Consumer Directed Services (CDS) Option

Administered by Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) · hhs.texas.gov

Texas service delivery model that lets recipients of Medicaid HCBS waivers (STAR+PLUS HCBS, CLASS, HCS, TxHmL, MDCP, DBMD, and Community First Choice) hire and manage their own attendants and personal care providers - including family members like adult children, parents of adult children, and siblings. The recipient or their representative becomes the employer of record. Family caregivers can be paid for the care they already provide. A Financial Management Services Agency handles payroll, taxes, and compliance paperwork. Important restrictions: spouses generally cannot be paid, and parents of minor children cannot be paid through HCS or TxHmL. MDCP allows parents of medically fragile children to be paid in some cases.