CFSS (Community First Services & Supports) – 2025 Guide for Minnesotans

Quick-take: CFSS is Minnesota’s modern alternative to the old Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program. It gives people with disabilities and older adults more choice, more control, and—if they want it—direct control of the dollars that pay for their in-home helpers.

Key Highlights

Fast Fact	2025 Snapshot
Lead keyword	"CFSS (4,400 monthly U.S. searches)"
Full name	Community First Services & Supports
Replaces	Minnesota PCA (Personal Care Assistance) and Consumer Support Grant
Go-live status	Statewide roll-out completed; all former PCA participants transitioned by July 2025
Two participation models	Agency Model (provider hires workers) · Budget Model (you hire & manage workers)
Required training	CFSS Consultation Services certificate for participants & workers
Primary funding source	Medicaid (Home- and Community-Based Services — HCBS)

Table of Contents

1. What Is CFSS?
2. PCA vs. CFSS—Key Differences
3. Agency Model vs. Budget Model
4. Eligibility Rules & How They’re Determined
5. Covered Services & Supports
6. CFSS Workers: Roles, Pay & Training Certificates
7. CFSS Consultation Services (CCS) Explained
8. Step-by-Step Application Process
9. Tips to Avoid the Waitlist
10. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is CFSS?

Community First Services & Supports (CFSS) is Minnesota’s Medicaid-funded program that pays for help with daily activities—bathing, dressing, transfers, meal prep, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and more—delivered at home or in the community. Unlike the old PCA model, CFSS lets you:

• Choose your own workers (even some family members).
• Control hours and schedules through a person-centered service plan.
• Purchase goods & tech (e.g., grab bars, eating aids) that boost independence.

2. PCA vs. CFSS—Key Differences

Feature	Old PCA Program	CFSS (2025)
Self-direction	Limited	Full budget control option
Goods & supports	Workers only	Workers plus equipment & environmental mods
Training requirement	Optional	Mandatory online CFSS Consultation for participant & worker
Enrollment models	Single agency pathway	Agency Model or Budget Model
Transition timeline	Sunset July 2025	Active statewide

3. Agency Model vs. Budget Model

Category	Agency Model	Budget Model
Employer of record	Licensed CFSS agency	You (or your representative)
Who sets wages	Agency (within state rate)	You—within budget cap
Payroll & taxes	Handled by agency	Handled by Fiscal Management Service
Training & supervision	Agency provides	You coordinate
Best for…	Folks who want less paperwork	People who want max control & can manage staff

4. Eligibility Rules & How They’re Determined

Financial:

• Must be on Minnesota Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or qualify via a waiver.
• Income and asset rules align with MA guidelines; spousal-impoverishment protections apply for married applicants.

Functional:

• Complete a MnCHOICES assessment with your county or tribal nation.
• Need daily assistance with at least one critical activity (e.g., mobility, toileting) or exhibit Level I behaviors.
• Assessment sets your service unit rate (formerly PCA “tier”).

Consultation Training:

• Before services begin, both participant (or rep) and primary worker must pass the CFSS Consultation Services online course—generates a certificate.

5. Covered Services & Supports

• Personal Assistance – hands-on or cueing help with ADLs & IADLs.
• Health-related Tasks – catheter care, G-tube feeding (if delegable by an RN).
• Environmental & Vehicle Mods – ramps, grab bars, widened doorways, steering aids.
• Assistive Technology – adaptive utensils, communication devices, monitoring systems.
• Worker Training & Mileage – reimbursable under the budget.
• Respite & Night-time Support – if clinical need documented.

6. CFSS Workers: Roles, Pay & Certificates

Item	Detail
Who can work?	"Age 18+, pass background check; some family allowed (spouse excluded)."
Training	Complete state CFSS Worker course (≈ 90 minutes online).
Pay rate (2025)	State maximum ≈ $17.25/hr; Budget Model allows custom rate ≤ max.
Sterile procedures & injections	Not covered—must be done by licensed nurse under other benefit.

7. CFSS Consultation Services (CCS) Explained

• Mandatory one-time training + planning session.
• Delivered by certified CCS agencies (separate from provider agencies).
• Teaches program rules, worker management, and how budgets work.
• Completion uploads automatically to state database and unlocks service authorization.

8. Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Call your county/tribal MnCHOICES intake to schedule an assessment.
2. Gather paperwork: Medicaid proof, doctor’s summary, current PCA hours (if any).
3. Complete MnCHOICES visit at home; reviewer sends support-plan score to DHS.
4. Choose Agency or Budget Model with help of case manager.
5. Pick a CFSS Agency or enroll with a Fiscal Management Service.
6. Take CFSS Consultation training; obtain certificates.
7. Workers complete background check and CFSS Worker training.
8. Services start—time sheets or EVV logs sent weekly for payment.

9. Tips to Avoid the Waitlist

• Submit assessments early in the calendar year before counties exhaust slot funds.
• Provide detailed functional examples (falls, ER visits) to justify higher unit allocation.
• If coming from PCA, have your agency prep a transition packet—speeds conversion.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which previous program does CFSS replace?
Minnesota’s Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program and the Consumer Support Grant.

Q2. How is eligibility for PCA and CFSS determined now?
Both use the MnCHOICES assessment, but PCA will sunset; only CFSS remains.

Q3. What is a CFSS worker?
A trained, background-cleared individual—often a friend or relative—paid to assist with daily living tasks under CFSS rules.

Q4. Are injections a covered CFSS service?
No. Sterile procedures and injections must be provided through skilled-nursing benefits.

Q5. Can I switch from Agency to Budget Model later?
Yes—notify your case manager; update CFSS Consultation if your role changes.

11. How CarePolicy.US Can Help

Navigating the transition to CFSS can be complex. Whether you are a participant needing to understand your options, or an entrepreneur looking to start a CFSS agency, CarePolicy.US provides expert guidance to ensure a smooth, successful journey.

Goal	Service	Outcome
New to CFSS	"Eligibility screening, MnCHOICES prep coaching, agency/Budget Model decision aid."	"Faster approval, right model from day one."
Need consultation certificate	Live virtual CFSS Consultation Services plus certificate upload.	Meets mandatory training; avoids delays.
Start a CFSS agency	Licensing packet, DHS enrollment, worker-training LMS, policy manuals, mock audit.	98% first-pass license success.
Expand statewide	"Multi-county compliance matrix, EVV setup, Medicaid managed-care contracting."	"Launch in new regions 30% faster."

Book a free CFSS strategy call at CarePolicy.US and move from confusion to confident care.

Bottom Line

CFSS offers Minnesota residents a flexible, person-centered way to get daily-living help—without moving to a facility. Understand the two models, meet the training requirements, and use your budget wisely. For families and providers alike, expert guidance can shave months off the setup process and unlock maximum support dollars. Need a trusted copilot? CarePolicy.US is ready to guide you every step of the way.