Community Services News

Aging Independently at Home Is Possible
Medicaid's CFC and PAS Programs Explained

 For many Montanans, staying in their own homes as they age or face health challenges is a top priority. Medicaid’s Community First Choice (CFC) and Personal Assistance Services (PAS) programs help make that goal possible. These programs provide personal care to Medicaid-eligible individuals, allowing thousands of elderly residents and people with disabilities to live comfortably at home.

CFC and PAS services are tailored to each individual based on their specific needs, health conditions, and living situations. Assistance ranges from daily personal care — for example bathing, dressing, and meal preparation — to help with medication, mobility, light housekeeping, and grocery shopping.

Additionally, the CFC program offers services like community integration, yard hazard removal, help with correspondence, and a personal emergency response system. Services such as home repairs, financial management, and pet care, however, are not included.

Choosing Your Care

Individuals who qualify for Medicaid’s CFC and PAS programs have two options for how they receive their care: Self-Directed or Agency-Based. Each option offers flexibility depending on your preferences and level of involvement.

Self-Directed (SD) Care

This option allows individuals, or their personal representatives, to take control of their care by hiring, training, and managing their personal care attendants. In some cases, individuals can also manage skilled services like catheter care or wound care, with approval from a healthcare provider. To choose this path, participants must demonstrate that they understand the program and are able to direct their own care. It’s important to note that under this option, individuals assume responsibility for their medical care.

Agency-Based (AB) Care

For those preferring a more hands-off approach, the Agency-Based option lets Medicaid providers manage care services. Providers hire and train attendants, while a nurse supervisor ensures quality care. But skilled services aren’t included under this option. If skilled care is needed, individuals may switch to the Self-Directed option, rely on informal support, or explore other Medicaid programs for skilled nursing.

Supporting Independence at Home

Medicaid’s CFC and PAS programs offer more than just care — they also empower Montanans to live with greater independence at home. Whether you prefer taking control of your own care or leaving it to professionals, these programs give you options to choose the path that works best for your situation. 

How Can I Qualify?

• Have a health condition that limits your ability to perform daily activities;
• Participate in the authorization and screening process; and
• Be Medicaid eligible.

Money Follows the Person: Empowering Transitions to Community Living

For more than a decade, the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program has transformed lives by assisting states in promoting and enhancing access to Home and Community-Based Services. As the longest-running demonstration project in the history of Medicaid, MFP has enabled more than 109,000 individuals nationwide to transition from institutional settings, such as nursing homes and hospitals, back into their communities.

Providing a Lifeline

Since its inception in 2014, Montana’s MFP demonstration project has helped approximately 269 seniors and individuals with disabilities move out of institutional settings and return to their communities. This program offers a lifeline to those who have resided in an institutional setting for at least 60 days, with Medicaid covering their care for at least one of those days.

Program Requirements

Eligible participants must also join one of Montana’s Waiver Partner programs, such as the Big Sky Waiver, the Severe Disabling Mental Illness Waiver (SDMI), or the Developmental Disability Waiver. Each participant receives person-centered planning tailored to meet their unique transition and service needs. This planning process allows individuals to discuss their goals, skills, abilities, and what is truly important to them with their team of providers.

Overcoming Barriers

MFP helps participants overcome barriers to community living by providing demonstration services, including:

• Rent and utility deposits when necessary
• Assistance with past due rent and utility bills/deposits
• Purchase of household goods and services, including basic household furnishings, bedding, kitchenware, etc.
• Environmental and/or vehicle modifications

Transitioning

Participants must transition to an MFP-qualified residential setting, which includes:

• A home owned or leased by the participant or their family member
• An apartment with an individual lease, secure access, and living, sleeping, bathing, and cooking areas controlled by the participant or family member
• A community-based residential setting, such as a group home with a maximum of four unrelated people (excluding caregivers or personal attendants)

Providing Continual Support

MFP participation is available for 365 days, ensuring continuous support during the transition period.

A dedicated team, including a Project Director, a Grant Specialist/State Transition Coordinator, a Data Analyst, and a Housing Specialist, supports participants in achieving their goal of living independently in the community. The team works across the state and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Greater Independence Through Community

Living in the community offers greater independence and the chance to create a home that suits individual lifestyles. If you or a loved one currently resides in an institutional setting and wishes to transition back into the community, MFP can help make that a reality.

Reach Out for More Info

For referrals or more information, contact MFP Project Director April Staudinger at MoneyFollowsThePerson@mt.gov, call (406) 439-6870, fax (406) 655-7646, or visit dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/mfp.

Your journey to a more independent life in the community starts with a simple step.