 If you have questions or comments about this newsletter or its contents, please contact your case manager.
 CDCS Policy
Lead agencies cannot create or implement any policies that are in addition to or inconsistent with DHS policies. Ramsey County no longer has policy guidelines. Instead, we have developed the CDCS Guide to DHS Policy-Unbundled to help navigate DHS policy.
Budget Methodology
Lead agency must provide information about how a person's state-set CDCS budget was calculated, including a description of the variables and budget formula. Following your MnCHOICES assessment, case managers will send you your budget using the applicable letter below. If you have any questions about the budget amount (e.g. a decrease from previous year), reach out to your case manager.
CDCS Budget Methodology Letter CAC-CADI-BI.docx
CDCS Budget Methodology Letter DD.docx
CDCS Budget Methodology Letter AC-EW.docx
 CDCS Unbundling
Effective Feb. 1, 2025, DHS started the rolling implementation of the CDCS unbundling project. This project:
- More accurately categorizes goods and services in eight categories instead of four.
- Clarifies provider qualifications.
- Clearly defines services.
Timeline
All initial plans and everyone renewing should be using unbundled policy/forms. Old policy/forms should be used until the person’s next renewal. All initial plans will use unbundled policy/forms.
Training for participants
Whether you will just be starting with unbundling, or continuing with the old forms/policy until your next renewal, all participants/managing parties must take this online DHS training: CDCS: Is it right for you? This is imperative to understand the important changes that are occurring with unbundling.
Forms/Guides:
Please use the following guides for assistance navigating the CDCS process or writing your plan:
CDCS Forms- Unbundled
Please make sure you are using the following forms when renewing your plans:
Policy
Ramsey County has created a guide to navigating DHS policy, called the CDCS Guide to DHS Policy-Unbundled with information from the manual's below:
Some items and services that were allowed prior to unbundling, are no longer allowed. Also, during consult with DHS, we received clarification on other items/services as well. Please read through the Important CDCS Updates for details.
CDCS Budgets and Service Agreements
WMS Issues- DHS continues to report issues with the Waiver Management System, or WMS. This has caused delays with getting CDCS budgets out. When this happens, your case manager will provide you with last year's budget to use as a temporary amount and $10,000 will be authorized on the SA, so that services can continue until the budget is available.
 Staffing Agencies and CDCS
If requesting staffing through an agency/provider other than the FMS, they MUST be a licensed 245D provider or properly enrolled with DHS. Enrollment will depend on the services the staff will provide. Participants should consult with their case manager before setting up services with a staffing agency. Case managers need to consult with the coordinator to determine if the staffing agency can be approved.
PPOM Job Descriptions and Work Schedules
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Job descriptions and schedules should not include activities that are considered typical parental responsibilities based on the child's age. For example, responsibilities such as transportation, meal preparation, and assistance with finances are not appropriate for young children. Many tasks parents perform for young children fall under "parental responsibility" and should not be included.
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Nursing duties and medication administration should not be part of the PPOM job description.
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Work schedules should avoid long shifts that do not allow for time dedicated to parental responsibilities.
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Only one PPOM job description and schedule are required. The updated plan includes both elements, so there is no need to submit separate documents.
Addendums/Revisions
When making a change to a CDCS plan, please remember that an addendum form/revised plan is not always necessary. An EMAIL can be accepted instead of a form in the following situations:
- Moving funds between items/services that have already been approved. NOTE: For changes in staff hours, need a new staff schedule.
- Allocation of unallocated funds, to increase amount of a service/item that has already been approved.
- Correction of fiscal fees on initial plan/renewal
- COLA: Use of COLA increase for approved items
An addendum form OR revised plan is needed for all other changes. Ramsey County does not require both.
Stipends Available
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Training Stipend: Available only for workers in PCA Choice, CSG and CDCS who complete qualifying training before June 30, 2025. A worker may receive a $500 stipend starting July 1, 2023, until the $2 million of stipend funding is exhausted or June 30, 2025, whichever comes sooner. Stipends are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more.
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Home Care Recruitment & Retention Stipend: $1,000 - All workers in Union programs (PCA Choice, CSG, CDCS, and CFSS Budget Model) now qualify for a one-time $1,000 retention stipend after 6 months of employment! This includes PCAs, Family Caregivers, and Paid Parents. Eligible workers who apply will receive a check in the mail, as well as a 1099 tax form. Stipend ends May 30, 2025, or when funds are exhausted. Apply now.
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Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Stipend - $200: All workers in PCA Choice, CSG, CDCS and CFSS Budget Model qualify for a one-time $200 to offset potential costs related to using individual devices to access electronic visit verification. Stipend ends May 31, 2025, or when funds are exhausted. Apply now.
 CDCS Participant Training
CDCS: Is it right for you?
Case Manager/Supervisor
Training
CDCS Consults (Case managers and supervisors)
2nd and 4th Tuesdays @ 11 am
 Case Manager Training
Intro to CDCS Series will be developed soon!
 Helpful CDCS Documents
Participant Guide to CDCS
Participant Guide to Completing a CDCS Plan
CDCS Guide to DHS Policy-Unbundled
General Information About CDCS
MN Department of Human Services (DHS)
Ramsey County Human Services
CDCS Policy Manual
MHCP Provider Manual (Does MA cover?)
Community Based Services Manual (CBSM)
EAA (Home and Vehicle Modifications) Q&A
Nursing Q&A
 Need More Staff?
All staff need to be hired through the FMS once secured.
Person Centered Planning
A person centered planner, helps a person develop/create a life plan to help them reach their goals and achieve their dreams in life. Contact The ARC Minnesota
Cell Phone Programs
Autism Resource
DHS Culture Specific Autism videos and Resources Portal:
Other Helpful Resources
Multilingual Support Planner Group - Abdirahman Ahmed w/6 SP's speaking: English, Somali, Arabic, French, Oromo, and Spanish. maverickhealthcaremn.com, abdirahman@maverickhealthcaremn.com 612-707-3308
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