Minnesota has two self-directed programs that allow you to be the employer of your own caregivers, including paid family members. They're similar in spirit, but they serve different populations and have different rules. Here's how they compare.
The short version
- CDCS is for people on certain HCBS waivers, DD, CADI, BI, CAC, and Elderly Waiver.
- CFSS Budget Model is for people who would have been on PCA or CSG. It's Minnesota's new state plan service that's replacing both.
Most people are on one or the other, not both, though it's possible to have both in some specific circumstances.
Side by side
| Feature | CDCS | CFSS Budget Model |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | People on HCBS waivers (DD, CADI, BI, CAC, EW) | People who need personal care assistance |
| Replaces | A long-standing program | PCA and CSG |
| Budget flexibility | Very high, non-traditional supports, environmental mods, assistive tech | Moderate, personal care services and approved goods |
| Paid parents (minors) | Allowed in many situations | Allowed in many situations |
| Paid spouses | Allowed in many situations | Allowed in many situations |
| Service planning | Case manager works directly with you | You work with a consultation services provider |
| Worker training | Varies by service type | PCA/CFSS support worker training required |
| FMS provider required | Yes | Yes |
| SEIU contract | Yes | Yes (Budget Model) |
Key practical differences
CDCS is more flexible, a wider range of approved goods and services beyond direct caregiver hours, like specialized supplies, environmental modifications, and assistive technology. CFSS is more focused on the personal care services that used to be covered by PCA, plus a smaller set of approved goods.
CFSS uses a consultation services provider who helps you understand your model options and complete your service delivery plan. CDCS doesn't have this layer, your case manager handles planning directly with you.
The eligibility is different, too. CDCS requires a waiver (which requires nursing-home or ICF/DD level of care). CFSS requires only that you meet personal-care needs, a lower threshold. So some people who don't qualify for a waiver still qualify for CFSS.
Which one applies to me?
- Developmental or intellectual disability, brain injury, or a serious chronic condition, probably a waiver and CDCS.
- Older adult needing nursing-home-level care to stay home, probably the Elderly Waiver with CDCS.
- Personal-care needs that don't rise to waiver-level care, probably CFSS Budget Model.
- Currently on PCA or CSG, transitioning to CFSS.
Where Aspen fits in
We serve participants in both CDCS and CFSS Budget Model. The financial and administrative work is similar across both, payroll, taxes, EVV timesheets, background studies, compliance, and we handle all of it the same way regardless of which program you're on.
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