Waiver Reimagine

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Waiver Reimagine project seeks to identify and recommend system-level improvements to Minnesota’s disability waiver programs.

The Waiver Reimagine project will identify ways to improve system structures to give people more choice and control over the services they receive.

Background
News and updates
Studies
Goals
Feedback

Background

Authorized by the Minnesota Legislature in 2017, the Waiver Reimagine project will recommend improvements to disability waiver programs that expand participant choice and control. DHS will study:
The Waiver Reimagine project will identify system-level improvements through two related studies. Click on the Studies tab above to read more.
News and updates

Waiver Reimagine legislative report submitted

Feb. 12, 2019

DHS has published the findings from the individual budgeting and waiver reconfiguration studies in the Waiver Reimagine Project legislative report (PDF). Feedback from stakeholders and research findings informed the report’s recommendations.

The report recommends consolidating the four existing waiver programs into two waivers, based on residential setting. DHS also recommends replacing the current lead agency budget allocation system with an individual support range budget methodology. We recommend that these changes take place over several years.

We have delivered the report to the Legislature.

Waiver Reimagine focus groups

May 1, 2018

DHS and its research partners are hosting three online focus groups as part of the Waiver Reimagine project. We want to hear your ideas about what we can do to improve the system.

You may participate in online focus groups until May 15, 2018. Please follow the most appropriate link below to participate in an online focus group:
March 22, 2018

DHS and its research partners are conducting focus groups with people and families who use waiver services in Minnesota. We want to hear your ideas about what we can do to improve the system.

We will hold focus groups between March and May 2018. Please visit the Waiver Reimagine Focus Groups website to learn more and register to participate.
Studies

The Waiver Reimagine project will study the program structures of the four disability waivers. Our goal is to make structural changes that simplify and improve the programs. We will:
- Examine current service structures in Minnesota
- Review services in other states
- Identify possible improvements, such as:
  - Consolidating the four waiver programs into a single program
  - Offering additional 1915(c) waivers
  - Reforming waiver processes
  - Providing additional HCBS options
We will also study how we might develop an individual budgeting model for people who receive HCBS waiver services. It would tie a person’s assessed needs to service costs. This tool would give people more information as they make choices about services and providers during support planning. This study will also provide recommendations for updating the Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) budget methodology.

DHS is working with Human Services Research Institute, the University of Minnesota, Burns and Associates and the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services to conduct these studies. The studies will continue until the end of 2018. At the conclusion of each study, DHS will present a final report to the Legislature.
Goals

The goals of the Waiver Reimagine project are:
- Equal access and benefits across disability waiver programs. The programs will be responsive to a person’s needs, circumstances and preferences
- Align benefits across waiver programs for people with disabilities, including consistent limits and allowable services
- Flexible and predictable benefit changes that recognize life changes and an increased use of technology
- Simplified administration that make waivers easier to understand for people receiving services, county and tribal administrators and service providers
DHS will continue to update this page as additional information and events become available.
Feedback

DHS is eager for you to participate in Waiver Reimagine.

Sign up for DSD eLists to stay updated on feedback opportunities.
To sign up for eList updates or to add to or change the lists you've already signed up for, please enter your contact information below.
1. Email Address
Email DHS at Waiver.Reimagine@state.mn.us with questions or input about Waiver Reimagine at any time.