Montana Community First Choice Services (CFCS) / Personal Care Services (PCS) / Big Sky Waiver

Montana implemented the 1915(k) Community First Choice state plan option with self-direction, now renamed to Community First Choice Services (CFCS) and Personal Care Services (PCS) effective end of 2025, to align with federal naming conventions (previously called Community First Choice (CFC) and Personal Attendant Services (PAS)). CFCS is an entitlement (no waitlist). The Big Sky Waiver remains under its existing name and may have waitlists for additional services. Family members including spouses can be hired as paid caregivers through the consumer-directed option.

Montana CFCS (formerly CFC) and PCS (formerly PAS) provide consumer-directed personal assistance services with attendant pay rates of approximately $13–$17/hr (see July 2025 CFCS fee schedule at medicaidprovider.mt.gov/12). CFCS is a 1915(k) entitlement (no waitlist); the Big Sky Waiver may have waitlists for additional services. Family members including spouses can be hired as paid caregivers. The rename (CFC/PAS → CFCS/PCS) was fully implemented by end of 2025 to align with federal naming conventions; the Big Sky Waiver name is unchanged.

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Eligibility

• Care recipient must have a qualifying disability
• Relationship: spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, other relative, non relative

Services

Montana CFCS (formerly CFC) and PCS (formerly PAS) provide consumer-directed personal assistance services with attendant pay rates of approximately $13–$17/hr (see July 2025 CFCS fee schedule at medicaidprovider.mt.gov/12). CFCS is a 1915(k) entitlement (no waitlist); the Big Sky Waiver may have waitlists for additional services. Family members including spouses can be hired as paid caregivers. The rename (CFC/PAS → CFCS/PCS) was fully implemented by end of 2025 to align with federal naming conventions; the Big Sky Waiver name is unchanged.