ICS Services in Minnesota: Your Complete to Placement Options 2026
Finding the right care for a loved one with disabilities can feel overwhelming. If you’re searching for ICS services in Minnesota, you’re looking for a way to help your family member live more independently while still receiving the support they need.
This guide explains everything Minnesota families need to know about Integrated Community Supports(ICS), including what services are available, who qualifies, and what options exist when ICS isn’t the right fit.
What Are ICS Services in Minnesota?
Integrated Community Supports (ICS) is a Minnesota Medical Assistance waiver program designed to help adults with disabilities live as independently as possible in apartment-style settings. ICS bridges the gap between living completely independently and needing more intensive residential care.
ICS services focus on helping people thrive in their communities through:
- Community participation – Getting out, making friends, and enjoying activities
- Health, safety, and wellness – Managing appointments and staying healthy
- Household management – Budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining a home
- Adaptive skills – Problem-solving, crisis prevention, and building independence
ICS providers can offer support anywhere from a few hours per day to 24-hour assistance, depending on individual needs.
Who Qualifies for ICS Services in Minnesota?
To receive ICS services, you must meet these requirements:
Age: 18 years or older
Waiver eligibility: Currently enrolled in one of these Minnesota waivers:
- Brain Injury (BI) waiver
- Community Alternative Care (CAC) waiver
- Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waiver
- Developmental Disabilities (DD) waiver
Living situation: Reside in an approved ICS setting – a multi-family housing building (3+ units) where the ICS provider has control over the living units
Service needs: Require support in at least one of the four community living categories
How ICS Services Work in Minnesota
ICS is different from traditional group homes or assisted living facilities. Here’s what makes it unique:
Apartment-style living: Each person has their own private apartment with a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom – not shared living spaces like traditional group homes.
Flexible support levels: Services can range from a few hours of help per week to 24-hour availability, based on what you need.
Person-centered approach: Your care plan is built around your goals, preferences, and the life you want to live.
Community integration: The focus is on helping you participate fully in your community, not just receive care.
24/7 provider availability: Even if staff aren’t on-site constantly, ICS providers must be available to respond to needs around the clock.
What Services Does ICS Provide?
ICS supports cover a wide range of daily living needs:
Daily living assistance:
- Help with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene
- Meal planning and cooking support
- Medication reminders and management
- Household chores and cleaning
Community engagement:
- Transportation to appointments and activities
- Help finding hobbies and social opportunities
- Learning to navigate public transportation
- Building social and interpersonal skills
Health and wellness:
- Coordinating medical appointments
- Health education and preventive care
- Mental health support
- Safety planning and crisis prevention
Life skills training:
- Money management and budgeting
- Lease understanding and tenant responsibilities
- Job training and employment support
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills
Current ICS Availability in Minnesota
While ICS has grown significantly since launching in 2021, finding available placement can be challenging. Here’s what families should know:
Limited availability: Many ICS providers have closed waiting lists or limited openings. With about 927 people currently receiving ICS services and 368 approved settings, placement can take time.
Geographic variations: The Twin Cities metro area has more ICS options than Greater Minnesota, though rural communities are seeing growth.
Provider changes: The ICS landscape is evolving as the state focuses on quality care and program integrity. Some providers have paused services while others continue accepting new residents.
What this means for families: If you need placement soon, it’s important to explore multiple options, not just ICS.
Quality Alternatives to ICS Services in Minnesota
1. Licensed Group Homes/Sober home/ARC
Small group homes offer personalized care in intimate, home-like settings. These facilities typically serve 3-5 residents and provide:
- 24-hour staffing and supervision
- All meals and household management
- Medical care coordination
- Community activities and outings
- Stability with established, licensed providers
2. Assisted Living Facilities
Minnesota assisted living facilities provide nursing home-level medical care in comfortable residential settings. Benefits include:
- Professional nursing staff on-site
- Medication management
- Personal care assistance
- Social activities and programs
- Small, home-like environments (we serve maximum 5 residents)
- 1 on 1 Comprehensive Healthcare Solution has Licensed Assisted Living available for, call 763-299-0025 for intake.
Best for: Individuals with complex medical needs who still want a home atmosphere, not an institutional setting.
3. Customized Living Services
Customized living offers flexibility with individualized support plans in various housing settings:
- Personalized care based on specific needs
- More control over daily schedules
- Can be provided in different residential settings
- Accepts Medical Assistance and waiver funding
- 1 on 1 Comprehensive Healthcare Solution has customized living homes in Minnesota. Call us now at 763-299-0025 to learn about placement options. Fill in our referral form, we will help you explore our services.
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- Best for: People who want customized support but may not fit ICS requirements.
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4. Community Residential Services
Traditional residential programs provide comprehensive support for adults with disabilities:
- Structured daily routines
- Staff training in disability-specific care
- Community integration opportunities
- Long-term stability
Best for: Individuals who need consistent, reliable residential support.
| Feature | ICS Services | Group Homes | Assisted Living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting | Individual apartments | Shared home (3-5 people) | Small facilities (up to 5) |
| Staffing | As needed, 24/7 available | 24-hour on-site staff | 24-hour nursing staff |
| Independence | High – own apartment | Moderate – shared spaces | Moderate – private rooms |
| Medical care | Basic support | Care coordination | Moderate to Complex-level care |
| Best for | Maximum independence | Community living | Complex medical needs |
How to Find ICS Services Near You in Minnesota
If you want to explore ICS options, here’s how to start:
1. Contact your county case manager – They can check ICS availability in your area and help with waiver eligibility.
2. Use MinnesotaHelp.info – Search for enrolled ICS settings by county and provider.
3. Check HB101 Places – Filter by “Integrated Community Supports (ICS) setting” to find approved locations.
4. Contact providers directly – Ask about current availability, waiting lists, and tour opportunities.
5. Explore alternatives – Struggling to find a suitable ICS? Don’t limit yourself to only ICS. Quality group homes and assisted living may have immediate openings. Other options include Comprehensive Homecare, CSSP (PCA), and 245-D Services.
Don’t wait to get the care you need. Contact your case worker right away. Look into all the options available to you.
Learn about ICS more.
Questions to Ask Any ICS or Care Provider
About availability:
- Do you have current openings?
- How long is the waiting list?
- When could my loved one move in?
About services:
- What specific services do you provide?
- What is your staff-to-resident ratio?
- How do you handle emergencies?
- Can services increase if needs change?
About quality:
- How long have you been licensed in Minnesota?
- Can I see your most recent inspection reports?
- What training do your staff members receive?
- Can I speak with current residents and families?
About costs:
- Do you accept Medical Assistance?
- What waivers do you work with?
- Are there any additional fees?
- What’s included in the monthly rate?
The 1 on 1 Comprehensive Healthcare Solution Difference
At 1 on 1 Comprehensive Healthcare Solution, we know that choosing the right care placement is a key decision for your family and Care Coordinator. We do not offer ICS services. However, we provide something many families prefer: small, licensed residential care. This care combines medical skills with the warmth and personal touch of home.
What makes us different:
Tiny by design: Maximum 5 residents per home – not 20, not 50, just 5 people who become like family.
Medical expertise: Led by a Doctor of Nursing Practice with over 20 years of experience.
Home-like settings: Real homes in quiet Minnesota neighborhoods, not institutional facilities. Each location feels like coming home, not checking into a facility.
Superior staffing: Our staff-to-resident ratio means your loved one gets attention when they need it, not when it fits the schedule.
Multiple locations across Minnesota:
- Maple Grove – Hennepin County
- St. Michael – Wright County
- Spring Lake Park – Anoka County
- Bloomington – Hennepin County
We accept:
- Minnesota Medical Assistance (Waiver waiver funding)
- Private pay
- Long-term care insurance
Ready to Find the Right Care for Your Loved One?
Whether you’re exploring ICS services or looking for quality alternatives, we’re here to help. At 1 on 1 Comprehensive Healthcare Solution, we provide personalized residential care that gives families peace of mind.
Take the next step today:
Call us: (763) 299-0025
Email: Admin@1on1comprehensivehealthcare.com
Visit: 1on1comprehensivehealthcare.com
We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and help you find the care setting that’s right for your family.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only. 1 on 1 Comprehensive Healthcare Solution is not licensed as an Integrated Community Supports (ICS) provider and does not offer ICS services. We do offer 245-D services, Comprehensive Homecare Services, and Assisted Living Services.
Frequently Asked Questions About ICS Services in Minnesota
Neither is universally better – it depends on individual needs. ICS offers more independence in apartment settings, while group homes provide more structure and on-site staffing. Consider your loved one’s comfort with independence and medical needs.
Your healthcare need, case worker assessment, MN choice assessment, and overall comfort determine which location best fit you.
ICS is covered by Minnesota Medical Assistance waivers (BI, CAC, CADI, DD). Residents may need to pay their share of rent, but services are generally funded through their waiver program.
Yes! When you choose ICS, you’re choosing both your provider and where you live. However, you must live in an approved ICS setting to receive ICS services from that provider.
You can switch to other waiver services like individualized home supports, community residential services, or move to assisted living or group home settings. Your county case manager can help with transitions. You should not be left alone to figure this out, contact your case worker immediately for support.
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. 1 on 1 Comprehensive Healthcare Solution is a licensed residential care provider. It is not connected to or certified for Integrated Community Supports (ICS) services. Families should consult with their county case manager to determine the most appropriate care option for their individual situation. Call us at 763-299-0025 to learn about our program.
Take our patient needs assessment to learn if we are a good fit for you.
