Community First Choice (CFC) is a Medicaid benefit for people who are at an institutional level of care. This means that if you qualify for care in a nursing home or other institutional setting under your Medicaid benefit, you may also qualify for CFC services in your home and community to assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily living (IADL), and health-related tasks.

CFC is a self-directed program which empowers you with ‘employer authority’ and ‘budget authority’. Self-direction with these two authorities is when you or appointed persons make the decisions regarding your care. You have control over what services you want in the home, and you have the responsibility of managing those service. Self-direction promotes personal choice and control during a person-centered planning process. If you have a Conservator or someone acting with Power of Attorney (POA), they can help you self-direct. You have the choice to complete these documents independently or CFC offers you the chance to hire a Support and Planning Coach to assist with these functions.  

Program Eligibility: Coverage groups include Husky A, Husky C and Husky D. Waiver participants can dually participate if they receive at least one waiver service in order to maintain Medicaid coverage under the waiver and utilize Allied PCAs.  Participants who have a spenddown are eligible however spend-down rules apply. (Spend-down is managed by DSS. Participants receive correspondence from DSS when they meet spend-down requirements)

Program Requirements: Personal Care Attendant (PCA) is a required service under CFC; however, you may hire a PCA of your choosing that meets the following stipulations:

 REQUIREMENTS:

• at least 16 years of age
• experienced in providing personal care
• able to follow written or verbal instructions given by the individual or the individual’s representative/designee
• physically able to perform required services

Your PCA Cannotbe:

• your spouse
• your Health Care Representative
• your conservator/guardian
•  

CFC offers a variety of services:

• Assistive Technology (AT)
• Nurse
• Speech Therapist
• Environmental Modifications
• Occupational Therapist
• Support and Planning Coach
• Health Coach
• Personal Care Attendant (PCA)
• Transitional Services
• Home Delivered Meals  
• Physical Therapist
• Workers’ Compensation