AASD and DSD eList announcement

NOTE: DHS updated this eList on Dec. 17, 2020, to reflect federal approval, completion of MMIS updates for the temporary increase and a new FAQ resource.

Date: Dec. 1, 2020
To: Lead agency staff, CDCS/CSG/PCA participants, financial management service (FMS) providers and other interested stakeholders
From: DHS Aging and Adult Services and Disability Services divisions
Purpose: To share instructions for how to apply temporary rates/budget increase for PCA services and CDCS/CSG budgets
Effective: Dec. 1, 2020, through Feb. 7, 2021
Contact: dhs.ccarates@state.mn.us

Temporary 8.4 percent increase for PCA services and CDCS/CSG budgets during COVID-19

Recent legislation in Minnesota allows for a temporary 8.4 percent increase for direct support services to respond to COVID-19. DHS temporarily will increase rates/budgets for services provided to people who access service through:

· Consumer directed community supports (CDCS)

· Consumer Support Grant (CSG)

· Personal care assistance (PCA).

DHS received federal approval for this temporary increase for rates/budgets. The start date is Dec. 1, 2020. It will expire on Feb. 7, 2021.

With the additional funds, the person/provider agency must:

· Use at least 80 percent of the additional revenue to increase wages, salaries and benefits for direct support workers and any corresponding increase in the employer's share of FICA taxes, Medicare taxes, state/federal unemployment taxes and workers' compensation premiums

· Use the remainder of the additional revenue, if any, for activities and items necessary to support compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on sanitation and personal protective equipment.

How to apply the increase

We updated the following instructions on Dec. 15, 2020, to reflect federal approval and MMIS completion:

· Instructions for CDCS and CSG

· Instructions for PCA services.

More information

Review the frequently asked questions about the 8.4 percent increase that DHS posted Dec. 17, 2020. For additional guidance or questions, email dhs.ccarates@state.mn.us.

Previous eList announcements

AASD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD STAKEHOLDER ARCHIVE