The MnCHOICES Assessment, Explained: Your First Step Toward Home Care in Minnesota

Someone told you to "get a MnCHOICES assessment." Maybe a doctor, a school, or a friend who's been through this. You nodded like you knew what that meant. Here's what it actually is, how to get one, and what happens after. It's simpler than it sounds, and it's the front door to almost every publicly funded home care program in Minnesota.

What it is

A free, in-person visit, usually about two hours, at your home or wherever you're comfortable. A county assessor learns about your daily life and support needs. It's how the state figures out which programs might pay for services: MA waivers (CADI, DD, BI, CAC, Elderly Waiver), CFSS, and more.

Two things families are always relieved to hear: anyone of any age can request one, and it doesn't matter what your income or financial situation is. The assessment itself is free for everyone.

How to get one

Call the county where you live (or your Tribal Nation) and ask for a MnCHOICES assessment. That's it. You don't need a referral, a diagnosis letter, or the right vocabulary.

Here's the directory with every county and Tribal Nation contact in Minnesota: mn.gov/dhs/about-us/contact-us/county-and-tribal-nation-offices

Need an interpreter? Ask when you call. Language help is free.

How to prepare (15 minutes, big payoff)

• Make a list of current medications.
• Jot down what a normal day looks like and where it gets hard: bathing, meals, medications, getting around, being alone.
• Think about what matters to you: where you want to live, work, and spend your time.
• Invite family, friends, or anyone who knows the situation well to sit in.
• Set aside about two hours, and don't downplay the hard parts. The assessment can only cover needs you actually mention.

What happens after

The assessor summarizes what they learned, goes over what you may be eligible for, and you receive a written plan describing your needs and options. If a waiver is on the table, you'll work with a case manager. Then comes the part where you choose your providers.

Where Goodtimes fits

That last step is us. Once services are authorized, you pick a 245D provider for things like Individualized Home Supports (IHS with and without Training) and Homemaking, and we'd love to be on your short list. Still at square one? Call us anyway: we'll point you to the right county contact and tell you honestly what to expect. No charge, no obligation, same-day response.

Two more free resources worth saving: Disability Hub MN (866-333-2466) and Minnesota Aging Pathways (800-333-2433).

Ready to talk it through? Email admin@goodtimeshc.com or call/text (612) 454-7040. We serve Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington, and Dakota counties.