Start PCA Services

Personal care assistance (PCA) services provide assistance and support for persons with disabilities, living independently in the community. This includes the elderly and others with special health care needs. PCA services are provided in the Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) member’s home or in the community when normal life activities take him or her outside the home.

Assessment for PCA Services


PCA services are participant-centered. Members must have an assessment for PCA services by an assessor through a lead agency (a county, tribal government or managed care organization). During the assessment, the assessor determines if:

  • • The member is able to direct his or her own care, or needs a responsible party (RP) to act on their behalf
  • • A need for PCA services exists; or if PCA services are the appropriate service to meet the member’s assessed needs

    • If PCA services are assessed to be appropriate, most MHCP members have flexible use of their PCA services, allowing them to use the assessed services how and when they want within a six-month period. The member or RP also chooses whether they want to receive either or both of the following:

  • • The PCA Choice option, which allows the member to decide which direct care staff will provide the services
  • • The shared service option for PCA services, which allows the member to receive services from the same individual PCA, at the same time and in the same setting as another member receiving PCA services