Consumer Directed Services

Already caring for a loved one? You may be able to get paid for the support you are already giving.

What Is Consumer Directed Services

Consumer Directed Services, also known as CDS, is a Missouri Medicaid program funded through MO HealthNet that gives eligible individuals the freedom to choose who provides their care. Instead of being assigned a caregiver by an agency, the person receiving care selects someone they already know and trust, often a family member or close friend, and that person gets paid through Missouri Medicaid at no cost to the family.


The program is administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and is designed to help people remain at home and live independently rather than moving into a nursing facility.


What a Caregiver Can Help With

A personal care attendant under the CDS program assists with daily activities including personal hygiene, bathing, dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, medication reminders and mobility support.

Who Can Be a Caregiver

A caregiver can be a friend, neighbor or family member. A spouse and a parent of a minor child cannot serve as a paid caregiver under program rules. All caregivers must pass a background check through the Family Care Safety Registry before services begin. No special certifications are required.

Our Role

Healthline handles the administrative side so families can focus on the care itself. We manage payroll, taxes and compliance so the caregiver gets paid correctly and on time without the family having to navigate the paperwork alone.

FAQs

Have questions about the CDS program in Missouri?

Here is what families ask us most.

  • Can I get paid to care for a family member in Missouri?

    Yes. Through the Consumer Directed Services program funded by Missouri Medicaid your family member can choose you as their paid caregiver. You do not need special certifications and there is no cost to the person receiving care.

  • Who qualifies for Consumer Directed Services in Missouri?

    To participate the person receiving care must have active Missouri Medicaid and meet functional eligibility requirements determined by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. If you are not sure whether you qualify we can walk you through the process from the first call.

  • Can my adult child be my paid caregiver under CDS?

    Yes. Adult children are eligible to serve as paid caregivers under the CDS program. Spouses and parents of minor children are excluded under current Missouri Medicaid program rules.

  • How does a CDS caregiver get paid?

    Caregivers are paid through Missouri Medicaid via MO HealthNet. There is no cost to the person receiving care or their family. Healthline handles payroll, taxes and compliance so the caregiver gets paid correctly and on time.

  • What is the difference between CDS and regular in-home care?

    With regular in-home care the agency assigns a professional caregiver. With Consumer Directed Services the person receiving care chooses their own caregiver including a family member or close friend. Both are funded through Missouri Medicaid.

Still have a question?

We are happy to help. Reach out to us and we will walk you through everything you need to know.

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