Answers to Some Common Questions about the MONA

What is the purpose of the Montana Resource Allocation Protocol (MONA)?

The purpose of the MONA is to develop a fair way to distribute dollars to people receiving services.

Why is the MONA important to me?

The MONA identifies the amount of support you need that is paid for by public funds. The MONA identifies how much money you may receive to help purchase your services.

How are my public dollars determined?

The MONA calculates your dollars in two steps. The first step determines a “base” or beginning amount. The base will change depending on your age and where you live. The questions asked in the MONA are the second step and determine whether more money will be added to the base.
What is included in the base?

The base includes the costs of certain services such as respite and some services provided to people who live in a group home.

What can I do if the MONA does not provide enough money for me to purchase the services I need?

The MONA serves as a guideline for the allocation of public dollars you can use to purchase services. You may need to adjust your request for services to stay within your public dollar allocation.

You will need to be sure all available resources such as the Medicaid State Plan, the Department of Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, community resources and any personal resources are used to obtain the supports you need. Remember that you always have the right for reconsideration and a fair hearing.

Will the MONA affect my services?

The MONA, itself, does not affect your services. It serves as a tool to calculate the amount of public funds that are available for you to purchase services.

Does the MONA change the services I can get?

The services and support you purchase are your decision based on what you need. You will still need to follow the guidelines and criteria set by the Department.

Who can complete the MONA?

Only trained raters, central office or region Developmental Disabilities Program staff can complete the MONA with you.

How will the MONA be completed?

The rater will have a scheduled time to talk with you about your need for supports paid for by the Department. The MONA will be completed when your needs change, but at least every three years after that.

What is my role in the MONA process?

You have a critical role in the MONA process. The MONA is based on the principles of self-determination — authority, responsibility, supports, confirmation/self-advocacy and freedom. Based on these principles, the MONA cannot be done without your participation.

Who participates in my MONA?

The MONA is your assessment based upon your support needs and should reflect what you believe are your needs for supports paid for by public funds. At a minimum, your Case Manager will be involved in the process. If you are a child, your mother, father, or someone with legal responsibility will also participate. If you are an adult with a legal guardian or advocate, that individual will participate with you. You have the option of inviting others to meet with you and your Case Manager. You and those who know the most about you are the best sources of information about your need for paid supports. This may include your friends or your mom, dad, or other family members. You are not obligated to include anyone else in the MONA process if you do not want his or her involvement.

What does the MONA cover?

The MONA looks at activities and tasks in specific life areas. They include: Living in the Community (supports needed to take part in community activities), Challenging Behavior (supports needed because of serious or frequent, harmful behaviors), Current Abilities (supports needed for activities of daily living), and Health and Health Care (supports needed to maintain your health.)

The MONA for children includes the same domains, with distinctions for age. The children’s MONA will be applied to children, in waiver services (IFES — Intensive Family Education Support) between the ages of six and twenty-two. The MONA for Adults includes an additional area related to employment.

What does it mean when I sign the MONA?

Your signature means that you met and talked with the rater about your need for paid supports. You do not need to wait until you know how much money you can use before you sign your MONA. Signing does not waive your right to object.