Colorado Adult HCBS Waivers

What are they?

Adult HCBS waivers are extra Medicaid (Health First Colorado) benefits that help adults with disabilities who meet specific medical and financial criteria receive long-term services at home and in the community.

Colorado currently has six adult waivers:

  • Brain Injury (BI), Community
  • Mental Health Supports (CMHS)
  • Complementary & Integrative Health (CIH, formerly SCI)
  • Elderly, Blind & Disabled (EBD)
  • Supported Living Services (SLS)
  • Developmental Disabilities (DD)

This page summarizes SLS, DD, and EBD.

Waiver: HCBS-SLS (Supported Living Services)

Who qualifies?
Adults (18+) with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) who require an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disability (ICF-IID) level of care, meaning they require active treatment and ongoing support for IDD, but not hospital-level medical care. A Case Management Agency (CMA) confirms IDD and other criteria.

What services are included?
Day Habilitation (Specialized Habilitation & Supported Community Connections), Supported Employment, Behavioral Services, Respite, Life Skills Training, Assistive Technology, Home/Vehicle Modifications, Non-Medical Transportation, Dental (HCBS), and more.

Key things to know

  • You can live with family or in your own home. Up to three people receiving HCBS services can share a home.
  • Adults on the SLS waiver also have access to regular Health First Colorado benefits (non-duplicative).
  • Some personal care/homemaker tasks are shifting to CFC during 7/1/2025–6/30/2026 (see “Adult HCBS Waivers and Community First Choice” section below).

Waiver: HCBS-DD (Developmental Disabilities)

Who qualifies? 
Adults (18+) with IDD who need access to services 24/7, meeting ICF-IID level of care, and who meet financial criteria.

What services are included?
Residential Habilitation (individual or group, 24-hour), Day Habilitation, Behavioral Services, Supported Employment, Non-Medical Transportation, Specialized Medical Equipment/Supplies, Dental (HCBS), Vision, and Wellness Education.

Key things to know

  • DD is currently the only HCBS waiver with an active statewide waiting list.
  • Living options include host homes, individualized settings, group homes, and the Personal Care Alternative model (PCA). Program approved service agencies (PASAs) help secure housing arrangements.
  • Certain services that are currently accessed through the DD waiver will move to CFC during 7/1/2025–6/30/2026 (see “Adult HCBS Waivers and Community First Choice” section below).

Waiver: HCBS-EBD (Elderly, Blind & Disabled)

Who qualifies?

Adults 65+ with functional impairment, or 18–64 who are blind/physically disabled or have HIV/AIDS, and who meet nursing facility level of care plus financial criteria.

What services are included?

Adult Day Services, Alternative Care Facility, Home Accessibility Modifications, Life Skills Training, Respite, Non-Medical Transportation, and Wellness Education. (Members also keep standard Medicaid benefits.)

Key things to know

  • EBD services complement State Plan benefits and natural supports.
  • Personal care/homemaker and related supports that are currently accessed through the EBD waiver will move to CFC during 7/1/2025-6/30/2026 (see “Adult HCBS Waivers and Community First Choice” section below).

Adult HCBS Waivers and Community First Choice (CFC)

CFC is a new Medicaid benefit in Colorado that expands access to attendant services for eligible members who meet an institutional level of care and have an assessed need for CFC services. It is for those who prefer to receive personal care and support in their home or community instead of an institutional setting.

During 7/1/2025–6/30/2026, members on EBD, SLS, and DD will receive those attendant-type services under CFC at their next Continued Stay Review; other waiver services (like Day Hab or Residential Habilitation) will remain under the waiver.

CFC can be used along with Adult HCBS waivers or on its own. Individuals and families may choose to receive services through an agency or direct their own care.

For more information about CFC and how to apply, click here.

CFC One-Pagers (Jefferson County):

How to Apply for Adult HCBS Waivers

  1. Make sure you are eligible (or become eligible) for Health First Colorado. If you’re not yet enrolled, apply for Medicaid (Health First Colorado).
  2. Contact your local Case Management Agency (CMA) to request the functional assessment and waiver screening; CMAs handle level-of-care determinations and help coordinate services. Use the CMA Directory to find yours.
  3. Ask about CFC at the same time. New and current members are assessed for CFC and waiver services together during the transition year.

Where Can I Learn More?

Using the links below, you can visit the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing’s website to learn more about:

Our team of advocates is here to help. If you have questions about Adult HCBS Waivers or would like to speak with an advocate, Submit an Advocacy Request Here and one of our advocates will follow up with you.