A new program is beginning this month for Medicaid recipients in the Home & Community Services Program (HCS) and the Texas Home Living Program (TXHL).  It is called Consumer Directed Services (CDS). 

CDS is an option the individual may choose.  CDS is a service delivery option in which an individual or legally authorized representative employs and retains service providers and directs the delivery of program services.  An individual who chooses the CDS option is supported by a Consumer Directed Service Agency (CDSA) chosen by the individual.  The CDSA will provide financial management services, and at the individual’s request, a support consultation advisor will be offered. 

The State of Texas has developed a brochure, Publication 217, to give you an overview of the CDS option.  I thought I would highlight the program for you.

When an individual chooses CDS in HCS, the only services available are supporting home living and respite.  If you choose CDS you will become the “Employer”.  You will have the job of hiring, firing, training and providing employee benefits to your employee.  It can be a rewarding experience and/or a nightmare!  Choosing an employee who is just right for you is very important.  You Can Do This……. But you don’t have too. At this time in the HCS program, when you select a program provider it is the provider’s responsibility to match the right person to your needs.  Either way we at Community Access are here to help.

In the Tx HL program all services can be provider in the CDS option.  Also individuals who receive services through CBA, Class, DBMD, MDCP, PHC and CMPAS are eligible for the CDS option.

“Is Consumer Directed Services For YOU?”  Ask yourself the following questions.

• Do you want to learn how to be the employer of your services?
• Do you want to find and hire your own service providers?
• Do you want to be responsible for training and managing your staff?
• Do you want to set the pay and benefits for your employees within the funds available  in your service plan?

If you answer yes to these, you are a candidate for the CDS option program.  Your first step is to contact your Case Manager or Service Coordinator and they can start the process and give you more information.  If you plan to participate your Case Manager can help you get a list of CDSA providers available in your area.  From this list you can choose a  CDSA  to help you.

Community Access is an Approved CDSA.  If Community Access is already your HCS provider we cannot be your CDSA.  We will continue to provide you Case Management services and all other services in your plan.  We will also work closely with the CDSA you choose.  We want  the individuals who choose CDS to be successful.

If we are not your HCS provider or you are in another program which has the CDS option we would welcome your selection as your CDSA. 

This  is a new program and we hope that everyone will be patient in the transition as we all learn the ins and outs.  As the state starts any new program, they seem to make/or change the guidelines as they go.  Community Access has gone to numerous trainings and participated in all conference calls about the CDS program, since it was first suppose to be implemented in 2006.  We are a company that continues to strive to provide the most up to date services to those we serve.

WE WANT TO BE YOUR PROVIDER OF CHOICE

If you would like more information about the Consumer Directed Program please contact Deborah Grigsby, HCS Director(Tyler) @903-595-6213 or Jo Vaughan, Director of Regional Operations (@903-455-2776.

Sincerely,

Laura Redman, CEO