Fall 2025 Edition
Coordinator Corner
Happy Fall!
Thank you for your continued patience as we work through the recent changes to CDCS, including the “unbundling” process and new legislation. While these transitions present challenges, there are also some encouraging developments in the legislation that bring positive momentum for CDCS.
Federal Medicaid (MA) Changes
Legislation signed into law July 4, 2025. Changes for some do not begin until Fall 2026. Most people with disabilities will remain eligible for MA which is a waiver requirement.
Not affected if you are:
- Eligible based on disability
- Age 65+ or under 21
- Pregnant
Go to the link above for the most up-to-date information.
2025-2027 CDCS Legislative Updates:
SEIU and MN DHS Collective Bargaining Agreement and new MN State Law may impact your CDCS budget and Direct Support Workers (DSWs). For more information some of the information below is linked.
Effective July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027
Paid Holiday:
- Christmas Day added as paid holiday (9 total)
- No Plan revision needed unless funds are insufficient
Direct Support Worker (DSW) Stipends:
- DSWs are automatically considered union members – mark “Yes” when asked
- Retention: $1,200/ each fiscal year (6+ months employed and need UMPI no.)
- Orientation: $100 (new staff)
- Training: $750 (one-time)
Worker (DSW) Separation:
- PTO Payout of up to 80 accrued hours if separate between 7.1.2025-12.31.25
Effective January 1, 2026
Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) – New mandatory MN State Law:
- Up to 12 weeks each for family and medical leave (max 20 weeks combined)
- 0.88% premium (based on wages) split equally between CDCS budget and employee paycheck
- No plan revision needed unless funds are insufficient (FMS will deduct automatically)
Worker (DSW) Separation:
- PTO Payout up to 120 hours if separate between 1.1.2026-6.30.27
Pending Federal Approval (Effective Jan. 1, 2026, or 30 days post-approval)
Enhanced Budget:
- 5% increase (total 12.5%) for participants assessed at 10+ hrs/day PCA/CFSS
- Still requires at least one DSW with qualifying training + CDCS Coordinator approval
Rate and Budget changes on Jan 1, 2026 :
- BI, CAC, CADI, DD Waivers Changes:
- 0.13% increase to CDCS budgets
- 0.13% increase to PPOM wage maximum
- Alternative Care/Elderly Waiver Changes:
- 6.013% increase to CDCS budget
- 2.7% increase for Environmental accessibility adaptations (EAA)
- Other licensed or 245D enrolled services increase published December 2025
Adaptive Swim Lessons:
- Already allowed on CDCS (cost difference)
- Awaiting further direction from DHS.
Other Updates or Reminders:
Check MA Health Insurance Coverage:
- Must confirm insurance won’t cover good/service before using CDCS funds.
CDCS Renewals:
- Start process 4–6 weeks early (incl. gathering documents from physician if needed)
- Submit plan (even with estimated budget) at least 2-3 weeks before start date (lead agency has up to 30 days to review/approve)
- The FMS will suspended CDCS if the following are not in place:
- Services Agreement (may be estimated until get confirmed budget) by case manager
- Approved CDCS Plan (and Health and Safety Plan) to the FMS
- FMS renewal paperwork completed
Job Task Worksheet Guidance (CDCS Support Plan) - For parents of minors or spouses providing paid care:
- List specific tasks (ADLs/iADLs) that go beyond what’s typical for the child’s age.
- Include time estimates for each task in 15-minute increments.
- Avoid double-counting tasks (e.g., don’t count behavioral support during meals as both feeding and behavior intervention).
- The total time should be at least equal to the number of hours being requested—but can exceed it.
CDCS Plan Signatures:
- Only the person or legal representative may sign CDCS plans
- The “managing party/person responsible for managing the plan” can no longer sign the CDCS plan unless they are also the legal representative.
CDCS Plan Revisions:
- Must Revise the entire CDCS plan
- New signature required by person or legal representative
- Lead agency has up to 30 days to review/approve
CDCS Budget Decreases:
- Contact your case manager to discuss difference from last year
- Appeal the budget if feel assessment is incorrect
- Use lower budget in CDCS Plan unless/until the judge rules differently
Recreational Activities or Classes:
- Although, there may be incidental benefits such as improving ADL/iADLs during camp, sports, leisure/hobby classes, etc., the fundamental nature of these activities are still recreational (unallowed)
- CDCS funds can only pay for additional costs that have been modified, adapted or specialized to meet the person’s disability and/or condition-related needs (e.g., special instructor, additional staffing, smaller class size, adaptive equipment).
Portable Generators:
- Only portable generators allowable to support medical life sustaining equipment (e.g. feeding pump, oximeter, etc.).
- Must be the most cost-effective option.
Replacement/Clothing or Bedding:
- According to the CDCS Policy Manual, CDCS funds can only pay for adaptive clothing that is specially designed to increase a person’s independence in dressing, grooming, toileting or bathing or is designed to endure abnormal movement patterns or acting out.
- Because clothing is a typical parental or personal responsibility, depending on the item, CDCS funds can only cover cost difference. E.g. pants with more durable material and reinforced knees. Typical cost of pants $15, adapted pants $35. Waiver could pay the $20 difference.
- For adapted items that are not typical, CDCS may cover full cost (e.g. AFO socks).
- Adapted bedding is allowable, but may be a cost difference
Gym Memberships for Adults:
- Need Letter of Recommendation of disability related need from physician
- Case manager will discuss usage and progress during Quarterly Checkins
Special Diets –
- Diet must be listed on the Special Diet Request Form completed by your physician.
- Limited to the extra cost of additional or specialized foods. To get this approved you MUST:
- Explain why the specialized/additional food is needed specific to the diet.
- Show how the extra cost is calculated.
- Typically, only the cost difference can be considered. E.g. half gallon of milk is $3 and Lactose free is $4. Waiver can pay for $ X no. of ½ gallons, purchase/mo.
- Is the least costly and effective option to meet the person’s needs.
- May qualify for the Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) program for funds for special diets. If receive MSA, must exhaust these funds first.
Use Same FMS:
- Multiple people receiving services must use the same FMS provider when all the following are true:
- They live in the same household.
- They receive services from the same worker.
- They use CDCS and/or the Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) budget model.
- When there is a joint employer, all people associated people must use the same FMS provider.
DHS Guidance and Forms:
New 2025 Forms:
Resources:
Weighted blankets/vests:
- Allowed using CDCS funds as MA no longer covers them.
- May be asked for a professional letter of recommendation
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