For people and families new to support coordination
What should we ask a case manager at the first conversation?
Bring the person’s priorities, a few examples of where help is wanted, and the questions you need answered. Ask the case manager to explain their role, the current stage of planning, and who is responsible for the next decision. You do not need to know every acronym to participate.
Start with what the person wants
Ask the person which issue they most want to discuss. Put that at the top of the agenda. Include the current supports and the problem that led to the conversation, such as a schedule change, an unclear service option or difficulty finding a provider.
If several family members are involved, agree who will add which information. Keep disagreement visible as something to discuss, rather than presenting one family member’s preference as the person’s settled choice.
Clarify roles before collecting tasks
Ask what the case manager can decide, what another agency must determine and what the provider needs to confirm. Then identify the current stage: gathering information, reviewing a plan, seeking a provider or coordinating an agreed start.
Use plain questions such as “What are we waiting for?” and “Who can answer that?” A useful answer names the decision, the responsible contact and what information is missing.
Close with a shared understanding
Repeat the next steps in your own words and ask whether you have understood correctly. Request the information in a format the person can use. If you have not yet connected with an assessment team, Minnesota’s county and tribal directory provides a starting point for asking about local processes.
First-conversation agenda
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)- Top priority
- What does the person most want help understanding or changing?
- Current situation
- What support exists now and what prompted this conversation?
- Questions about options
- Which service terms or possible arrangements need explanation?
- Roles and decisions
- Who handles assessment, authorization, provider fit and scheduling?
- Agreed follow-up
- What is the next action, who owns it, and how will you hear the result?
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 family assumes that identifying an IHS provider means visits can start. At the meeting they ask which planning and staffing steps remain. Their notes list those decisions separately instead of treating the referral as a confirmed schedule.
This example is invented to explain the worksheet; it is not a client story or a promised outcome.
Your next step
Take the short agenda to the conversation and keep the agreed follow-up notes. Use a provider inquiry separately when you are ready to discuss service fit and availability.
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.