Waiver Reimagine Advisory Committee

Background

Waiver Reimagine is the name of ongoing work DHS is doing to make system-level improvements to Minnesota’s four disability waiver programs, including:

• Creating a common service menu across all disability waivers
• Reshaping the four current disability waivers into two and moving people to individual budgets.

For people who receive services and their families, the Waiver Reimagine project will:

• Make it easier to describe the services they want
• Provide information about services and budgets to give people more choice and control over planning services and supports
• Provide equitable access to services and funding across waiver programs, regardless of disability and in which county or tribal nation a person lives
• Increase options to self-direct services, use technology and remote supports as alternative support options.

Details

How often will the committee meet?

The WRAC will start meeting in early 2022. The meetings will be held virtually every other month for a total of six meetings per year.

What is the term of office?

Terms of office for members are two years or three years. Terms run from January 2022 to January 2024 or January 2022 to January 2025. Members will have the option of re-applying after their term ends.

Members who are appointed in the categories of people who use disability waiver services or a parent, guardian, family member or unpaid primary caregiver of a person who uses disability waiver service will receive compensation of $55 per meeting as well as some reimbursement for child care expenses incurred.

Which positions are open?

During the 2021 1st Special Session, the Minnesota Legislature authorized DHS to create the Waiver Reimagine Advisory Committee to provide input on the continuing development and implementation of Waiver Reimagine.

The Waiver Reimagine Advisory Committee has open positions in these member categories:

• People who use disability waiver services under the following waivers:
  • Brain Injury (BI)
  • Community Alternative Care (CAC)
  • Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI)
  • Developmental disabilities (DD).
• Parent, guardian, family member or unpaid primary caregiver of person who uses disability waiver services under the BI, CAC, CADI or DD waiver
• Disability and behavioral health advocates who work or volunteer for an organization that serves people with disabilities
• Disability waiver service provider or provider organization
• Lead agency (county or tribal nation) representative
• Representative of a Minnesota tribal nation or a Native American resident of Minnesota

To apply

How do I apply to be a member?

Submit your application by Oct. 31, 2021, using these steps:

1. Visit the WRAC application page on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.
2. Click apply for one category that pertains to you. (If you fall under multiple categories, you will have the opportunity to report that later.)
3. Fill out and submit the online application.
4. Monitor your email after completing your application for a message from DHS that includes a link to the online supplemental statement of interest.
5. Follow the link to complete and turn in the supplemental statement.

Lead agency staff members should contact their supervisor for information about applying for the committee in coordination with the Minnesota Association of Counties Social Service Administrators (MACSSA).

What if I have questions or need the document in an alternate format?

If you have questions or if you need to receive this document in an alternate format, email DHS, preferably by Oct. 24, 2021. In your request, tell us specifically what format you need.

Is my information private?

Information you enter on the secretary of state website is public information. DHS employees who select members of the committee will review your application and your statement of interest form. If you accept a position on the committee, the following items will become public information:

• Your name
• Your relevant education and training.