If you have recently been told that a loved one might qualify for a "waiver," you have probably met a wall of unfamiliar acronyms at the same time. CADI. EW. MnCHOICES. HCBS. This is a plain-language guide to Minnesota's home and community-based services, with a focus on the CADI waiver, and to how someone actually gets connected to services.
What is an HCBS waiver?
Minnesota's home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers are funded through Medical Assistance, the state's Medicaid program. They are called waivers because they waive the old rule that long-term care has to happen in an institution. In practice, that means the state can pay for support in a person's own home or community instead of a nursing facility or hospital. The waivers cover services like personal support, homemaking, respite, residential care, and more.
The CADI waiver
CADI stands for Community Access for Disability Inclusion. It serves children and adults under age 65 who have a disability and who would otherwise need a nursing-facility level of care. The goal is simple: make life in the community possible and sustainable.
The other main Minnesota waivers
You may also hear about these, each serving a different group of people:
- EW (Elderly Waiver), for people age 65 and older who need a nursing-facility level of care.
- BI (Brain Injury Waiver), for people with an acquired or traumatic brain injury.
- CAC (Community Alternative Care), for people who are chronically ill or medically fragile.
- DD (Developmental Disabilities Waiver), for people with a developmental disability or a related condition.
- AC (Alternative Care), a state-funded program for older adults at risk of nursing-facility placement who are not yet eligible for Medical Assistance.
How someone actually gets services
The path usually looks like this:
- Contact a lead agency. In Minnesota, your county, a tribal nation, or your managed care health plan acts as the "lead agency" that determines eligibility and authorizes services.
- Complete a MnCHOICES assessment. A certified assessor meets with the person to understand their needs and determine which programs they are eligible for.
- Build a support plan. A case manager or care coordinator develops a person-centered plan that authorizes specific services.
- Choose a provider. The individual has the right to choose their provider. The case manager can share options, and the family picks the agency that fits best.
Where Goshen fits
Goshen Concept Care is a Minnesota-licensed 245D and 144G provider. Our assisted living residence is in West St. Paul, and we serve clients statewide. We accept the CADI, Elderly, and Brain Injury waivers as well as private pay, and we are glad to talk through whether a particular program covers the support someone needs.
Families can get in touch here; case managers can refer a client here.
This article is provided for general information and is not legal, medical, or eligibility advice. Program rules can change. Please confirm specifics with the Minnesota Department of Human Services or the individual's lead agency or case manager.