What You Will Find in This Guide
This guide explains the MnCHOICES assessment in Minnesota. You will learn about:
- What MnCHOICES is and how it works.
- The purpose and process of the assessment.
- How to request an assessment.
- How to prepare for the assessment.
- Services and supports that may be available after the assessment.
- What happens once the assessment is complete.
What is the MnCHOICES Assessment?
MnCHOICES is a person-centered, face-to-face assessment, like an interview, done by a certified county or tribal assessor. Both plans must be completed within 60 calendar days of the assessment. The goal of MnCHOICES is to figure out:
- Whether you may need services and supports to live and work in the community.
- What types of supports you might access.
- How much support you may need.
- Next steps for services and planning.
- The assessment is consistent across Minnesota and is designed to reduce multiple assessments by using one tool. Reassessments happen once a year.
Benefits of the MnCHOICES Assessment
The MnCHOICES assessment:
- Provides one single, consistent tool to identify support needs.
- Reduces the number of separate assessments needed each year.
- Ensures a person-centered approach, focused on what is important to you.
- Helps you access services and supports that allow you to live, work, and participate in your community.
What Happens During the MnCHOICES Assessment?
- Your first MnCHOICES assessment usually lasts 2–3 hours, though it can vary. Reassessments, which happen once a year, are often shorter—especially if your assessor already knows you or if your needs haven’t changed much.
- The assessor will meet you in your home and ask questions about things such as:
- Where and how you want to live, work, and spend your time.
- What is important to you in daily life and relationships.
- How you take care of personal needs and manage your home.
- Your physical and emotional health.
- Any challenges or barriers that affect your ability to live as you age.
How to Request a MnCHOICES Assessment
- You can request an assessment through your county or tribal human services office. Contact information can be found here: County and Tribal Office Directory
- When you call, be specific that you are requesting a MnCHOICES assessment.
- Counties/tribes must complete the assessment within 20 calendar days, but sometimes it can take up to 6 months.
- You do not need to have Medical Assistance (MA) before requesting the assessment. However, applying for MA during the process is often recommended.
- An assessment is valid for 60 calendar days. The county/tribe may extend it by 30 additional days if needed.
- If you are found eligible for services but do not already have MA, you must apply. If this process takes more than 90 days, a new assessment may be required.
How to Prepare for the MnCHOICES Assessment
- Preparation can make your assessment more successful. Things you can do include:
- Gather important evaluations, disability determinations, or Social Security/SMRT paperwork.
- Make a list of your medications and medical providers.
- Think about what is important to you in your daily life (where you live, work, or spend time).
- Identify challenges or obstacles that make things difficult for you.
- Invite trusted supporters (family, friends, staff) to attend the meeting.
- Tips for Caregivers and Trusted Supporters if you are helping someone prepare for their assessment:
- Collect important paperwork from the past year.
- Think about the person’s needs on both good and challenging days.
- Be prepared to share details about memory, safety, and daily assistance needs.
- Gather school-based documents if the person is a child (IEP, 504 plan, evaluations).
- Support the person in sharing what is important to them, or help answer questions if needed.
What Services and Supports May Be Available?
The MnCHOICES assessment helps decide if you are eligible for services like:
- Consumer First Services & Supports (CFSS) – replacing Personal Care Assistance (PCA) and Consumer Support Grant (CSG) beginning October 1, 2024.
- Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) – programs that help you live at home and in your community rather than in a hospital or nursing facility.
- Examples of services you may be eligible for include:
- Case Management (Rule 185).
- Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS).
- Essential Community Supports.
- Housing Stabilization Services.
- Relocation Service Coordination or Targeted Case Management.
- Moving Home Minnesota.
Eligibility for specific services depends on your needs as identified in the assessment.
What Happens After the MnCHOICES Assessment?
After your assessment, the assessor creates a Community Support Plan (CSP). This plan includes:
- A summary of what was discussed during the assessment.
- The services and supports you may need and how to access them.
- Information about qualifications for providers.
- Training your staff or supports should have.
- Monitoring plans for your supports.
Your case manager will then create a Coordinated Services and Supports Plan (CSSP), which:
- Lists your chosen services and supports.
- Includes the frequency, duration, and cost of services.
- Summarizes your goals and preferences.
- Explains your right to appeal decisions.
Both plans must be completed within 60 calendar days of the assessment.
More Information
MnCHOICES website – Minnesota DHS
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