If your family member is under 65, lives with a disability and needs daily help, the CADI waiver may be what makes assisted living affordable. This guide explains what the CADI waiver is, who qualifies, what it pays for in an assisted living setting, what it does not cover, and how to start the process in Minnesota.
What is the CADI waiver?
CADI stands for Community Access for Disability Inclusion. It is one of Minnesota’s Medical Assistance (MA) home and community-based services waivers. Its purpose is to help people with disabilities get the support they need in the community instead of moving into a nursing home.
One of the services CADI can fund is customized living, including 24-hour customized living. Customized living is the care and supervision a person receives in an assisted living setting, such as help with bathing, dressing, medications, meals and safety checks.
Who qualifies for the CADI waiver?
In general, a person must meet all of the following:
- Live in Minnesota and be under age 65 when they enroll.
- Have a certified disability, through Social Security or the State Medical Review Team (SMRT).
- Be eligible for Medical Assistance.
- Need the level of care normally provided in a nursing facility, as determined by an assessment.
Eligibility is decided by the county or tribal nation, not by the assisted living provider. The final word always comes from that assessment.
CADI vs. Elderly Waiver: what changes at 65?
CADI is designed for adults under 65. The Elderly Waiver (EW) serves people 65 and older who need nursing-facility-level care. A person already on CADI can usually choose to stay on CADI after turning 65 or move to the Elderly Waiver. Their case manager will walk them through that choice.
For a broader look at both programs, read our guide to Minnesota’s Elderly Waiver and Medicaid waivers.
What CADI pays for in assisted living, and what it does not
In an assisted living home, CADI can pay for the customized living services written into the person’s support plan. That typically means personal care, medication help, supervision and the daily support that keeps someone safe.
CADI does not pay for room and board, meaning rent and food. Move-in costs such as community fees or deposits are not covered either. Many families cover room and board from the resident’s own income, such as Social Security. Some residents may also qualify for Minnesota’s Housing Support program to help with those costs. The county financial worker can explain the options.
How to apply for the CADI waiver, step by step
- Contact the county. Call the county where your family member lives and ask for a MnCHOICES assessment. In Dakota County, that is Dakota County Social Services.
- Complete the MnCHOICES assessment. An assessor meets with your family member to understand their health, daily needs and goals. This determines whether they meet the level of care for the waiver.
- Confirm Medical Assistance. If your family member is not already on MA, the county will help with the MA application.
- Get a case manager and support plan. Once approved, a case manager writes a support plan listing the services they will receive, such as customized living.
- Choose a provider that accepts CADI. Not every assisted living accepts waivers. Ask directly before you tour.
The timeline varies by county and by how quickly paperwork moves. Starting early, before a crisis, gives families more choices.
Questions to ask an assisted living home about CADI
- Do you accept CADI for customized living, including 24-hour customized living?
- What is the monthly room and board cost, and what does it include?
- Do you have an opening now, or a waitlist?
- How many residents live in the home, and how many staff are on site day and night?
- Can you work with our case manager on the support plan?
CADI-funded assisted living in Burnsville
Twin Cities Living Assistance is a small assisted living home in Burnsville, Minnesota, with five residents and staff on site 24/7. We accept CADI, along with the Elderly Waiver, BI, CAC and DD waivers, as well as private pay. We regularly work with case managers and care coordinators to get a placement in place.
Learn more on our Minnesota waivers page or our assisted living page. When you are ready, call (612) 964-2222 or make a referral.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone over 65 get the CADI waiver?
New enrollment is for people under 65. Someone already on CADI can usually stay on it after 65 or switch to the Elderly Waiver.
Does CADI pay for rent in assisted living?
No. CADI pays for care services. Room and board is paid separately, often from the resident’s income, and some people qualify for Housing Support.
Who decides if my family member qualifies?
The county or tribal nation decides, based on the MnCHOICES assessment and Medical Assistance eligibility.
How long does CADI approval take?
It varies by county. Ask the county for its current timeline when you request the assessment.
This article is general information, not legal or benefits advice. Program rules can change; your county and case manager have the final word.
