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Switching agencies
You can change providers at any time. Here is who coordinates the change and what to expect.
Transition dates changed in 2026. Confirm yours with your county, tribal nation or health plan, or write to DHS.CFSS@state.mn.us.
You can change at any time
A person using PCA or CFSS can change providers at any time and can choose freely among all providers enrolled with the state. The current provider must work with the new provider to coordinate the transfer of care.
The previous provider must release unused units or dollars so they are available to the new provider. The previous provider cannot bill for services after the last date of service on the change request, and the new provider cannot bill before the start date on the request.
Who to contact
Start with the right contact. People on a waiver or Alternative Care contact their case manager to change providers. People who are not on a waiver or Alternative Care and are not in a managed care organization contact the new provider, who contacts the county or tribal nation. People in a managed care organization follow their organization's process.
If you use the budget model
A person on the CFSS budget model must wait until the end of the current quarter to switch financial management services providers, although they can start the process before the quarter ends. A person may also change models, agency or budget, at any time with some exceptions. Someone who leaves the budget model mid-year cannot use it for the rest of that service plan year.
What to ask a new provider
Before you switch, ask the new agency whether it is enrolled with DHS as a CFSS provider, how it handles background studies and worker training, who supervises workers and how often, what its complaint process is and which electronic visit verification system it uses. The state also requires agencies to give you information about your rights and to notify you in advance if they plan to stop serving you.
Notices and your workers
If a CFSS provider decides to stop serving you, it must give written notice at least 30 days ahead, compared with 10 days under PCA, with limited exceptions such as immediate risk of harm to staff or an emergency change in condition. If you end services, the provider must give you written acknowledgment with the date it received your request and your requested end date.
Your support workers may need to pass another background study if you change providers, and may need to apply with a new provider if you change agencies or choose the budget model. You may change consultation services providers at any time, but you must tell both your current consultation provider and your county, tribal nation or health plan.
When you are comparing providers, the choosing an agency guide lists what to ask. The Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care (1-800-657-3591) can help you understand your rights.
Common questions
Can I change agencies if I am unhappy?
Yes, at any time, choosing freely among enrolled providers. The old provider must coordinate the transfer and release unused units. A provider that wants to stop serving you must give at least 30 days written notice in CFSS, with limited exceptions.
What does a consultation services provider do, and can my PCA agency be mine?
They explain your CFSS options, help you write your service delivery plan and give ongoing support. Your PCA or CFSS provider agency cannot also be your consultation services provider.
How much notice must a CFSS provider give before it stops serving me?
If a CFSS provider decides to stop serving you, it must give written notice at least 30 days ahead (PCA required 10 days), with limited exceptions such as immediate risk of harm to staff or an emergency change in condition.
Will my current workers move with me to a new agency?
Not automatically. Your support workers may need to pass another background study if you change providers, and may need to apply with a new provider if you change agencies or choose the budget model.