The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has recently updated the community on several key changes and developments concerning services for the aging and disabled. The latest weekly digest released covers a variety of topics including discontinuation of certain improvement tools and the implementation of new support services.
Effective immediately, DHS has announced that it will not go forward to implement the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Improvement Tools into the MnCHOICES application. This decision affects lead agencies and other parties invested in the welfare of individuals who rely on such services. On another front, DHS began the transition from Personal Care Assistance (PCA) and Consumer Support Grant (CSG) to Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) starting on Oct. 1, 2024, offering a promise to consistently provide updates throughout the early stages of this transition.
Additionally, DHS has made available the 2024 MnCHOICES benchmarks annual data report, which details activities and data from the 2023 calendar year. This important document serves as a resource for lead agency staff and other stakeholders to analyze and understand the reach and impact of the services provided.
DHS also focused on clarifying the role of the Senior LinkAge Line, specifying what this service can and somewhat cannot do for older Minnesotans and their caregivers. The agency underscores that while the LinkAge Line is a helpful tool, certain responsibilities remain with lead agencies. Upcoming training opportunities include the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) Quarterly Webinars, with the first webinar of 2025 scheduled for March 12. These webinars are open to anyone interested, ranging from providers to direct care workers.
In an additional message, it was noted that as of Dec. 31, 2024, there's an all-clear to enter and change service agreements within the Minnesota Medicaid Information System (MMIS), a move that likely eases administrative processes for both AASD and DSD service providers and recipients. For those looking for more in-depth policy changes or manual updates, DHS encourages visits to the Community-Based Services Manual on their website.
