Program Updates

40 Hour/Week Lift

Federal approval has been given to allow the 40 hour/week limit for Paid Parent of Minors and Paid Spouses to be temporarily lifted until the end of the peacetime emergency. Below is a link with frequently asked questions in regards to the 40 hour/ week lift as well as the bulletin. If this is something you would like changed in your plan please reach out to your Case Manager for approval.

https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/news-initiatives-reports-workgroups/long-term-services-and-supports/news/40-hour-faq.jsp?fbclid=IwAR0ylfpetQ90TT7CtFL5B2ke7tuVDtHo1p3cTVv74cKkzMPFsoiDq7lRmww

https://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&Rendition=Primary&allowInterrupt=1&noSaveAs=1&dDocName=dhs-328088

 

Covid-19 Vaccination

Minnesota Department of Health recently provided information in regards to Covid-19 vaccination for Health Care Workers.  As CDI is your payroll agent and not your employer, or a Home Care Employer, you will need to follow one of these links/instructions to register for your vaccination:

Individual health care workers
If you do not have any information from your employer, you can provide your information by clicking on Health Care Vaccination Connection Form. Your information will be shared with your local health department. They will reach out to you when there are vaccines and appointments available.

Self-employed or other health care workers
Please provide your information by clicking on Health Care Vaccination Connection Form. Your information will be shared with your local health department. They will reach out to you when there are vaccines and appointments available.

Vaccine availability continues to be very limited. The State of Minnesota is committed to providing you with the vaccine as soon as possible.

 

Dear CDCS & CSG Participant:

DHS has approved a temporary 8.4% increase for CDCS and CSG participants to assist in responding to the hazards associated with COVID-19. The increase covers the period from December 1st – February 7th.

This increase will be handled directly between you and our customer care team at Consumer Directions Inc. There will be no Case Manager or Support Planner involvement needed.  This money is in addition and separate from your CSP, and therefore will not be coming out of your budget.

This increase is different than any increase you may have seen in the past. This increase will be accumulated on all billing with dates of service between December 1st and February 7th. Based on the distribution plan you select; we will then issue a one-time payment.

We are in the process of sending out distribution plan letters to families. Please be watching your email and mail to select a distribution plan that works for you, this will need to be completed by January 20, 2021.

For employees who believe they did not receive the compensation-related requirement, you can contact DHS as follows:

Mail
If you have questions about the rate adjustments, mail letters to the following address. Be sure to include “PCA Temporary Rate Increase” in the address.

Minnesota Department of Human Services
Community Supports and Continuing Care for Older Adults

PCA Temporary Rate Increase
P.O. Box 64967
St. Paul, MN 55164-0967

Email
Email questions to dhs.ccarates@state.mn.us. DHS will direct the questions to the person who can best provide an answer.

Phone
If you have questions, you can call the DSD Response Center at 651-431-4300. DHS will direct the questions to the person who can best provide an answer.

Most of the telephone numbers listed are voice numbers. TDD users may call the Minnesota Relay at 711 or 800-627-3529. For the Speech-to-Speech Relay, call 877-627-3848.

 

Sick and Safe Leave

Sick and Safe Leave available in the following cities. For more information please see the websites below.

• Duluth: https://duluthmn.gov/city-clerk/earned-sick-safe-time/about-earned-sick-safe-time
• Minneapolis: http://sicktimeinfo.minneapolismn.gov
• St. Paul: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/human-rights-equal-economic-opportunity/labor-standards-enforcement-and-education/earned

Why does my e-mail from CDI require a password to open?

You may notice that when you receive email from CDI that it is coming encrypted or secure. The reason is that HIPAA requires us to do so when we are sending any protected information. This is for your protection. To view the email you will need to set-up a password. This password is then used for CDI emails going forward. When we are communicating via email and there is no protected information included in the body or attachment, we will do our best to add DNE at the end of the subject line – telling our system it’s safe and to “Do Not Encrypt”. We understand that this is a hassle and we apologize. Thank you for understanding our desire and obligation to protect your personal information.

SEIU and DHS Negotiate New Union Contract

CDCS and CSG programs are governed by a union contract. Effective July 1, 2019 some key changes approved by the union include:

• A minimum wage floor increase for all direct care staff to $13.25
• PTO shall increase to accrue 1 hour of PTO for every 40 hours worked

A 2.37% budget increase will be added to budgets to cover these mandated increases. There is nothing you need to do at this time, CDI will be taking care of these changes internally. In the event that there are remaining funds after the mandated increase and you want to be involved in creating a budget revision please contact your FMS Coordinator. For more information, visit the SEIU website.

CDI Receives National Excellence in Financial Management Services Award

CDI was recognized nationally and voted best in the nation for the Excellence in Financial Management Services award as presented by Applied Self Direction. We were nominated for this award based on our exemplary leadership of FMS functions in the self-direction program. We have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to service and quality that is recognized nationally by both our colleagues and the people we serve. Click here to view our nomination.

Excludable Income for Live-in Caregivers per IRS Notice 2014-7

If you are a caregiver for someone on a Medicaid waiver (i.e. CDCS, 245D Basic Respite and Personal Supports) and you live with the individual your wages may be specifically excludable  from gross income under IRS Section 131, issued January 3, 2014.  To take advantage of this new law you will need to contact your tax professional and re-submit your taxes for the prior years. Please act now to receive your benefits. Click on the link below for more information

Certain Medicaid Waiver Payments May Be Excludable From Income