Frequently asked questions about personal care assistance

If you are over 64 and enrolled with a managed care organization, you must contact your MCO’s member services department. Otherwise, you must contact your local county or tribal nation.

You should select the PCA provider agency that best meets your needs. You may choose a provider agency from a list you might get at your PCA assessment. Lists are also available at MinnesotaHelp.info or from the Disability Hub MN, 866-333-2466, or the Senior LinkAge Line, 800-333-2433.

You may choose a new provider agency at any time.

All people who use PCA have flexibility in how they use their units. For example, if your assessment information says you are eligible for five hours a day, that is an average. You do not need to use exactly five hours a day.

Most people who use PCA may use their units flexibly within two six-month spans. When your lead agency authorizes your PCA services, they will authorize you for two six-month spans. You must tell your assessor how you want your units split between the two spans. You may have up to 75% of your units in one six-month span. Unused time does not roll over to the next six-month span.

People who cannot use their units flexibly within two six-month spans may still use them flexibly within each month. People on the Minnesota Restricted Recipient Program or people denied flexible use by their lead agency or DHS may only use their units flexibly within each month. Unused time does not roll over to the next month.

If a person cannot direct their own care, a responsible party (RP) may direct care on their behalf. People who must have an RP are:

• People under 18
• People with a court-appointed guardian
• People the assessor determines cannot direct their own care.

The RP does everything the person would typically do, including directing care and signing documents.

Your PCA worker must meet minimum program requirements and be competent to meet your individual needs. Minimum program requirements for all PCA workers:

• Pass a background study.
• Pass a standardized training and test.
• Be enrolled with DHS and affiliated with your PCA agency.

Additionally, your PCA must:

• Be able to do the tasks in your care plan.
• Be able to communicate with you and your provider.

Your PCA cannot be your:

• Spouse
• Parent, stepparent or legal guardian (for a minor)
• Paid legal guardian

Your PCA may be your friend, neighbor other relative not listed above if they meet the requirements.