Frequently Asked Questions

Minnesota's MA-Waiver programs provide additional services beyond those offered under Medical Assistance (MA) or Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) to help people with disabilities live in their community rather than in an institution.

There are five different MA-Waiver programs in Minnesota, four of which serve people with disabilities who are under 65.

The MA-Waiver programs that serve people with disabilities are the:

• Community Alternative Care (CAC) Waiver
• Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver
• Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
• Brain Injury (BI) Waiver

Yes. You must be enrolled in some form of disability-based MA to qualify for MA-Waiver services. This includes Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD).

Note: Many people get income-based MA, not disability-based MA. If you get MA and are not sure whether it is based on your disability, Chat with a Hub expert to check or contact your local county or tribal human services office.

No. You may only qualify for a MA-Waiver program if you have disability-based MA. Many people get income-based MA, not disability-based MA, and those people cannot apply for MA-Waiver programs. If you get MA and are not sure whether it is based on your disability, Chat with a Hub expert to check or contact your local county or tribal human services office.

Even if you get disability-based MA, that does not mean you will qualify for a MA-Waiver program. There are specific eligibility criteria for each MA-Waiver program. Being on disability-based Medical Assistance (MA) or Medical Assistance Employment for Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) is just one of those criteria.

If you’re interested in a particular MA-Waiver program, you should apply as soon as you think you meet the eligibility criteria. The number of people who can enroll in these programs varies from year to year and there may be a waiting list for the program you’re interested in.

You can apply for any MA-Waiver program at your county or tribal human services office.

If you are not already on some form of disability-based Medical Assistance (MA), you will need to apply for disability-based MA (or MA-EPD) in addition to the MA-Waiver program you're interested in.

While you’re at the county human services agency, you will need to schedule a MnCHOICES assessment.

Note: You may only qualify for a MA-Waiver program if you have MA due to your disability. Many people get MA get it because they have low income, not because they have a disability determination. If you get MA and are not sure whether you get it due to your disability, Chat with a Hub expert to check or contact your local county or tribal human services office.

Yes. You must be determined disabled by Social Security or the State Medical Review Team (SMRT) to qualify for one of the four MA-Waiver programs that serve people with disabilities.

The one exception is the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver. If you’re applying for the DD Waiver, you only need a documented diagnosis of developmental disability (determined during your MnCHOICES assessment).

A MnCHOICES assessment is a review of your situation to see what long-term care programs and services are best for you. A MnCHOICES assessment may include reviews of:

• Long-term care needs
• Personal care assistance options, and
• Developmental disability screening.

This can help you figure out what services and programs might help you live in the community, including MA-Waiver programs, Medical Assistance (MA), personal care assistance (PCA) services, or other benefits. Even if you are not eligible for public benefits, the assessment can help you understand what services, accommodations, and resources exist.

All MA-Waiver applicants must go through a MnCHOICES assessment before they can qualify for a MA-Waiver program.

Note: Long-Term Care Consultations (LTCCs) used to help people in a similar way. MnCHOICES assessments are replacing the LTCC throughout Minnesota.

The Community Alternative Care (CAC) Waiver serves people with disabilities who need the level of care normally provided in a hospital. Services can range from home nursing services to extended nutritional therapies to modification of a home or car. Click here for a listing of services provided under the CAC Waiver.

The Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver provides services that help adults and children with disabilities live in the community rather than in a nursing facility. CADI Waiver services are wide-ranging and include services such as adult day care, homemaker services, independent living services, and home delivered meals. Click here for a listing of services provided under the CADI Waiver.

The Developmental Disabilties (DD) Waiver helps people with developmental disabilities live in the community rather in an Intermediate care facility for persons with developmental disabilities (ICF/DD). To qualify for the DD Waiver, you must go through a MnCHOICES assessment and be determined to have a developmental disability. Click here for a listing of services provided under the DD Waiver.

The Brain Injury (BI) Waiver provides home and community based programs to people with a brain injury. BI Waiver enrollees must be able to function well enough to participate in their rehabilitation and they must require greater levels of service than can be attained through other Waiver programs. Click here for a listing of services provided under the BI Waiver.

There are no income or asset limits for MA-Waiver programs, but you must stay eligible for disability-based Medical Assistance (MA) or Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) to keep your waiver eligibility. If you exceed the income or asset limits for MA or MA-EPD, you’ll lose your MA-Waiver services.

Read DB101’s articles on disability-based MA and MA-EPD for more information.

Yes, you can get help exploring work options, finding a job, and keeping a job in the community through your MA-Waiver program:

• Exploration services (such as hands-on work experience) can help you learn about different jobs and make your own decisions about working in the community,
• Development services can help you find the right job or get started with self-employment,
• Support services (such as job coaching) can help you keep your job in the community.

The exact services you get depend on your needs. Talk to your waiver case manager about the employment services that are right for you.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has a brochure introducing these waiver services.

For more information about MA-Waiver services, Chat with a Hub expert.

For additional information on MA-Waiver programs, contact your county or tribal human services office or Chat with a Hub expert.