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Community Alternative Care (CAC) Waiver
The Community Alternative Care Waiver provides funding for home and community-based services for children and adults who are chronically ill. The CAC Waiver is designed to serve persons with disabilities who would otherwise require the level of care provided in a hospital. CAC Waiver services may be provided in a person’s own home, in his/her biological or adoptive family’s home, in a relative’s home (e.g. sibling, aunt, grandparent etc.), in a family foster care home or corporate foster care home. If married, a person may receive CAC Waiver services while living at home with his or her spouse.


Who is eligible for the CAC Waiver?
Eligibility for the CAC Waiver is determined through a screening process. To be eligible for the CAC Waiver, a person must meet all these criteria:

• Be a Medical Assistance recipient or be eligible for MA
• Require the level of care provided in a hospital
• Be under the age of 65 years when the waiver is opened
• Choose care in the community instead of a hospital
• Be certified as disabled by the Social Security Administration or the State Medical Review Team
• Have a Community Support Plan, which includes assurances of the health and safety for the person

What else is important for participation in the CAC Waiver?
Once eligibility is determined for participation in the CAC Waiver, certain questions must be asked about services including:

• Are the services necessary to ensure the recipient’s health, welfare and safety?
• Is the service covered by any other funding source, for example, Medical Assistance state plan services, private health care coverage, Medicare, education or Vocational Rehabilitation Service?
• Have all options been assessed and does this option meet the individual desires, needs and preferences of the person?
• Is the cost of the service considered reasonable and customary?

In addition to services covered by Medical Assistance, what services are available through the CAC Waiver?
Case management and case aide services
Extended home health aide and nursing services
Extended home health therapies
• Extended nutritional therapy
• Extended personal care assistant services
• Extended supplies and equipment
• Extended transportation services
Family counseling and training
Foster care services
Homemaker services
Modifications to the home or vehicle
Respite care

How can persons apply for the CAC Waiver?
You can apply for the CAC Waiver at your local county social service agency. The DHS Disability Services Division administers the CAC Waiver.

For more information, contact your local county agency.

Provide feedback regarding the Disability Services Division Web site.


Related Pages
•  1915j Advisory Taskforce
•  Continuing care and other provider rate changes
•  Appeal hearing, conciliation conference and reconsideration
•  CAN DO Initiative
•  CDCS Service
•  DSD initiatives
•  Federally-funded initiatives
•  Home care services
•  ICF/MR
•  MA-EPD
•  Pathways to Employment (PTE)
•  PCA Program
•  Waiver programs
•  Waiver Review Project

Related Links
•  Americans with Disabilities Act
•  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
•  County Web sites
•  DHS licensed programs
•  DHS licensing information lookup
•  MHCP Provider Directory
•  MinnesotaHelp.Info™
•  Minnesota State Legislature
•  Olmstead v. L.C.decision
•  Contact us

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