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Consumer Directed Community Support (CDCS) Manual

Consumer Directed Community Support (CDCS) Manual


Guidelines for special diets (unbundled)

For the previous version of this policy (i.e., before unbundling), refer to CDCS Manual – Guidelines for special diets.

Page posted: 12/10/24

Page reviewed:

Page updated:

Legal authority

Federally approved BI, CAC, CADI, DD and EW waiver plans, Minn. Stat. §256B.0913

Unbundling project

This page includes CDCS unbundled service category policy. When a person transitions to the unbundled CDCS service categories, they will use the policy on this page.

For information about who must use this new policy, refer to the Dec. 10, 2024, eList announcement.

Overview

CDCS funds can pay for additional or specialized foods a person needs for a prescribed diet.

Requirements

Special diets under CDCS must meet all of the following criteria:

  • · Prescribed by a licensed health care provider (i.e., physician, physician’s assistant or advanced practice registered nurse) who is enrolled as a Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) provider.
  • · Required to address nutritional needs directly related to a disability or health condition, and for which no MHCP or cash program coverage is available.
  • · Part of the person’s CDCS community support plan (CSP) with identifiable outcomes.
  • · Approved by the lead agency to meet the person’s health and safety needs.

    • Note

    When a person receives a Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) special needs allowance for a special diet, MSA pays for the special diet before the waiver covers the costs.

    Covered diets

    If a person meets the requirements, CDCS funds can be used to purchase additional or specialized foods for the following diets:

  • · Anti-dumping diet.
  • · Controlled protein diet (40-60 grams and requires special products).
  • · Controlled protein diet (less than 40 grams and requires special products).
  • · Gluten-free diet.
  • · High protein diet (minimum of 80 grams/day).
  • · High residue diet.
  • · Hypoglycemic diet.
  • · Ketogenic diet.
  • · Lactose-free diet.
  • · Low cholesterol diet.
  • · Pregnancy and lactation diet.

    • Non-covered costs

    Waiver funds do not pay for food items themselves, so coverage is limited to the extra cost of additional or specialized foods.

    For example, if a person is prescribed a lactose-free diet, they can use waiver funds to pay the additional costs needed for the lactose-free food product (e.g., cost difference between a regular gallon of milk and a lactose-free gallon of milk).

    Responsibilities

    The person is responsible to:

    1. Consult with their licensed medical provider to determine if they require a special diet to address nutritional needs that are directly related to their disability and/or health condition.

    2. Give CDCS Special Diet Request Form, DHS-5788D to their licensed medical provider to complete and sign.

    3. Give the completed DHS-5788D form to their lead agency case manager/care coordinator, along with a plan that outlines the extra cost of additional or specialized foods

    4. Include these costs in their community support plan for lead agency approval.

    5. Work with their financial management services (FMS) provider to cover these costs.

    Additional resources

    CDCS Special Diet Request Form, DHS-5788D
    CDCS Manual – Unbundled service category: Individual-directed goods and services

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