Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services Now Available to Individuals on SLS
Medicaid Service Option Empowers Individuals to Direct Their Own Care Needs
People accepting Medicaid Supported Living Services (SLS) can now direct and manage the attendants who provide personal care, homemaker and health maintenance services, rather than working through an agency. The new service delivery option took effect Aug. 15.
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing received approval for the expansion of Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) into the Supported Living Services (SLS) waiver in 2017, but implementation was delayed because systems and functionality had to be in place to allow service authorization and billing.
CDASS allows an individual accepting Medicaid Waiver services to direct and manage the attendants who provide personal care, homemaker and health maintenance services. The individual is empowered to hire, train and manage attendants of their choice to best fit their needs. People can hire someone they know or access the CDASS Attendant Directory to locate and connect with caregivers who are a good match.
To qualify for CDASS, an individual must:
Be enrolled in one of the Home and Community Based Services waivers in which CDASS is an approved service-delivery option:
SLS
Brian Injury
Community Mental Health Supports
Elderly, Blind and Disabled
Spinal Cord Injury
Demonstrate a need for personal care, homemaker or health maintenance services
Be in stable health and able to direct their own services or assign an authorized representative
Individuals or teams interested in pursuing CDASS should contact their service coordinators to determine need and eligibility. In addition, a financial management services provider will assist with payroll and paperwork necessary for the attendants.
The Consumer Direct Care Network of Colorado conducts required training and offers resources to people participating in the CDASS program. The training provides the tools and information needed to complete enrollment and follow-up services.
For more information, visit the Consumer Direct Care Network of Colorado website or contact your RMHS service coordinator or Melissa Emery, RMHS program manager, at memery@rmhumanservices.org or 303-368-3814.
