Assistance (e.g. diapers, mobility devices, etc.). These items will not be considered until after the item has been denied by medical assistance and in some cases appealed through medical assistance.
- Mobility Devices (e.g. wheelchairs, strollers, etc.) are typically approved through medical assistance. Additional mobility devices cannot be purchased for the sole purpose of being able to travel on uneven terrain. Other adaptations to the current mobility device can be considered (e.g. wheel attachments)
- Adapted bikes may only be purchased with CDCS funds if it allows the person to independently ride the bike or to make the bike usable for that person. We are unable to purchase bikes for the purpose of going on a bike ride as this is a recreational activity and the waiver cannot fund recreational activities.
- We also, typically, would not approve electric bikes or bikes with pedal assist. This would be considered an upgrade and would be the person or parent’s responsibility to pay for the electric portion of the bike.
- It is helpful to have an expert such as a physical therapist or assistive technology professional (ATP) assess the person for the right bike, dimensions, and features.
- If we DENY something, we will provide you with reasoning based on what the CBSM manual or statute says. You will also be provided information on how to appeal a decision.
- Earned Income and Income Based Programs:
- You must report income made through CDCS when applying to income-based programs. This may or may not affect eligibility for those programs depending upon what income they are specifically asking for (e.g. SNAP, free and reduced Social Security, etc.). Check specifically with each individual program regarding what income they are asking for.
- Bonuses:
- Bonuses are part of a benefit package that needs to be preplanned at least 2 months in advance; must outline expectations/eligibility; and provide a timeline in order to approve and dispense a bonus.
- Licensed Waiver Services:
- When licensed services are being used on CDCS, they still follow the licensed services rules and rates (as determined by DHS).
- Obtain rates from your case manager. Complete the Alternative Provider Billing Form to give to the FMS and the licensed Provider. The Form should match the dollar amount in the CDCS plan.
- Examples include Respite, Employment Services, Day Support Services, etc.
- Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Update:
- This is mandatory. Work with your FMS agency to implement.
- Ask your FMS for additional help or training if having difficulties.
- Family members living with the participant must still enter their time electronically but do not have to use the GPS location feature.
- DHS is pursuing other options for those unable to submit their time sheets electronically.
- Out of State services (outside of the 5 boarding states):
- If traveling outside of MN or bordering states, CDCS can only fund Personal Assistance support (i.e. staff).
- CDCS funds are unavailable if out of the country.
- Monitor spending: It is the managing party’s responsibility to review the Spending Summaries at least 4x/year, especially if using licensed services to ensure no overspending occurs.
- Self-Direction Conference:
Resources (recommended by participants, not all inclusive): - Micro Grants (Arc) - $100-$2000 1x/year to support housing or employment goals
- AT4Wellness – technology assistance for remote and telehealth services (equipment – laptops, tablets, smartphone and connectivity such as internet or cell phone services). Click Obtain Services or AT4W Referrals - LiveLife Therapy Solutions, Inc.
- Assistive Technology/Monitoring Technology Providers (not all inclusive list):
Need More Staff? - (All staff need to be hired through the FMS once secured) College Tuition Available for Staff Who Meet Income Guidelines. The Minnesota Department of Human Services continues to offer Minnesota Future Together Grants. These 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.
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:
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