Kayla Lanes
Minnesota Disability Waiver Changes Taking ...

Minnesota’s disability waiver programs are entering a period of transition in 2026. Legislative changes passed in 2025 affect service billing, assessments, residential supports, and long-term system planning. If you receive, coordinate, or provide waiver services, understanding what’s changing — and when — is essential. Here’s what to expect.

Read time: 5 minutes

Kayla Lanes
Understanding Minnesota's CADI Waiver: How ...

Minnesota's Community Access for Disability Inclusion waiver provides essential support for individuals with disabilities who require nursing facility-level care but prefer to live independently in their communities.

At BrightPath, we help families navigate the CADI waiver system and access services including 24-hour emergency assistance, individualized home supports and community residential services. Understanding eligibility requirements—including age limits, disability certification and financial criteria—helps families make informed decisions about long-term care options. With an estimated 52,195 recipients served statewide and comprehensive coverage for services ranging from personal care assistance to home modifications, the CADI waiver represents a vital pathway to independence. Our team works alongside case managers to deliver person-centered care that emphasizes self-determination and community integration for every individual we serve.

Read time: 7 minutes

Kayla Lanes
Building Blocks for Independence: Understanding ...

Individualized Home Supports provide services for people living in their own homes or family homes, offering support and training in community living areas including community participation, health and wellness, household management, and adaptive skills. For Minnesota residents with disabilities enrolled in BI, CADI, CAC, or DD waivers, IHS represents a flexible option for building independence while receiving needed support.

This article explains what IHS services are, who qualifies, and how they differ between "with training" and "without training" options. We discuss recent Minnesota policy changes affecting IHS, including 2026 service limitations and rate adjustments, and explore research suggesting independent living settings may be associated with positive outcomes for some individuals.

Written by BrightPath, a 245D service provider in West St. Paul, this article includes transparent disclosure of our role while providing evidence-based information about Minnesota's IHS programs, eligibility requirements, the four community living service categories, and practical considerations for families exploring support options.

Read time: 10 minutes

Kayla Lanes
Supporting the Supporters: Why Caregiver ...

As Minnesota enters the heart of winter and the holiday season arrives, family caregivers face compounding pressures that research shows can significantly impact their mental and physical health. Recent data reveals that approximately 20% of family caregivers experience depression—roughly twice the rate found in the general population—with rates considerably higher among those caring for individuals with specific conditions.

This article examines caregiver mental health research, explores why many caregivers struggle to access support despite clear need, and discusses both individual wellness strategies and structural factors affecting caregiving sustainability. We look at the current federal and state policy landscape, including FMLA coverage limitations, state-by-state variations in support programs, and Minnesota resources available to family caregivers.

Understanding that BrightPath is a 245D service provider with a professional interest in connecting families with support services, we've prioritized evidence-based information and transparency. The article addresses both individual coping strategies and broader support systems that research suggests contribute to sustainable caregiving arrangements.

Read time: 8 minutes

home-based care services

The Future of Person-Centered Care: Why Home-Based Services Are Transforming Lives in Minnesota

Home and community-based care employment has reached 4.3 million jobs nationwide, significantly outpacing the 3.3 million positions in institutional settings. This shift reflects changing preferences in how Americans receive care, with Minnesota residents showing strong support for accessible healthcare options that allow individuals to remain in their homes and communities.

This article explores person-centered care approaches and why home-based services are increasingly preferred by individuals seeking to maintain independence while receiving support. We examine the factors driving this trend—including autonomy, comfort, and community integration—and discuss research on cost-effectiveness and outcomes.

As a 245D service provider in West St. Paul, BrightPath describes how person-centered care principles guide service delivery through In-Home Supports, 24-hour Emergency Assistance, and other support options. The article addresses current healthcare challenges including caregiver shortages and rising costs, while exploring how self-determination contributes to quality care experiences.

Read time: 8 minutes