AASD and DSD eList announcement

Date: June 24, 2025
To: Lead agency staff and other interested parties
From: DHS Aging and Adult Services and Disability Services divisions
Purpose: To announce additional resources for the MnCHOICES initial assessment validity extension from 60 days to 365 days
Effective: July 1, 2025
Contact: For questions about disability waivers or Community First Services and Supports (CFSS), use the DSD Contact Form. For questions about Alternative Care (AC), Essential Community Supports (ECS) and Elderly Waiver (EW), email dhs.aasd.hcbs@state.mn.us.

Additional resources for MnCHOICES initial assessments validity extension

DHS updated resources to provide guidance about the MnCHOICES initial assessment validity extension and eligibility update policy change we announced in the April 1, 2025, eList announcement.

In addition to the updated resources we announced in the May 27, 2025, eList announcement, DHS updated:

· TrainLink – MnCHOICES assessment (MNCH301/301a), initiate assessment, module 2.

· TrainLink – MnCHOICES assessment (MNCH301/301a), functional assessment – self-determination, module 9.

· MnCHOICES Help Center – Smart guide: Transfer guidance for MSHO/MSC+ care coordinators.

Reminders: Previous communication

As announced in the April 1, 2025, eList announcement, effective July 1, 2025:

· MnCHOICES initial assessments will be valid for up to 365 days from the initial assessment interview date to establish program eligibility.

· Eligibility updates (EUs) will no longer be available in the MnCHOICES application.

· A new assessment type called “initial assessment review” will be available in MnCHOICES and Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS). This new assessment type is a remote activity the lead agency uses after an initial assessment when the person has a delay in opening to a waiver, CFSS, AC or ECS.

As announced in the May 27, 2025, eList announcement, DHS will answer pre-submitted questions from lead agencies during the MnCHOICES Initial Assessment Review – Overview and Q&A webinar on Aug. 5, 2025, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Lead agencies must:

· Review the updated resources.

· Share the resources with others in your organization.

· Register for the webinar through Webex webinar registration – MnCHOICES Initial Assessment Review – Overview and Q&A.

· Submit your webinar questions to DHS through DHS – 365 days assessment viability questions submission by July 7, 2025.

Previous eList announcements

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