Community First Choice Services and Personal Care Services

PLEASE NOTE: The names of Community First Choice and Personal Attendant Services (CFC/PAS) programs are changing to Community First Choice Services and Personal Care Services (CFCS/PCS), to more accurately align with federal naming conventions. The commitment to providing essential, person-centered, in-home care remains steadfast, and the valuable services that enable elderly and disabled individuals to maintain their independence at home will continue uninterrupted. The transition to the CFCS/PCS name will be gradual, with full implementation expected by the end of 2025.

CFCS and PCS programs are designed to provide long-term supportive care in a home setting. These programs enable thousands of elderly and disabled citizens to remain in their homes. The type of care authorized is tailored to each individual in a person-centered planning manner based upon their needs, living situation, and availability of caregivers.

Download the CFCS/PCS brochure

Eligibility

To be eligible for CFCS and PCS you must:

• have a health condition that limits your ability to perform activities of daily living;
• participate in the screening process; and
• be eligible for Medicaid.

To qualify for the CFCS program, you must also meet a nursing home level of care.

For information on Medicaid eligibility and member services go to: Member Services

Montana Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

• HCBS Summary Fact Sheet
• HCBS Information Sheet

Available Services

Services available through the CFCS/PCS programs include the following activities of daily living (ADL):

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Grooming
• Toileting
• Eating,
• Medication assistance
• Ambulation and exercising
• Medical escort is also available

Under the PCS program, additional time is available for limited grocery shopping, housekeeping, and laundry. Under the CFCS program, additional time is also available for skill acquisition, community integration, yard hazard removal (for the purpose of providing safe access and entry to the home), and correspondence assistance. CFCS recipients may also receive personal emergency response systems (PERS).

The CFCS/PCS program does not pay for tasks such as lawn care other than the removal of yard hazards to assure health and safety, household repair or modifications, major cleaning, shopping for non-essential items, escort to non-medical services, pet care, or general transportation. Some of these tasks are allowed through waiver programs, depending upon an individual’s needs and required level of care.

Service Options

CFCS/PCS-eligible individuals can choose from two service delivery options:

• Agency-Based CFCS/PCS (AB-CFCS/PCS) – Services are managed and provided through an agency. 
• Self-Direct CFCS/PCS (SD-CFCS/PCS)  – Individuals have greater control over their services.

The SD-CFCS/PCS program was developed for individuals who wish to direct their own care. The person or their personal representative (PR) is responsible for hiring, training, and managing their personal care attendants (PCAs). In addition to the above-mentioned services, individuals under the SD-CFCS/PCS program only can be authorized by their health care professional to receive the following four skilled services:

• bowel program
• urinary systems management
• medication assistance
• wound care

Any time a consumer chooses SD-CFCS/PCS, they must obtain authorization from their health care professional. The consumer or their PR must also meet capacity, which means they have the ability to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the program requirements.

Contact for More Info

406-444-4564