Who Qualifies for Consumer Directed Services (CDS) in Missouri?
But who actually qualifies for CDS in Missouri?
Consumer Directed Services is designed for eligible Missouri Medicaid participants with physical disabilities who need assistance with activities of daily living and are able to direct their own care.
Here's what that means in practical terms.
Consumer Directed Services is designed for eligible Missouri Medicaid participants with physical disabilities who need assistance with activities of daily living and are able to direct their own care.
Here's what that means in practical terms.You may qualify if:✓ You are 18 years old or older✓ You have active Missouri Medicaid coverage with an appropriate eligibility category✓ You have a physical disability✓ You need help with everyday activities✓ You meet Missouri's required level of care✓ You are able to direct your own care
Meeting these basic requirements doesn't automatically mean someone will receive CDS. Missouri uses an assessment to determine eligibility and identify the individual's care needs.
Meeting these basic requirements doesn't automatically mean someone will receive CDS. Missouri uses an assessment to determine eligibility and identify the individual's care needs.
What Does "Need Help With Everyday Activities" Mean?
CDS is intended to help individuals who need assistance performing activities necessary to live safely and independently.
Depending on the person's needs and authorized care plan, this can include assistance with activities such as:BathingDressingGrooming and personal hygieneMobilityMeal preparationEatingLaundryHousehold choresOther authorized daily activities
The amount and type of assistance are based on the individual's assessed needs.
Depending on the person's needs and authorized care plan, this can include assistance with activities such as:BathingDressingGrooming and personal hygieneMobilityMeal preparationEatingLaundryHousehold choresOther authorized daily activities
The amount and type of assistance are based on the individual's assessed needs.
Do I Need Medicaid to Get CDS?
Yes. Consumer Directed Services is a Medicaid-funded program, and active Missouri Medicaid status with an appropriate eligibility category is part of the program's requirements.
Medicare and Medicaid are different programs. Having Medicare by itself does not automatically make someone eligible for CDS.
If you're uncertain about your Medicaid status or whether your coverage meets CDS requirements, A1 Home Care can help you understand what information you'll need as you explore the program.
Can Seniors Qualify for CDS?
Age alone does not determine CDS eligibility.
An individual must be at least 18, but there isn't a rule that prevents someone from qualifying simply because they're a senior.
What matters is whether the individual meets Missouri's CDS eligibility requirements, including Medicaid status, physical disability, assessed care needs and ability to self-direct their care.
An individual must be at least 18, but there isn't a rule that prevents someone from qualifying simply because they're a senior.
What matters is whether the individual meets Missouri's CDS eligibility requirements, including Medicaid status, physical disability, assessed care needs and ability to self-direct their care.
What Does "Self-Direct My Care" Mean?
This is one of the most important parts of Consumer Directed Services.
CDS gives the participant significant control over their own care.
The participant is responsible for choosing, hiring, training and supervising the attendant who provides their authorized services.
Instead of an agency simply assigning a caregiver, you have a say in who comes into your home and provides your care.
For many families, that's one of the biggest advantages of CDS.
CDS gives the participant significant control over their own care.
The participant is responsible for choosing, hiring, training and supervising the attendant who provides their authorized services.
Instead of an agency simply assigning a caregiver, you have a say in who comes into your home and provides your care.
For many families, that's one of the biggest advantages of CDS.
Can My Family Member Be My Caregiver?
In many cases, yes.
Missouri CDS participants can choose their attendant, and that individual may be a family member.
For example, an eligible participant may be able to hire an adult son or daughter, sibling, grandchild, other relative or another trusted individual.
There are exceptions. Under Missouri CDS rules, a participant's spouse or legal guardian cannot serve as their paid attendant.
Do I Have to Move Into a Nursing Home First?
No.
Consumer Directed Services is part of Missouri's home and community-based services system. Its purpose is to help eligible individuals receive necessary assistance while living in their homes and communities.
You may hear the phrase "nursing facility level of care" during the eligibility process. That refers to the level of assistance Missouri determines a person requires. It does not mean someone must first move into a nursing facility to receive CDS.
Consumer Directed Services is part of Missouri's home and community-based services system. Its purpose is to help eligible individuals receive necessary assistance while living in their homes and communities.
You may hear the phrase "nursing facility level of care" during the eligibility process. That refers to the level of assistance Missouri determines a person requires. It does not mean someone must first move into a nursing facility to receive CDS.
How Will I Know If I Actually Qualify?
The best way to determine eligibility is to go through Missouri's assessment process.
An assessment is used to evaluate the individual's needs, determine whether program requirements are met and establish what services may be authorized.
You don't need to know all the terminology before you start.
An assessment is used to evaluate the individual's needs, determine whether program requirements are met and establish what services may be authorized.
You don't need to know all the terminology before you start.
Not Sure Whether You Qualify? Start With A1 Home Care.
Medicaid eligibility, assessments, care plans and CDS requirements can sound complicated when you're encountering them for the first time.
A1 Home Care helps Missouri individuals and families understand Consumer Directed Services and what steps they need to take next.
Contact A1 Home Care today and let us help you determine whether Consumer Directed Services may be right for you or your loved one.