People Supported by a Waiver

Spenddown Information

If you are receiving services through your state waiver, you may have what’s called a spenddown.

A spenddown is a set monthly amount that you are responsible for paying as part of your eligibility for services.

If you receive an invoice from ConnectAbility of MN, it reflects your spenddown amount. Making this payment helps ensure your services continue without interruption.

If you have any questions about your spenddown or your invoice, we’re here to help—please don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can pay your invoice by:

  • Mailing a check payable to ConnectAbility of MN
  • Calling our office to pay with a credit card
  • Paying online with our secure payment link

Mail:  2901 3rd St S Waite Park, MN 56387

Phone:  320.253.0765

Secure Online Payment
Patient Bill of Rights

Spenddown Policy

This policy outlines how spenddown is applied, billed, and enforced for services provided by ConnectAbility of MN. It is intended to provide clear, consistent expectations for clients, families, guardians, and county or lead agency staff. 

This policy applies to all coordinated services and is designed to be fair to clients while ensuring ConnectAbility of MN can continue providing services in a sustainable and compliant manner. 

Definition of Spenddown

Spenddown is the portion of waiver-funded services that a person is required to pay, as determined by DHS and the county or lead agency. 

Key points: – Spenddown is not determined by ConnectAbility of MN – Amounts may change month to month – Spenddown is a required condition of receiving services – ConnectAbility of MN is required to collect Spenddown once it is assessed 

Services Subject to Spenddown

Spenddown applies to all coordinated services, including but not limited to: 

  • Chore services 

  • Transportation coordination 

  • Accessibility / home modifications 

  • Assessments 

  • Specialized equipment purchasing 

  • Transitional services 

  • Subscriptions and other waiver-funded services 

Billing Timing and Notification

  • Spenddown amounts are often not known until after DHS processes payment 

  • ConnectAbility of MN notifies clients of Spenddown amounts within 30 days of DHS payment 

  • Payment timelines begin from the date of notification, not the date of service 

Clients are responsible for Spenddown even when amounts are applied retroactively or fluctuate from month to month. 

Pre-Payment and Post-Payment Services

Services Requiring Payment Before Service Begins 

Due to the nature of these services and the financial risk involved, Spenddown must be paid in full before services begin for: 

  • Assessments 

  • Accessibility or home modifications 

  • Specialized equipment purchasing 

  • Any purchasing activity (including deposits, furniture, household items, or materials) 

Services in this category will not begin until Spenddown payment is received. 

Services Billed After DHS Payment 

For the following services, patient responsibility is billed after DHS payment is received: 

  • Chore services 

  • Transportation coordination 

  • Subscriptions 

  • The move-related portion of Transitional Services 

Spenddown for these services follows the payment expectations outlined below.

If Spenddown Is Incorrect or Unaffordable

Only the county or lead agency can review or change a Spenddown determination. 

Clients should contact their county case manager or lead agency if they believe: – The amount is incorrect – The amount is unaffordable 

ConnectAbility of MN will work with the client and county during this review process. 

Payment Expectations

Payment expectations are based on the monthly Spenddown amount. 

Tier 1: Low Spenddown

  • Monthly amount under $25 

  • Payment is expected within 30 days of notification

 

Tier 2: Moderate Spenddown

  • Monthly amount $25–$250 

  • Payment is expected within 30 days of notification

 

Tier 3: High Spenddown 

  • Monthly amount over $250 or a cumulative balance over $500 

  • Payment is expected within 30 days of notification

  • Failure to engage or comply may result in a service pause 

 

Tier 4: Unsustainable Spenddown

  • Monthly amounts typically $500–$1,000 or more 

  • Situations where payment is not reasonably achievable 

  • Immediate review with ConnectAbility of MN leadership

  • County or lead agency notification

  • Services may be paused while Spenddown is reviewed

  • Services may be discontinued if the issue is not resolved 

ConnectAbility of MN is not financially able to continue services when Spenddown is determined to be unsustainable. 

 

Service Pause and Discontinuation

Service Pause 

Services may be temporarily paused when:

  • Spenddown is unpaid

  • Spenddown is under county review 

 

Service Discontinuation 

Services may be discontinued when:

  • Spenddown remains unresolved

  • Payment is not made and no plan is in place

  • County review does not result in a sustainable outcome 

Written notice and county notification will occur prior to service discontinuation. 

What is our role?

We partner directly with your county case manager to arrange the services and items you need. This can include things like lawn care, snow removal, moving services, home modifications, or essential purchases. We handle the logistics so you don’t have to.

Once services are in place, we stay involved. We monitor providers to make sure services are delivered as expected, collect invoices, and bill your waiver budget appropriately. We also advocate on your behalf—negotiating fair pricing, comparing vendors, and making sure you’re getting quality service without overpaying.

Think of us as your behind-the-scenes support system. We work alongside your case manager to help ensure your needs are met, while prioritizing your safety, independence, and overall quality of life.

Our team is fully licensed and certified, meets all Minnesota DHS provider requirements, and continues ongoing training to better serve you.

Who should I contact with questions?

Questions about bills or payments should be directed to the ConnectAbility of MN team by calling (320) 253-0765 and asking to speak to someone in the Finance Department.

Questions about Spenddown amounts should be directed to your county case manager or lead agency.

When do I have to pay my Spenddown?

Payment timing depends on the type of service:

Upfront payment is required for services with large, one-time costs (such as assessments, home modifications, or equipment purchases).

Monthly billing applies to ongoing services (such as chore or transportation), where Spenddown is applied after DHS payment is received.

Does ConnectAbility of MN decide or change my Spenddown amount?

 

No. ConnectAbility of MN does not set, change, or waive Spenddown amounts. We are required to collect the amount once it is determined. If you have concerns about the amount, your county case manager or lead agency is the only entity that can review or adjust it.

What happens if I can’t pay or miss a payment?

If the amount feels unaffordable, contact your county case manager or lead agency—they are the only ones who can review or adjust your Spenddown.

If a Spenddown remains unpaid, services may be temporarily paused and could be discontinued after notice and county notification. However, services do not always stop immediately—staying in communication can help prevent interruptions.

Why wasn’t my Spenddown amount known right away?

 

In many cases, the Spenddown is not confirmed until after DHS processes payment for services. Once the amount is finalized, we notify you as quickly as possible.

Why do I have a Spenddown?

 

A Spenddown is determined by DHS and your county or lead agency based on income and program rules. It is a required part of receiving waiver-funded services.

Can I set up a payment plan?

Yes. Payment plans are available through Klarna when using our online payment link. This allows you to spread payments over time instead of paying the full balance upfront.