Consumer Directed Services (CDS) in Missouri
Get paid to care for your loved one. Through Missouri’s Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program, AW Health Care helps eligible adults with physical disabilities remain independent at home—by allowing them to choose, hire, and manage their own caregiver, often a trusted friend or family member.
If you qualify for Missouri Medicaid, you may be eligible to direct your own in-home care at no cost. You choose the caregiver. We handle payroll, training, and support.
- Medicaid-funded program for Missouri residents
- Clients hire their own caregiver—often a family member or friend
- No out-of-pocket cost to participate
- Stay safe and independent at home
- AW Health Care manages training, payroll, and ongoing support
Who Is Eligible for CDS in Missouri?
You may qualify for CDS if you meet the following criteria:
- You are 18 years or older
- You are a Missouri resident
- You are eligible for MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid)
- You have a physical disability requiring assistance with daily tasks
- You are mentally capable of directing your own care
Unsure if you qualify? Call 314.726.5600 — our team can guide you through the eligibility process.
Get Started with CDS Today
Call 314.726.5600 or Contact Us to check your eligibility or start your application
Serving Missouri residents through our University City office
Explore Related Services:
How Consumer Directed Services Work
1. You choose your caregiver
This could be a friend, neighbor, or family member (excluding spouses and legal guardians). You become the “employer.”
2. We handle the rest
AW Health Care is your fiscal agent—we process payroll, manage taxes, assist with caregiver onboarding, and ensure compliance with Missouri’s Medicaid regulations.
3. Care is delivered at home
Your personal care attendant (PCA) helps with day-to-day needs while you remain safely and independently in your own home.
Payment Options
- MO Medicaid
What Services Can a PCA Provide?
Your chosen caregiver can help you with:
- Personal hygiene: bathing, grooming, toileting
- Dressing and undressing
- Meal preparation and feeding assistance
- Housekeeping: laundry, dishes, cleaning
- Mobility support and transfers
- Transportation to medical appointments or errands
- Medication reminders
- General supervision for safety
These services are designed to replace or prevent nursing home placement by supporting your independence.
What AW Health Care Provides
As a Missouri-approved CDS provider, we handle:
- Initial eligibility verification and enrollment support
- Training for your personal care attendant
- Ongoing support and care plan documentation
- Payroll, timesheet processing, and taxes
- Compliance with MO HealthNet guidelines
- Annual reassessment and case coordination
Benefits of the CDS Program
- You stay in control of your care
- Your caregiver gets paid through Medicaid funding
- You can receive personalized support from someone you trust
- Services are provided in your home, not an institution
- CDS is designed to preserve your freedom, dignity, and lifestyle
We are a women-owned company, ranked in the top 10% of home health agencies in the St. Louis region, proudly delivering care to more than 1,500 clients each day, backed by over 400 team members.
Contact Us!
When you fill out this form, you can expect to receive a call and email from our professional staff. We will reach out to you and answer your questions.
FAQs About Consumer Directed Services (CDS)
No. The CDS program is funded by MO HealthNet (Medicaid). As long as you meet eligibility, there is no cost to you.
No. CDS is available statewide. AW Health Care serves multiple counties throughout the St. Louis Metro Area and surrounding regions.
