FAQ

Home and community-based services, or HCBS, are support services that help individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or aging-related challenges live independently in their own homes or community settings. These services can include personal care, meal preparation, transportation, and assistance with daily activities.

Eligibility for HCBS varies by state and program. Generally, individuals who need assistance with daily activities due to physical, cognitive, or developmental conditions may qualify. It’s best to check with your state’s Medicaid program or local health department for specific eligibility criteria.

To apply for HCBS, you typically need to contact your state’s Medicaid office or a local agency that administers these programs. They will guide you through the application process, which may include assessments to determine your needs and eligibility.

HCBS can encompass a wide range of services, such as personal care assistance, homemaker services, respite care, community residential services, meal delivery, and support for daily living skills. The specific services available depend on the program and your individual needs.

Costs for HCBS can vary based on the program and your financial situation. Some services may be covered entirely by Medicaid or other funding sources, while others might require a co-payment or sliding-scale fee. It’s important to discuss potential costs with the administering agency.

In many cases, programs allow you to choose your caregiver, including family members or friends, provided they meet certain qualifications and training requirements. This option can offer comfort and familiarity in your care.

If you or a loved one needs assistance with daily activities but prefers to remain at home rather than moving to a facility, HCBS might be a suitable option. Consulting with healthcare providers and local agencies can help determine the best fit for your situation.

HCBS provides support services in an individual’s home or community setting, promoting independence and comfort. In contrast, nursing home care involves living in a facility that offers 24-hour medical and personal care. The choice depends on the level of care required and personal preferences.

The time frame can vary based on the program, availability of services, and completion of necessary assessments. Some programs may have waiting lists, while others can begin services more promptly. It’s advisable to inquire about timelines during the application process.

Yes, HCBS programs typically include regular assessments to ensure that services align with your current needs. If your situation changes, you can request a reassessment to modify the services provided.

That happens often. We take time to match someone who fits well and give everyone a chance to get comfortable. Sometimes, starting with shorter visits helps build trust over time.

No referral is needed for non-medical home care. You can reach out to us directly, and we’ll help figure out what kind of support might be a good fit.

PCAs can assist children with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, and supervision based on their medical or developmental needs. Services are tailored through an assessment and are meant to support—not replace—parental care.

For more details, contact Axis Home PCA Agency, Inc. directly.

The following individuals are not allowed to serve as a responsible party for PCA services:

• PCA provider agency owners or managers
• A person’s county worker (if acting as an employee)
• The person’s assigned PCA
• PCA agency staff unless they are related to the client by blood, marriage, or adoption
• The qualified professional (QP) assigned to the case

A responsible party must act in the best interest of the client and cannot have conflicting roles.

Before your PCA authorization ends, we will refer you for an annual reassessment by your county or health plan. A nurse will evaluate your needs and determine the number of PCA hours you qualify for.

Your hours may increase or decrease, so it’s important to answer all questions honestly and clearly. If the reassessment isn’t completed on time, there may be a temporary gap in your services.

For more details, visit our blog on the Minnesota assessment process.

PCAs may assist you at work. They may provide any assistance you need in your care plan. You have the following choices for getting personal care assistance at work:

• You may schedule a PCA to come into your workplace at the times you need help.
• You may find someone employed at your workplace who is willing to work as a PCA for you.

Please check with your employer before hiring a co-worker to be a PCA in the workplace. Sometimes you may need help with things specific to your job, such as typing or filing. Talk with your employer about the options you have for getting this help. Perhaps someone else at the workplace can help arrange assistance or assist with tasks. These are often considered reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Yes. The PCA Flexible Use Tool (DHS-4691B) is available to help you plan and manage your approved PCA hours.

If your eligibility or address changes, contact our office right away. We must send updated documents to your county, health plan, or the state within a limited time to avoid any interruption in your services.

You don’t need to do anything. Axis Home PCA Agency, Inc. will automatically send a renewal request on your behalf 60 days before your current service agreement ends.

Yes. Individuals who are 16 or 17 years old can work as PCA employees. They must submit additional documents confirming their age.

Qualified Professional must supervise them every 60 days until they turn 18.

To hire a PCA employee, contact our Intake Department at 612-354-7714 to complete an application over the phone and schedule a time to visit our office.

We will begin the background study and fingerprinting process, which must be cleared by the Department of Human Services before the employee can start working. Since this process can take several days to weeks, it’s best to start early.

Yes, you can receive PCA services while temporarily outside of Minnesota, but not outside of the United States.

If you plan to travel out of state, please contact us in advance so we can help coordinate your services.

If you are a PCA Choice client, you are responsible for completing the PCA Care Plan based on your approved services.

For Traditional PCA clients, the agency will complete the care plan. In both cases, the care plan outlines how the PCA will assist with your daily needs, as identified in your PCA assessment.

You can change your PCA at any time. Just contact our office, and we’ll gather the information for your new PCA and begin the setup process right away.

If your PCA hours were reduced, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can submit the Appeal to State Agency form [insert link], and if you need help filling it out, contact our office—we’re here to assist you.

No. While you are approved for a daily amount of PCA hours, you can use them flexibly based on your needs. For example, you might use more hours on certain days or during school breaks and fewer during the school year.

No. Unused PCA hours do not roll over to the next period. You must use your approved hours within each six-month authorization, or they will be lost.

The PCA Choice option gives you more control over your care compared to the Traditional PCA model. You take on more responsibility for managing your own services.

Under PCA Choice, you are responsible for:

• Finding, hiring, training, and scheduling your PCA staff
• Arranging backup staff when needed
• Creating a care plan (with help from our Qualified Professional, if needed)
• Supervising your care to ensure your health and safety
• Maintaining a written agreement with your PCA Choice provider agency
• Reviewing and signing timesheets

Qualified Professional (QP) visits are less frequent, as you are actively managing your care.

Yes! PCA services can be provided anywhere in the community, including at the PCA’s home.

Your PCA can begin working only after receiving a start work letter with their official start date. Each case is different, so please wait for that letter before your caregiver begins providing services.

Most people can use their PCA hours flexibly, but there are exceptions. You cannot use flexible hours if:

• Your county agency or tribe denies it
• DHS denies flexible use
• You are in the Minnesota Restricted Recipient Program

• Remind you to take your medication
• Bring you your medication
• Help open medication containers

A PCA cannot:

• Decide if you need medication
• Set up or organize your medications
• Judge if your medication is working
• Give injections

The Traditional PCA option provides more support from the provider agency. The agency takes the lead in managing your care, and you receive more frequent visits from a Qualified Professional or nurse to ensure your care plan is being followed.

Under this model, the agency is responsible for:

• Hiring, training, supervising, and scheduling PCA staff
• Monitoring staff to make sure care goals are met
• Creating a care plan based on your nurse assessment
• Providing backup staff in emergencies

Note: Whether you choose Traditional or PCA Choice, you may still hire a caregiver you know.

• Only ask for tasks allowed by state law
• Do not ask your PCA to care for other people in your home
• Keep track of the PCA hours you’ve used
• Review and sign accurate time sheets on time

If your PCA wasn’t paid, it’s usually due to a missing or incorrect timesheet. Ask them to contact our office directly.

Please note: You are not responsible for resolving pay issues, and due to privacy laws, we cannot discuss payroll details with clients.

PCA services can be provided in your home and anywhere you normally go, including:

• Work
• School
• Medical appointments
• Places of worship
• Shopping
• Other community locations

During the assessment, a nurse will ask questions about your daily needs and abilities. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a home care rating and be approved for a set number of PCA hours based on that rating.