Struggling with ICS Program? Care Alternatives for Families in Minnesota
If your loved one receives Integrated Community Supports (ICS) in Minnesota, you already know things have not been easy lately. Providers are shutting down. Payments are being frozen. Families are being left without answers.
You are not alone. Since late 2025, the state has paused payments to multiple ICS providers over concerns of fraud. Some providers stopped services overnight, leaving families scrambling for help.
The good news is that ICS is not your only option. This guide walks you through what is happening and the care alternatives available in Minnesota right now.
Why So Many Minnesota Families Are Struggling with ICS
The ICS program was created in 2021 to help adults with disabilities live in apartments with daily support. It grew fast — from $4.6 million per year to nearly $180 million by 2025.
That rapid growth brought problems. DHS found that some providers were billing inappropriately. Starting in September 2025, the state began freezing payments and investigated those providers. Many companies were closed as the result of this, leaving families with no care options.
Now the question is ‘what options are available for families left without care.”
Disability rights attorneys say innocent families are getting caught in the middle. Some people have lost all care with no clear plan to replace it.
What to Do If Your ICS Services Are Disrupted
Service Disruption: If your loved one’s ICS service has been interrupted or if you need alternative to ICS, here is what you need to do:
Know That Your Loved One Still Has Rights
Your loved one is still legally entitled to services under their Medicaid waiver. No one can just cut them off.
Call Your Case Manager Now
Your county waiver case manager is the person who can help the most. They can find a new provider, update the service plan, or connect your loved one to a different type of care. Do not wait — call them today, CALL THEM NOW!
Best Care Alternatives to ICS in Minnesota
ICS is not the only way to get support. Depending on your loved one’s needs, these alternatives may actually offer more stability and a higher level of care.
Small Licensed Group Homes
For families who want 24/7 on-site staff and a real home-like setting, a small licensed group home is one of the strongest alternatives. Staff are there around the clock — not just available by phone. Small homes with 4 to 5 residents mean your loved one gets personal attention every day.
All our homes are licensed by MDH.
Individualized Home Supports
If you live in your own housing outside of a provider-controlled setting, individualized home supports provide one-on-one help in their own home. This may be available to those living in the community through out 245-D program which is licensed by MN Dept Human Services
Assisted Living
Licensed assisted living facilities combine housing and daily care under one roof. These are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health and are a stable option for people who need help with meals, bathing, and medication management.
Community Residential Services
For people on the BI, CADI, CAC, or DD waivers, community residential services provide 24-hour support in a provider-operated home. This is a step up from ICS and works well for people who need more hands-on daily help.
Why Small Group Homes Are a Better Fit Than ICS for Many Families
Here is why small group homes are becoming the top choice:
- Around-the-clock care: Staff are on-site 24/7 — not just on call
- Stronger oversight: Licensed and regularly inspected by the state MDH or MN DHS
- Personal attention: Small homes with 4 to 5 residents mean staff know your loved one by name
- Medical care on-site: Many group homes handle ventilator care, G-tubes, spinal cord injuries, and complex needs
Stable, Expert Care at 1on1 Comprehensive Healthcare Solution
At 1 on 1 Comprehensive Healthcare Solution, we know how stressful it is when your loved one’s care falls apart. That is why we do things differently. We may be able to help, call us at 763-299-0025 to discuss your care need.
- We can help with many complex conditions in home-like setting
- Maximum of 5 residents per home for real, personalized attention
- We are also licensed to provide 245 D waiver services in the community.
- Minnesota Medical Assistance accepted
- Complex care including ventilator support, G-tube care, and spinal cord injury management
We are led by a Doctor of Nursing Practice with deep experience in disability and medical care. Our team treats every resident like family.
Our small licensed homes are strategically located in
- Maple Grove (Hennepin County)
- St. Michael (Wright County)
- Spring Lake Park (Anoka County)
- Bloomington (Hennepin County)
We provide 245-D services and Comprehensive Homecare Services in most cities in Minnesota. Call us now at 763-299-0025 to discuss your specific case. Take our patient needs assessment to learn more about our services.
Your Loved One Deserves Care That Does Not Disappear
If the ICS program has let your family down, you do not have to figure this out alone. We offer stable, licensed, around-the-clock care that your loved one can count on.
Call us today: 763-299-0025 Visit: 1on1comprehensivehealthcare.com
Email: Admin@1on1comprehensivehealthcare.com
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Serving families across Hennepin County, Wright County, Anoka County, Stearns County, and throughout Minnesota.
At 1 on 1 Comprehensive Healthcare Solution, we provide medical care in small, licensed group homes across Minnesota — with no more than 5 residents per home. Our homes are led by a Doctor of Nursing Practice and staffed with trained caregivers available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We specialize in complex care including ventilator support, G-tube care, spinal cord injury management, and Colostomy support. We are licensed as a 245 D waiver services Provider and also a Comprehensive Homecare Service Provider — all in a warm, home-like setting that feels like family, not a facility. We accept Minnesota Medical Assistance and serve families in Maple Grove, St. Michael, Spring Lake Park, and Bloomington.
