About PCA Services
SEMCIL is a Personal Care Provider Organization (PCPO) and PCA Choice Provider registered with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). PCA and Homemaker services are available to eligible consumers covered by Minnesota Medical Assistance (MA), special Waivered services under MA, and the Alternative Care (AC) Program.
PCA services support persons with disabilities, including the young, elderly, and others with special health care needs that are living independently in the community. Categories of service that SEMCIL PCAs and Homemakers are able to assist with include:
- Personal cares
- Health-related functions
- Meal preparation
- Essential housekeeping
- Community integration
- Redirection and intervention for behavior & safety
- Reinforcement of skill building plans for children & youth
PCA services must be medically necessary, approved by a physician, in the recipient’s service plan, and have prior authorization from DHS or a pre-paid health plan in the form of a Service Agreement. Additionally, PCA consumers must be able to direct their own care, be knowledgeable about their health care needs, and be able to communicate their needs effectively.
Application Instructions: Contact your local County Public Health Department or Social Services to schedule a PCA Assessment. Once the PCA Assessment is complete and services are authorized, contact SEMCIL to set up services.
TRADITIONAL PCA
In 1988 SEMCIL began offering Personal Care Assistant and Homemaker services to an eleven county service area. This program is now known as Traditional PCA. Service components provided by the agency include:
- Recruitment & Training of PCA(s)
- Professional PCA Supervision
- Scheduling Assistance
- Processing of Billing & Payroll
- Human Resources
PCA CHOICE
In 2005, SEMCIL added PCA Choice. The SEMCIL PCA Choice program serves individuals of all ages throughout 14 counties in southeastern Minnesota, including: Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Le Sueur, Martin, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona.
PCA consumers who choose PCA Choice do so because they want the control and flexibility of hiring, training, and supervising their PCA(s), as well as control and flexibility in managing their schedule. PCA Choice agency service components include:
- Fiscal Intermediary Services
- Processing of Billing & Payroll
- Employee Background Checks
For more information about PCA services and PCA Choice see the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Program Consumer Guidebook, published by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. A paper version of this free guidebook is available (in multiple languages) by calling 1-651-431-2400, or viewing it online. Your public health nurse or county case manager will be able to answer questions about PCA Choice, as well as help you decide if PCA Choice is right for you.