Consumer Directed Services

 

To be eligible for Missouri’s Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program, you must be Medicaid eligible and Medicaid active, at least 18 years of age and have a physical disability. The program provides assistance with services in the home, such as meal preparation, cleaning, and personal care. The consumer will self-direct their own care, including hiring and supervising the personal care attendant, and approving time sheets. The attendant may be a friend or family member, at least 18 years of age, but cannot be a spouse or legal guardian. The attendant must have a clean background check through the Missouri State Family Care Safety Registry before being employed by a CDS participant.

 

HOW TO GET SERVICES STARTED

Please contact an intake worker at (816) 822-7432 to get more information about the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program. An Independent Living Advocate will talk with you about the program, your needs, and will gather needed information. Next, your information will be provided to Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), who will contact you to arrange a meeting in your home.

 

ASSESSMENT

A (CFI) Independent Living Advocate will assist you in making a referral to have an assessment performed, which we can help you plan for, if you wish.  You and (DHSS) will develop a plan to assist you with your personal care needs. DHSS will determine the number Personal Care hours per day a client may receive through the (CDS) program.

 

SELF DIRECTING YOUR CARE

Your assigned case manger will be available to provide guidance on how to hire, train, and supervise your personal care attendant, as well as how to submit accurate timesheets.  Because you must be able to act as an employer by performing the above duties, it is very important that you are able to assume the responsibility of “self-directing” your care. If you are unable to do so, or choose not to, you will be advised to contact the Department of Health and Senior Services for similar in-home services through their regular program (not consumer-directed).

 

SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

• 18 years or older

• Have active Missouri Medicaid

• Have a physical disability limiting your ability to perform activities of daily living

• Score at least 21 points on a needed assessment performed by DHSS

• Wish to remain living in your own home and avoid nursing home placement

• Have the desire and ability of  making decisions regarding both your healthcare and employ your employer responsibilities.

 

CASE MANAGERS DUTIES

• Provide  monthly contact to each client

• Provide quarterly home visits to each client

• Provide  Independent Living Services

• Promote accessibility and acceptance   

• Process timesheets and payroll for your attendant(s)

• Advocate with the appropriate state agencies to assure your needs are being met