For people and families choosing a provider
How can we compare HCBS providers fairly?
Compare providers against the person’s actual request: service, location, schedule, preferences and support needs. Ask the same core questions and mark unknown answers clearly. Separate a provider’s published services from its ability to meet this request at this time.
Agree on the comparison criteria
Ask the person what matters most before contacting providers. That may include communication, visit timing, participation in worker matching or how concerns are handled. Keep requirements distinct from preferences so an attractive feature does not hide an unresolved essential question.
Prepare one concise request to use in each conversation. If different providers receive different details, their answers may not be comparable.
Check identity and service information
Use Minnesota’s licensing information lookup when checking a provider record. Match the organization rather than relying only on a similar name. Ask the provider to explain the relationship between its public name and legal entity if those differ.
Record answers at their actual level of certainty
Use categories such as confirmed, needs review, unavailable and unknown. Record who supplied the answer and when. “We accept referrals” is not the same as confirmation of a worker for the requested schedule.
A decision can reasonably remain open while an important fact is checked. Ask what the next confirmation would be and who will provide it. Do not award a provider a favorable rating because an unanswered question was left blank.
HCBS provider comparison sheet
Download this editable worksheet, add your notes, and bring it to the relevant planning conversation. Leave unknown details blank and identify who can confirm them.
Download worksheet (.txt)- Shared request
- What service, area, schedule and priorities were given to every provider?
- Provider identity
- Which organization and contact are you speaking with, and what record did you check?
- Service and schedule fit
- What is confirmed, unavailable or still under review?
- Person’s preferences
- How does the provider explain communication, worker fit and concerns?
- Next confirmation
- Which unanswered question could change the decision, and who will answer it?
An optional discussion tool, not an official assessment, authorization, service plan, or emergency plan. Keep completed copies private and share through an agreed channel.
Illustrative planning example
A person prefers afternoon visits and wants to participate in introductions. One provider confirms the introduction process but has not checked afternoons. The family keeps those answers separate rather than describing the provider as a complete match.
This example is invented to explain the worksheet; it is not a client story or a promised outcome.
Your next step
Use the same questions when contacting Clemens Health. Share the priorities that matter to the person and ask which details can be confirmed for their specific request.
For a conversation with Clemens Health about your Twin Cities location, call (651) 354-1196 or send a referral. Service fit, authorization, and staffing need to be confirmed.
Minnesota resources
State resources explain program rules. The worksheet and examples are Clemens Health planning aids. Links were checked October 5, 2026; follow the current state guidance for eligibility and service questions.