CADI, DD, BI, CAC and EW: A Quick Guide to Minnesota's Waivers

When families first hear that services are "waiver-funded," the natural next question is: which waiver, and how do we get one? Here's a quick, judgment-free tour of the acronyms.

What a waiver is

Minnesota's waivers are Medicaid programs that pay for support in a person's own home and community instead of in an institution. Each waiver serves a different group of people, but they fund many of the same services — including the individualized home supports, respite, companion, and employment services that 245D agencies like ours provide.

The five you'll hear about most

• CADI — Community Access for Disability Inclusion. For people with disabilities who would otherwise need the level of care provided in a nursing facility.
• DD — Developmental Disabilities waiver. For people with a developmental disability or a related condition.
• BI — Brain Injury waiver. For people with an acquired or traumatic brain injury.
• CAC — Community Alternative Care. For people who are chronically ill or medically fragile.
• EW — Elderly Waiver. For adults 65 and older who need help to keep living at home; it funds services such as individual community living support.

How eligibility gets decided

It starts with a free MnCHOICES assessment through your county. An assessor meets with the person, looks at daily support needs, and determines which programs they qualify for. If a waiver is approved, the county assigns a case manager who helps build a support plan and choose providers.

Where a provider fits in

Once services are authorized, you choose the agency — and that choice is always yours. If you're not sure where you are in this process, call us at (612) 454-7040. We'll help you figure out the next step, even if that step is simply pointing you to the right county phone line.