DHS Seeks Input for Waiver Reimagine Project

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is improving the disability waiver system through a project called Waiver Reimagine.

It is intended to make the system easier to understand and result in more options, control and flexibility for people and families. Changes will be informed by input from people in Minnesota who use and deliver services.  

During the next couple of years, Minnesota will reshape the current disability waiver system from four waivers, BI, CAC, CADI and DD, into two waivers, Residential Support and Individual Support waivers. The two-waiver system will center on where people live and receive services instead of a person’s diagnosis. The Elderly Waiver is not part of this project and will remain intact. The option to self-direct services will be available to all people who use disability waiver services. To prepare for this change, DHS would like to learn about what works and what could use improvement in the current self-direction model, called consumer directed community supports (CDCS). They are asking for ideas to make self-direction simpler, more accessible and more user friendly.

DHS looks forward to receiving input about the Waiver Reimagine project from people with disabilities who access waiver services and their families, as well as counties, tribal nations, providers and advocates. On Oct. 12 and Oct. 13, 2020, DHS will host virtual events about what guides people’s decisions about self-directed services and ask for feedback on what can make these services more accessible and user friendly. To learn more and register for an event, see the full announcement: Waiver Reimagine engagement opportunities in October. To learn more, you can also watch this video introduction to Waiver Reimagine.