1

Support Post-COVID Recovery & HCBS Innovation

The Need

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a startling, disproportionate impact on individuals residing in congregate care settings. While the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding may not be used for nursing facilities, it may be used to transform community-based residential care settings.

Reimagining Colorado’s residential settings is required to support member health, safety, and overall well-being, as well as to create the long-term care system of the future. This future system ideally supports choice, offers the continuum of care, and is provided in the member’s home or community of choice. The ARPA funding will support collaboration with community partners to begin the work of transforming the residential care setting environment and method by which these partners provide services.

Though higher rates and wages are important for sustainability, there are often specific projects that require a more significant upfront investment. With an eye toward promoting innovation, grants will be made available for one-time, transformative initiatives. Additionally, funding will be used to address specific barriers to the receipt of ongoing care in a member’s home or other community-based setting. An example would be the need for home modifications to adapt a person’s physical space or access to a personal care attendant to support a person to live independently. Initiatives that strengthen these services and supports will be worthwhile investments as they extend the time members can live and thrive in their home of choice.

  Read The New HCPF ARPA HCBS Interactive Project Outcome Book!  

Image of the cover of the interactive HCPF ARPA HCBS Project Outcome Book
 

 


View

Initiative 4.01. - Residential Innovation
 

Read a more in-depth summary of this project's outcomes

An infographic titled "Residential Innovation" by Colorado’s HCPF outlines a project to support more person-centered residential services for aging adults and people with disabilities. $1 million was used for a pilot reimagining holistic communities that combine natural supports, home sharing, and communal living. Future programming will build on this framework. Project category: Support Post-COVID Recovery and HCBS Innovation. Icons represent neighborhood environment and social context.

 

Back To Top 

 

Initiative 4.02. - Promote Single Occupancy
 

 

Read a more in-depth summary of this project's outcomes

 

An infographic titled "Promote Single Occupancy" from HCPF discusses efforts to convert shared rooms in residential facilities into private rooms to reduce disease spread and improve resident autonomy. $4.5 million was granted for 37 room conversions. The new spaces will remain available long-term. Project category: Support Post-COVID Recovery and HCBS Innovation. Icon represents healthcare access and quality.

 

Back To Top 

Initiative 4.03 - Child/Youth Step-down Options Program and Provider Recruitment

 

Read a more in-depth summary of this project's outcomes

An infographic titled "Child/Youth Step Down Options" highlights a $1 million investment to expand residential and treatment services for children with dual diagnoses. Funding supported CHRP expansion, facility improvements, and a CHP+ transition study. Future services and provider capacity are growing as a result. Project category: Support Post-COVID Recovery and HCBS Innovation. Icons represent healthcare access and social context.

 

Back To Top 

Initiative 4.04 - Tiered Residential Rates and Benefits

 

Read a more in-depth summary of this project's outcomes

An infographic titled "Tiered Residential Rates and Benefits" outlines the development of tiered payment rates for Alternative Care Facilities (ACFs), which historically used a single methodology. The project provided data to support a budget request for members with high needs. ACFs provide assisted living in a community setting. Project category: Support Post-COVID Recovery and HCBS Innovation. Icon represents neighborhood and built environment.

 

Back To Top 

Initiative 4.05 - Pilot CAPABLE 

 

Read a more in-depth summary of this project's outcomes

 

An infographic titled "Pilot CAPABLE" describes a 20-month project that provided over $3 million to keep seniors living independently in their homes. It served 368 Medicaid members in 10 counties and reduced ADL difficulty by 24%. Both grantees secured future funding and recommended policy changes. Project category: Support Post-COVID Recovery and HCBS Innovation. Icon represents social and community context.

 

Back To Top 

 

Initiative 4.06 - Supported Employment Pilot Extension 
 

 

Read a more in-depth summary of this project's outcomes

 

An infographic titled "Supported Employment Pilot Extension" presents a project to increase employment for waiver members with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Nearly $1 million supported 30 individuals over 3 years. Outcomes included increased job independence, hours worked, and reduced Medicaid costs. Expansion efforts are ongoing. Project category: Support Post-COVID Recovery and HCBS Innovation. Icons represent social context, economic stability, and universal benefit.

 

Back To Top 

 

Initiative 4.07 - New Systems of Care

 

Read a more in-depth summary of this project's outcomes

 

An infographic titled "New Systems of Care" outlines two grant programs totaling $1.4 million to support direct care workers (DCWs) and members with complex needs. Grants funded tuition, child care, home modifications, safety supplies, and training. Future value is anticipated from continued infrastructure improvements. Project category: Support Post-COVID Recovery and HCBS Innovation. Icons represent social context, economic stability, and universal benefit.

 

Back To Top 

 

Initiative 4.08 - Respite Grant Program

 

Read a more in-depth summary of this project's outcomes

 

An infographic titled "Respite Grant Program" describes a $1.1 million investment that expanded paid respite care access for over 1,200 participants. Innovations included an online Respite CareMatch system, sibling-matching programs, and member outings. The program continues under the Office of Community Living. Project category: Support Post-COVID Recovery and HCBS Innovation. Icon represents social and community context.

 

Back To Top 

Initiative 4.09 - Respite Rate Enhancement

 

Read a more in-depth summary of this project's outcomes

 

An infographic titled "Respite Rate Enhancement" highlights a 25% temporary rate increase for HCBS respite services to address caregiver burnout during the pandemic. This ensured respite access and incentivized providers. Future policy and budget development will build on these findings. Project category: Support Post-COVID Recovery and HCBS Innovation. Icon represents economic stability.

 

Back To Top Back To Top 

Initiative 4.10 - Home Modification Budget Enhancement

 

Read a more in-depth summary of this project's outcomes

 

An infographic titled "Home Modifications Budget Enhancement" details how 784 Medicaid members received $10,000 each to address accessibility needs. HCPF also improved the home modification request process. These changes will streamline future services. Project category: Support Post-COVID Recovery and HCBS Innovation. Icons represent neighborhood environment and social context.

 

Back To Top Back To Top 

Initiative 4.11 - Hospital Community Investment Requirements
 

 

Read a more in-depth summary of this project's outcomes

 

An infographic titled "Hospital Community Investment Requirements" by HCPF outlines a project to strengthen reporting structures for nonprofit hospitals regarding community benefit obligations. The project refined processes to improve accountability, reduce burden, and support legislative development. Outcomes include three reports: a guidelines recommendation, a requirements report, and a best practices guide. The project’s results will be maintained long-term to ensure hospital-community engagement. Project category: Support Post-COVID Recovery and HCBS Innovation. Icons represent healthcare access and social and community context.

 

Back To Top Back To Top 

Initiative 4.12 - Community First Choice

 

Read a more in-depth summary of this project's outcomes

 

An infographic titled "Community First Choice (CFC)" from HCPF describes efforts to expand attendant care services beyond HCBS waivers to all Medicaid members in Colorado. The funding supported administrative development, staffing, stakeholder input, an educational video, and a new Wellness Education Benefit. CFC benefits are planned for implementation by July 2025, enabling a 6% federal match. Project category: Support Post-COVID Recovery and HCBS Innovation. Icon represents universal benefit.

 

Back To Top