General FAQs

  • Consumer Directed Services (CDS) is a Medicaid funded program for seniors and disabled citizens of Missouri. As a participant, you are assisted with activities of daily living from a trusted personal care attendant of your choice. They help you and we pay them. We offer you these benefits with the help of the Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services.

  • There are no out of pocket costs to you, unless you have a spend down. You simply fill out the form listed at the bottom of our Home Page or contact us directly and we will help determine your eligibility. It’s just that easy!

  • A spend-down is a Medicaid rule that lets someone with income or assets slightly above the state limit become eligible for benefits by applying that excess toward approved, necessary expenses.
    It’s not a penalty, it’s a way to use what you have to qualify for care sooner.
    At MercyOne Home Health Care, we help explain how this works and what counts so you can approach your eligibility with confidence.

  • As a CDS participant you must have the ability to self direct the care you need. Our staff will provide you with a careplan suitable for your needs. As the consumer you are responsible for choosing your caregiver and instructing them on how to care for you. As your healthcare provider we will assist you with these processes. We believe consumer directed services offer the best approach for anyone seeking independent care.

Enrollment

    1. Must be at least 18 years of age.

    2. Must be eligible for MO HealthNet (Medicaid).

    3. Must meet level of care as set by Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

    4. Must be able to fully direct their own care.

    5. Be physically disabled.

  • MercyOne serves all of St. Louis County/City and St. Charles County/City

  • To become a participant, you must first enroll in Missouri’s Medicaid program — MoHealthNet. Don’t worry we’ve made it easy for you. Provide us with information about you by filling out the form listed at the bottom of our Home Page or you can always call The Division of Senior and Disability Services at 855-835-3505. Once you are enrolled, you can submit a referral for Home and Community Based Services here Referral Form. The type of assistance and personal care you receive will be determined after you pass an assessment provided the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Since the care you are provided through CDS is non-medical, there are no certifications required.

    Need more assistance? Give us a call at 314-626-3418

  • On average participants receive about 4.5 hours a day of CDS. The monthly maximum is roughly 120 hours.

Switching Providers?

  • We make switching stress free! Give us a call at (314) 626-3418 and we’ll facilitate that process for you.

  • Most participants choose a trusted family member or friend. You would want to choose someone that has experience caring for you or experience in the field of personal care. Your PCA should be someone you feel is easy to have open communication with and is willing to receive directions from you. Your PCA will also need to pass a standard background check and be flexible in their schedule since they would need to care for you on a daily basis.

  • Your PCA will be compensated at an hourly rate. We pay $12/hr. The CDS participant hires the PCA and they are paid by MercyOne. We handle all of your payroll and tax obligations and ensure the caregiver is paid on time, every time