The Minnesota Department of Human Services has begun sending out notices to clients who can expect that their PCA services will be ending, effective July 01, 2011. In the last legislative session, changes were made to the PCA program which are affecting many in the disability community, including clients, PCAs and providers.
Effective July 01st, 2011, recipients of PCA services must have a need for at least two activities of daily living (ADL); these supports must be provided by the PCA from start to finish of each task. In addition to the ADL changes, individuals who were receiving PCA supports who only had a dependency for behavioral supports, will also be given notice that they no longer qualify for PCA services.
Clients will be contacted between April and September to coordinate an early face to face reassessment. These assessments will take place between June 01st and November 30th, 2011.
- ADLs include: bathing, dressing, eating, grooming, mobility, toileting and transferring.
If you are determined ineligible for PCA services, you will be given a 30 day notice to end your services. You do have the right to appeal that determination; however, you must also be able to demonstrate that you do have a need for at least two activities of daily living in your appeal. It is highly recommended that you reach out to your health care professionals for documentation of your need for continued PCA services.
Click here for:Information to assist you with an appeal
If you receive a letter of ineligibility or significant reduction, please contact our office immediately. We have resources for you to prepare for this early reassessment and help you identify some alternatives that you may be eligible for.
Please see below for statistics on who will be most impacted by the changes made to the PCA program:
2,154 persons under age 65 at risk of termination under 2 ADLs/No Level 1 behavior criteria through September 1, 2010.
- Group A: 849 people with no ADL dependency but with Level 1 Behavior
41% persons of color; 67% under age 18; 86% diagnosis in mental disorder category; 8% with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; 16% receive adoption assistance
- Group B: 717 People: One ADL dependency, no Level 1 Behavior
14% under age 18; 66% persons of color; 16% diagnosis in mental disorder category
- Group C: 588 people: 1 ADL dependency, Level 1 Behavior
65% under age 18; 47% persons of color; 76% diagnosis in mental disorder category
