One of the most common ways to get started with in-home care services in Minnesota is through various waivers that provide funding for eligible candidates. There are three primary waivers available for in-home support services in Minnesota: the CADI, BI, and DD waivers.
Keep reading for a comprehensive guide to waiver services in MN, including what they are, who qualifies, and how to get started. If you have questions, give us a call!
CADI Waiver MN
The Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver provides funding for children and adults who need home care services comparable to that of a nursing facility. This waiver gets clients the customized support they need outside of the system of nursing facilities.
CADI Waiver services can be provided in a client’s own home, their family’s home, a relative’s home, a foster care home, lodging facility, or assisted living facility. These services can also be provided to a married client living at home with their spouse.
Who is Eligible for CADI Waiver Services?
To be eligible for CADI Waiver services in MN, one must:
- Be on Medical Assistance (MA) or be eligible for it (Minnesota’s Medicaid program for people with low income)
- Be under 65 years of age when opening the waiver for the first time
- Be certified disabled by the State Medical Review Team (SMRT) or Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Require nursing facility-level care
- Have an assessed need for support above the baseline of other funding sources (such as the MA state plan)
- Choose care in the community rather than in a nursing facility
To learn more specifics about CADI Waiver services, check out this CADI Waiver Fact Sheet from the MN Department of Human Services.
BI Waiver MN
The Brain Injury (BI) Waiver provides funding for individuals (children and adults) who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and require home support services. Like CADI services, BI Waiver services can be provided in a client’s home, family home, foster care home, boarding facility, or assisted living facility, as well as in the home of a spouse.
Who is Eligible for BI Waiver Services?
To be eligible for BI Waiver services in the state of MN, one must:
- Be assessed at Level IV or above on the Rancho Los Amigos Levels of Cognitive Functioning Scale
- Be certified disabled by the SMRT or SSA
- Be on Medical Assistance (MA) or be eligible for MA
- Be determined to need nursing facility or neurobehavioral hospital-level care
- Be under the age of 65 at the time the waiver is opened
- Have a documented TBI diagnosis
- Require a higher level of support than provided by other waivers
- Experience severe behavioral/cognitive problems related to the TBI
- Choose care in the community rather than a nursing facility or neurobehavioral hospital
To learn more specifics about BI Waiver services, check out this BI Waiver Fact Sheet from the MN Department of Human Services.
DD Waiver MN
The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver gives funding for home care services for children and adults who have developmental disabilities. DD Waiver services can be provided in a client’s own home, family’s home, relative’s home, or foster care home.
Who is Eligible for Developmental Disability Support MN?
To be eligible for DD Waiver services in the state of MN, one must:
- Have a documented diagnosis of a developmental disability or related condition
- Be certified disabled by the SSA or SMRT
- Need the level of care provided by an Intermediate Care Facility for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/DD)
- Require daily care services
- Be eligible for Medical Assistance based on their income
- Choose home/community care services instead of ICF/DD services
To learn more specifics about DD Waiver services, check out this DD Waiver Fact Sheet from the MN Department of Human Services.
How to Apply for Waiver Services in MN
To apply for CADI, BI, or DD Waiver services in MN, visit your local county or tribal nation office. You’ll be able to select your county and contact them directly or visit their office for the next steps.
Additional Waiver Information
Once deemed eligible for CADI, BI, or DD Waiver services, you’ll be asked certain questions about the services, including:
- Are these services necessary to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the recipient?
- Is the service covered by any other funding source?
- Has the recipient considered all other available options, and does this option meet their needs and preferences?
- Does the cost seem reasonable?
- Will the services address skill development and/or skill maintenance?
Be prepared to answer these questions to the best of your ability.
Find the right support
We’re here to help you find the right support for yourself or a loved one. Whether you’re eligible for one of our waiver-funded services or are private pay, we have an in-home support program for you.
Keep an eye out for our next blog to learn more about the waiver services you’ll commonly see in Minnesota!