8.1: Choosing an FMS
- Page ID
- 65696
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For some people, having an accurate and easy to use portal is the most important quality of the FMS. For others, it could be having one point of contact with the FMS. Still others want text options to communicate. Whatever the participant needs is the center of this choice. Independent facilitators can share their feedback, but keep in mind that IFs are not the ones who should be communicating with the FMS or making decisions about the plan. The participant needs to find the FMS that works best for them.
There are times when a participant needs more support to live well in SDP. In these cases, when a participant either chooses to not work within their family structure or the family is no longer available or able to support them, it is important to create this support within the SDP Plan.
As an independent facilitator, I have shared with participants that there are FMSs I no longer work with because of delayed or missing payments. And if a client insists on using them for their services, I simply have to help them find an IF who is willing to work with that FMS. I do not get to direct my clients to a specific FMS, as I never want to be accused of having a conflict of interest. By funneling all of one’s clients to a specific FMS, there could be an argument for this, and I do my best to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.
Talk with your client about what they need, where they want to receive services, and have them investigate how the businesses like to be paid. If the business only accepts credit card payments, then the participant needs an FMS that is willing to pay with a credit card. If they already accept SDP funds for payment, then have the participant ask which FMSs are easiest to work with. Make sure the participant also asks if there is an FMS that they will not work with or have struggled with. This will ultimately result in a difficult situation for the participant.
Things participants may want to consider when researching FMSs
- Do they already work with your preferred service providers?
- How often do they pay invoices?
- Do they offer the payment model you need? (Bill pay, co-employer, or sole employer)
- What is their response time to your preferred method of communication?
- How do they communicate (email, phone, text)?
- What are their California business hours?
Financial Management Service (FMS) Contact List
- The dark purple arrow shows where to find FMS information in languages other than English.
- The green arrow shows where Self Determination Program Directives issued by DDS are located.
- The light purple arrow shows where the Employer Burden and Other Employment Related Costs document can be found in either Excel or PDF formats.
- The blue arrow shows where the tabs for all 21 regional centers are located on the DDS FMS information page.