WEST ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota's Community Access for Disability Inclusion waiver offers thousands of residents an alternative to institutional care, helping individuals with disabilities maintain independence while receiving necessary support. At BrightPath, we work with families every day to navigate the CADI waiver system and access the community-based services that make independence possible.
What is the CADI Waiver?
The Community Access for Disability Inclusion waiver, formerly known as the Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals waiver, is a federally approved Medicaid program administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The program provides financial assistance for home and community-based services to individuals who would otherwise require nursing facility care.
According to Minnesota House research data, the CADI waiver served an estimated 52,195 recipients in 2025, with total expenditures projected at more than $3.1 billion. The average cost per recipient stands at approximately $60,421 annually.
The waiver enables eligible individuals to receive care in various settings, including their own home, a family member's residence, an adult foster care home or an assisted living facility, rather than in institutional environments.
Who Qualifies for CADI Services?
Eligibility for the CADI waiver requires meeting several criteria. Applicants must be Minnesota residents under age 65 at the time of enrollment, though individuals already receiving CADI services may continue after turning 65 or transition to the Elderly Waiver program.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services requires that individuals be certified as disabled by the Social Security Administration or the State Medical Review Team. A MnCHOICES assessment must determine that the applicant requires nursing facility-level care but prefers community-based services.
Financial eligibility remains another key consideration. For the period from July 2024 through June 30, 2025, individual applicants cannot have annual income exceeding 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, equivalent to $1,255 monthly. Married couples with both spouses applying face a combined limit of $1,703 per month.
Asset limits also apply. Individual applicants may retain up to $3,000 in countable assets. For married couples where only one spouse applies, the community spouse can retain assets up to $154,140 as of 2024, independent of the applicant spouse's $3,000 allowance.
Individuals exceeding income limits may still qualify through a "spend-down" process, which allows deducting certain medical expenses from income calculations. The Minnesota Department of Human Services notes that individuals must spend down to 75% of the Federal Poverty Level when using this option.
Services Covered Under CADI
The CADI waiver encompasses a comprehensive range of services designed to support community living and independence. Covered services include 24-hour emergency assistance, adult day care, homemaker services, respite care and personal care assistance.
Additional benefits include home-delivered meals, home and vehicle modifications such as ramps and wheelchair lifts, and transportation assistance. The program also covers behavioral support services, employment services and customized living arrangements with 24-hour staffing when needed.
Extended home health care services, including nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and respiratory therapy, fall under CADI coverage. Case management services help coordinate care and connect individuals with appropriate resources.
The waiver allows for Consumer Directed Community Supports, enabling individuals to direct their own care. Under this model, qualified family members, including adult children, may be hired as caregivers. Spouses and legal guardians are also eligible for paid caregiver roles.
How to Apply for the CADI Waiver
The application process begins with requesting a MnCHOICES assessment from a local county or tribal human services office. Individuals can request this assessment regardless of current Medical Assistance enrollment or financial status.
During the assessment, a trained assessor evaluates what programs and services might help the individual live in the community. The assessor examines Medical Assistance eligibility, reviews available waiver programs and discusses Community First Services and Supports options.
If an individual appears to qualify for public benefits, county staff assist with completing application forms. The application process varies depending on whether the applicant currently has Medical Assistance coverage.
Some counties maintain waiting lists for CADI services. Wait times depend on the specific county and whether the applicant falls into a priority group, such as individuals currently living in institutions. The MnCHOICES assessor explains expected timelines during the initial assessment.
How We Support CADI Waiver Recipients at BrightPath
As a Minnesota-based disability services provider licensed by the Department of Human Services, we specialize in supporting individuals enrolled in the CADI waiver and other disability programs. Our services focus on in-home supports and 24-hour emergency assistance, helping people live independently in their communities.
Our approach aligns with CADI waiver goals by emphasizing person-centered care and community integration. We maintain active licensure for basic support services, including 24-hour emergency assistance, adult companion services, homemaker services, respite care and individualized home supports.
Our 24-Hour Emergency Assistance Services
Our primary service offering centers on 24-hour emergency assistance, a critical CADI waiver benefit. We provide round-the-clock access to trained professionals who can respond to medical emergencies, mental health crises, safety concerns and urgent care coordination needs.
Our emergency assistance team maintains familiarity with each individual's circumstances, medical history and support network. This knowledge enables our staff to provide immediate, informed responses during crisis situations and coordinate appropriate resources quickly.
Individualized Home Supports We Offer
We provide individualized home supports with training, focusing on skill-building and promoting maximum independence. Our services are tailored to each person's unique needs, preferences and goals through customized care plans developed in collaboration with individuals, families and support teams.
Our approach emphasizes self-determination, offering individuals opportunities to make choices and guide their own path toward independence. We design services to support community integration and engagement while helping people maintain their chosen living arrangements.
Our Community Residential Services
For individuals requiring higher levels of support, we offer community residential services in licensed homes. These settings provide 24-hour staff support, personalized care and skill-building opportunities based on individualized support plans.
We also provide crisis respite services, offering short-term behavioral or medical intervention to protect individuals and provide relief to caregivers. Our staff receive specialized training in crisis prevention, intervention and resolution.
Understanding Service Coordination
Upon qualifying for CADI services, recipients work with a case manager who helps develop and maintain a comprehensive care plan. Case managers coordinate services, ensure care aligns with individual needs and goals, and connect recipients with community resources.
The case manager serves as a central point of contact, helping navigate the complex disability services system and addressing concerns as they arise. This coordination ensures services remain appropriate as needs change over time.
We work alongside case managers to deliver services specified in care plans. This collaborative approach helps ensure consistency and quality of care while maintaining focus on individual preferences and outcomes.
Financial Planning Considerations
Navigating CADI waiver financial requirements can prove complex. The Minnesota Department of Human Services recommends working with professional financial planners who specialize in Medical Assistance, Medicaid and waiver programs to maximize available benefits.
Asset transfers made by applicants or their spouses may result in penalties that create periods of Medicaid ineligibility. Minnesota maintains a look-back period during which asset transfers are reviewed. Individuals should consult with qualified professionals before making financial changes that might affect eligibility.
For married couples, resource protection provisions help prevent impoverishment of the non-applicant spouse. These protections allow the community spouse to retain income and assets above standard Medicaid limits while the applicant spouse qualifies for services.
Next Steps for Families
Families considering CADI waiver services should begin by contacting their local county or tribal human services office to request a MnCHOICES assessment. This assessment provides valuable information about available programs and services, even if the individual does not immediately qualify for public benefits.
When selecting service providers, families should consider factors including the provider's experience with specific disabilities, service offerings, staff training and quality, person-centered approach and track record of supporting community integration.
Questions to ask potential providers include inquiries about staff-to-client ratios, emergency response procedures, experience with similar situations, approaches to promoting independence and methods for involving families in care planning.
The Disability Hub MN offers free statewide resources to help families solve problems, navigate the system and plan for the future. The hub provides assistance Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can answer questions about waiver programs and eligibility.
Looking Ahead
Minnesota's disability waiver system continues to evolve. In 2019, the Legislature directed the Department of Human Services to develop a proposal reconfiguring the state's disability waivers from four programs to two. Phase one of this proposal, implementing a common service menu across waivers, took effect in January 2021.
These changes aim to simplify the system and improve service access for individuals with disabilities. As reforms continue, staying informed about program changes and eligibility requirements remains important for families receiving or seeking services.
For individuals with disabilities who require nursing facility-level care but wish to remain in their communities, the CADI waiver provides essential support. Understanding eligibility requirements, available services and quality providers helps families make informed decisions about long-term care options.
At BrightPath, we're committed to helping individuals with disabilities live independently in their communities. If you have questions about CADI waiver services or would like to learn more about how we can support you or your loved one, please contact us. You can also reach out to your local county human services office or visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services website for eligibility information. This article provides general information and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Consult with qualified professionals about your specific situation.