Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) is a Medicaid benefit under the Home and Community Based Services—Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (HCBS-EBD) and Persons living with Mental Illness (MI) waivers that allow clients to manage their attendant services. CDASS uses the term attendant, though people use many other terms such as aide, personal care assistant and homemaker.  In CDASS, you and/or your authorized representative can:

• hire attendants, even friends and family, based on qualifications that you set
• train, supervise and fire your attendants
• decide when and where you receive services
• set wages for your attendants, within your monthly budget
• choose someone you trust, like a family member or friend (an authorized representative), to help you manage the program

CDASS Fact Sheet:  To view or download a fact sheet describing the CDASS benefit, please click here.

How does CDASS Work?

In CDASS, Medicaid funds are set aside for you to control, instead of paying a home health agency or personal care agency to provide your attendant care. Your case manager determines your “individual monthly allocation.” After you and/or your authorized representative complete training and enroll in the services, you and/or your authorized representative will be responsible for managing these funds to meet your needs.

Some important requirements:
• You must be eligible for HCBS-EBD or MI waivers.
• You must demonstrate a need for attendant support.
• Your participation is voluntary.
• You and/or your authorized representative must be able to direct your care.

How do I get started?

Contact your local Single Entry Point Agency (SEP) and set up an appointment.