CFSS frequently asked questions

The Affordable Care Act allows DHS to implement changes that will give people more choice and control over how they use services. This change makes available the new options described in the video, What is Community First Services and Supports?, and on the Community First Services and Supports webpage.

Once DHS begins rolling out CFSS, people will begin to use CFSS at the time of their assessment.

Each person will choose a consultation services provider who will answer any questions they have about CFSS.

Yes, everyone must select a consultation services provider. However, people can make decisions about how much they use their consultation services provider.

Yes, a person may choose to change models once during the year.

People who use the budget model will select a financial management services provider, which will assist with budget management.

If a person is using the agency model, one or more supervising professionals will train and supervise their workers. This is a similar role to the qualified professional in PCA. 

If a person is using the budget model, they are responsible to train and supervise their workers.

All of the other new options are available in either model: 

• Goods, services and personal emergency response system (PERS) 
• New potential workers 
• Consultation services 
• Worker training and development budget

Now that the federal government has approved CFSS, DHS will provide information about the transition plans and timeframe as they are known. People will transition to CFSS at their yearly reassessment. As the start date approaches, DHS will communicate with people who provide and receive PCA services.

Like people who use PCA, people who use CSG may choose either CFSS model when they transition at their yearly reassessment.

DHS is not currently enrolling CFSS agencies.

If you own a PCA agency, you will need to complete an online training on the differences between the two programs.

As the start date approaches, DHS will stop enrolling new PCA agencies and start enrolling new CFSS agencies. The basic requirements to become a CFSS agency will be the same as the basic requirements to become a PCA agency.

All FMS providers must have a contract with DHS. Current FMS providers successfully responded to DHS’s request for proposals and provide FMS services in other DHS programs. DHS will issue additional requests for proposals in the future. Existing and new FMS providers may apply then.

All consultation services providers must have a contract with DHS. Current consultation services providers successfully responded to DHS’ request for proposals. DHS will issue additional requests for proposals in the future. Existing and new consultation services providers may apply then.