If a participant on the Children's Act Early Waiver switches to CDCS, what happens to the budget?

Study for the Family and Self-Directed Services Support Broker Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get prepared for success!

When you switch to a Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) model, the way funds are allocated changes. CAE waivers are typically structured to cover a broad range of services with a higher, agency-managed budget that includes supports and administrative costs under the waiver. CDCS, by contrast, moves to a consumer-directed budget that is scoped by the CDCS guidelines and the person-centered plan. Because CDCS emphasizes self-direction and paying for supports directly, some services funded under the CAE waiver aren’t included or are funded differently, and the administrative framework is set up to operate within a smaller, constrained budget. As a result, the total budget available under CDCS is often reduced relative to what was available under the CAE waiver. If more funding is needed, adjustments would require re-evaluating the plan within CDCS rules and seeking any allowable reallocations, but the default expectation is that the CDCS budget will be lower.