Note: DHS sent the Jan. 23, 2026, eList announcement to update and clarify information in this eList. This eList is for historical reference only and does not include up-to-date information.
DSD eList announcement
Date: Jan. 6, 2026
To: Lead agencies, caseworkers and other interested parties
From: DHS Disability Services Division
Purpose: To provide additional guidance for 2026 service authorization and billing
Effective: Jan. 1, 2026
Contact: DSD Contact Form
Direction on Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) framework rates and service changes for 2026
As announced in the Dec. 23, 2025, eList announcement, DHS expects to implement the 2026 DWRS framework rates and service changes starting Feb. 1, 2026. This eList announcement provides lead agencies with guidance until DHS implements these changes.
Instructions for framework service authorization and billing
For framework service lines (except family residential services [FRS], customized living [CL], 24-hour CL and adult day bath) with effective dates of Jan. 1, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2026, lead agencies must:
For framework service lines with effective dates of Feb. 1, 2026, or later, MnCHOICES will calculate framework rates using the updated 2026 frameworks, as listed on DHS – January 2026 waiver rate-setting frameworks.
Instructions for FRS
Pending CMS approval, the FRS framework will end Jan. 31, 2026, and the new FRS tiered rates will go into effect Feb. 1, 2026. Lead agencies must:
For all FRS services with an effective date of Feb. 1, 2026, or later, MnCHOICES will generate the tiered rate based on the person’s current MnCHOICES assessment case mix.
Frequently asked questions
What are the rate and service changes?
To review a summary of the changes, refer to fall 2025 waiver plan amendments (PDF).
What if CMS doesn't approve these rates and service changes until March 1, 2026, or later?
DHS would require takebacks to correct the rate for service lines billed from Feb. 1, 2026, through Feb. 28, 2026, or later. Lead agencies would need to end the line and add a new line to comply with CMS rates in both MnCHOICES and MMIS. DHS will send updated guidance if this situation occurs.
How will this affect lead agency compliance reports?
DHS will continue to use compliance reports to ensure authorized service lines match in MnCHOICES and MMIS. DHS will also confirm there are no exception rates authorized for FRS services starting Feb. 1, 2026.
When should lead agencies deny and/or end exception rates for FRS?
FRS exception rates approved before Jan. 1, 2026, can continue for one calendar year from the effective date or until the person has a service change.
Lead agencies must deny all FRS exception rate requests starting Feb. 1, 2026, because FRS will no longer have a framework rate.
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