Brain Injury Waiver (BI)
A waiver is an extra set of Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) benefits that you could qualify for in certain cases. These benefits can help you remain in your home and community. Waivers have extra program rules and some programs may have waitlists.
The Brain Injury (BI) waiver helps people with a brain injury who need extra support to live in their communities. You can get these extra services along with your regular Health First Colorado covered services as long as they are not duplicative. Nursing facility and long-term hospital care are not covered while you get waiver services. Getting waiver services won't change supports that you may get from other public programs, your family, or the community.
Who Qualifies?
You must meet financial and program requirements to get BI waiver services. You must also be willing to get services in your home or community.
Level of Care Requirement
- You must need long-term services as you would get in a nursing home or a hospital.
Eligibility Group
- You must be 16 years or older.
- You must have a brain injury.
- Your brain injury occurred before your 65th birthday.
- Your diagnosis must fit within certain categories. Contact your local Case Management Agency to find out more.
Financial Requirements
- Your income must be less than three times the current Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) limit per month. (See SSI website for current information)
- If you are single, your countable resources must be less than $2,000. If you are married, your countable resources must be less than $3,000.
- If you do not meet these financial requirements, you may be eligible through the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities.
Waiver Benefits and Services
- Adult Day Services
- Assistive Technology
- Behavioral Management and Education
- Day Treatment
- Home Accessibility Modifications and Adaptations
- Independent Living Skills Training (ILST)
- Counseling Services
- Non-Medical Transportation
- Peer Mentorship
- Respite
- Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Supported Living Program
- Transitional Living Program
- Wellness Education Benefit
CFC Benefits and Services
Community First Choice (CFC) benefits and services support Health First Colorado members who need long-term care to live at home and in their communities. CFC is not a waiver. It’s a Health First Colorado benefit program designed to work in conjunction with waiver services for members who need long-term care and qualify for these services.
- Health Maintenance Activities (Accessible through CDASS and IHSS)
- Home Delivered Meals
- Homemaker Services (Accessible through traditional agency-based care, CDASS and IHSS)
- Medication Reminder
- Personal Care (Accessible through traditional agency-based care, CDASS and IHSS)
- Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
- Remote Supports
- Transition Set Up
Current waiver members will transition to CFC for these services at the time of their scheduled Continued Stay Review between 7/1/2025-6/30/2026. Services will be provided through waivers until the member transitions to CFC.
How to Apply
If you are already enrolled in Health First Colorado, contact your local Case Management Agency to start the waiver application process.
If you are NOT yet enrolled in Health First Colorado, you can apply now.
If you have more questions about this program please contact your local Case Management Agency or the Member Contact Center.
Other Useful Links
- Health First Colorado and CHP Plus Grievance Form (includes case management agency complaints)
- HCBS Waivers Page
- View Waiver Comparison Charts
- Find HCBS Service Providers
- Day Treatment Resources for Persons with Brain Injuries
- View HCBS Public Comment Opportunities
- Other Long-Term Services and Supports Programs