MnCHOICES Assessment Overview
What a MnCHOICES assessment is, who it serves, how it works, and what happens after — including reassessments and service authorizations.
Title: MnCHOICES Assessment Overview
MnCHOICES Overview
What is MnCHOICES?
- MnCHOICES is a free, in-person or virtual assessment done by a certified county or tribal assessor.
- It helps figure out what supports someone needs to live and work in the community and whether they qualify for long-term services like waivers or Community First Services and Supports (CFSS).
Who can ask for a MnCHOICES assessment?
- Anyone.....
Do you have to be on MA first?
- No. You don’t have to be on MA to request a MnCHOICES assessment.
Resources:
- Offer the MnCHOICES Assessment brochure (DHS-7283-ENG).
- Provide the County and Tribal Human Services Directory for contact info
Purpose:
Explain what MnCHOICES is and who it helps.
Q: What is MnCHOICES?
A: MnCHOICES is a free, in-person or virtual assessment done by a certified county or tribal assessor. It helps figure out what supports someone needs to live and work in the community and whether they qualify for long-term services like waivers or Community First Services and Supports (CFSS).
Q: Who can ask for a MnCHOICES assessment?
A: Anyone with a disability—or their parent or guardian—can request one through their county or tribal human services office.
Q: Do you have to be on MA first?
A: No. You don’t have to be on MA to request a MnCHOICES assessment.
Internal Notes:
- Hub staff do not schedule or complete assessments.
- Offer the MnCHOICES Assessment brochure (DHS-7283-ENG).
- Provide the County and Tribal Human Services Directory for contact info.
Title: Requesting a MnCHOICES Assessment
Purpose:
Help callers understand how to request and what to expect when starting the MnCHOICES process.
Q&A:
Q: How do I ask for a MnCHOICES assessment?
A: Call your county or tribal human services office and ask for a MnCHOICES assessment.
Q: Is it free?
A: Yes. There is no cost.
Q: How long does it take to get scheduled?
A: Counties aim to schedule and complete assessments within 20 calendar days, but many are experiencing backlogs and it may take longer.
Q: What if I need an interpreter?
A: Ask your county to provide one when scheduling — interpretation is free.
Internal Notes:
- Document that you informed the caller of the 20-day target and possible delays.
- Provide directory link and offer to look up the local contact number.
Tags: MnCHOICES, Assessment, Request, County, Scheduling
Title: Preparing for a MnCHOICES Assessment
Purpose:
Help callers understand how to prepare and what to expect during the visit.
Q&A:
Q: What should I do before the assessment?
A: Gather helpful information like:
- Medical or psychological evaluations
- Disability determinations (SMRT or SSA)
- IEP or 504 Plan (for children)
- List of medications and providers
Q: Can I bring someone with me?
A: Yes. You can bring a family member, caregiver, or advocate.
Q: What if I want to talk privately during the visit?
A: You can ask the assessor for private time if there are sensitive topics you’d like to discuss alone.
Internal Notes:
- Suggest the caller reflect on their daily routine, challenges, and goals — “what’s hardest on your worst day.”
- Share the MnCHOICES Assessment: Steps to Get Help brochure (DHS-7283-ENG).
Tags: MnCHOICES, Preparation, Assessment, Disability, Supports
Title: What Happens During the MnCHOICES Visit
Purpose:
Help staff explain what takes place during the MnCHOICES assessment.
Q&A:
Q: Where does the assessment take place?
A: Usually in your home, but some counties offer phone or video visits.
Q: What will the assessor ask about?
A: Topics include:
- Daily living (eating, bathing, dressing)
- Household tasks (shopping, cleaning, managing medications)
- Health, memory, and behavior
- Communication, housing, and safety
- Employment and personal goals
Q: How long does it take?
A: The first assessment usually takes 2–3 hours; annual reassessments are shorter.
Internal Notes:
- Emphasize it’s a conversation, not a test.
- Reassure callers they can take breaks and have support present.
Tags: MnCHOICES, Assessment, Visit, Process, County
Title: After the MnCHOICES Assessment
Purpose:
Help staff explain what happens after the assessment and what the Community Support Plan (CSP) includes.
Q&A:
Q: What happens after the assessor visits?
A: The assessor reviews your information and creates a Community Support Plan (CSP) within 60 days.
Q: What’s in the CSP?
A: It summarizes your needs, goals, and recommended services.
Q: How do I get the CSP?
A: It’s mailed to you (and your guardian if you have one). Your county may also call to review it.
Internal Notes:
- CSP ≠ approval — it’s a summary and recommendation.
- If caller hasn’t received their CSP after 60 days, suggest contacting the county MnCHOICES team.
Tags: MnCHOICES, Community Support Plan, CSP, Assessment, Follow-up
Title: If You Qualify for a Waiver or Case Management
Purpose:
Explain what happens when someone qualifies for waiver or case management services.
Q&A:
Q: What happens if I qualify for a waiver or case management?
A: You’ll be assigned a case manager (usually within a few weeks after your CSP).
Q: What does a case manager do?
A: They create a Coordinated Services and Supports Plan (CSSP) that details:
- What services you’ll receive
- How often and how much support you need
- Who provides the services
- Your goals
Q: How long does it take to complete the CSSP?
A: It must be done within 60 days of your assessment.
Internal Notes:
- The CSSP is a working plan that can be updated anytime.
- If the caller hasn’t heard from their case manager, advise contacting the county.
Tags: MnCHOICES, Waiver, Case Management, CSSP, Eligibility
Title: If You Qualify Only for CFSS
Purpose:
Explain what happens when a person only qualifies for Community First Services and Supports (CFSS).
Q&A:
Q: What if I only qualify for CFSS?
A: You won’t get a county case manager. Instead, you’ll work with a CFSS consultation services provider who helps you start services.
Q: What does a CFSS consultation provider do?
A: They help you:
- Choose between self-directed or agency-managed CFSS
- Create a service delivery plan
- Hire or train workers (if self-directed)
- Manage paperwork and billing
Q: Who approves my plan?
A: The county sends a service authorization once your plan is approved.
Internal Notes:
- Offer to help find a CFSS consultation services provider.
- Clarify that the county doesn’t assign a manager for CFSS-only cases.
Tags: CFSS, MnCHOICES, Consultation Services, Self-Direction, Eligibility
Title: If You Don’t Qualify for a Waiver or CFSS
Purpose:
Explain next steps and community resources for people who aren’t eligible for waiver or CFSS programs.
Q&A:
Q: What if I don’t qualify for a waiver or CFSS?
A: You’ll still get a Community Support Plan (CSP) summarizing your needs and listing local resources like housing, transportation, or employment supports.
Q: Can I be reassessed later?
A: Yes. You can request a new assessment if your situation changes.
Internal Notes:
- Offer local resource navigation or housing/employment referrals.
- Reassure callers they can reapply at any time.
Tags: MnCHOICES, Eligibility, Community Resources, CSP, Reassessment
Title: Programs MnCHOICES Can Connect You To
Purpose:
Help staff explain what services or programs a MnCHOICES assessment may lead to.
Q&A:
Q: What programs can MnCHOICES connect me to?
A:
- Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) – replacing PCA and CSG programs.
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers: DD, CADI, CAC, and BI waivers.
- Moving Home Minnesota – helps people move out of facilities.
- Rule 185 Case Management – for people with developmental disabilities.
- Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS) – teaches daily living skills.
Internal Notes:
- Clarify that MnCHOICES identifies eligibility; it doesn’t automatically enroll anyone in a program.
Tags: MnCHOICES, CFSS, Waivers, SILS, HCBS, MHM, Rule 185
Title: Helpful Resources for MnCHOICES
Purpose:
Provide official resources and references related to MnCHOICES assessments.
Q&A:
Q: Where can I learn more about MnCHOICES?
A:
- MnCHOICES Overview (DHS)
- MnCHOICES Brochure (DHS-7283-ENG)
- Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)
- County and Tribal Human Services Directory
- Disability Hub MN
Internal Notes:
- Use these to verify policy details or refer callers to the right DHS publication.
- Offer brochures and local directory links during calls.
Tags: MnCHOICES, Resources, DHS, CFSS, County Directory
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