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.
View the full text of the BI waiver and Waiver Lifecycle
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 Single Entry Point (SEP) 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.
Benefits and Services
- Adult Day Services
- Behavioral Management and Education
- Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS)
- Day Treatment
- Home Delivered Meals
- Home Modification
- Independent Living Skills Training (ILST)
- Medication Reminder
- Mental Health Counseling
- Non-Medical Transportation
- Peer Mentorship
- Personal Care
- Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
- Respite Care
- Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Supported Living Program
- Transition Set Up
- Transitional Living Program
How to Apply
If you are already enrolled in Health First Colorado, contact your local Single Entry Point (SEP) 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 Single Entry Point (SEP) or the Member Contact Center.
Other Useful Links
- Submit Case Management Agency Complaint
- COVID-19 Page
- HCBS Waivers Page
- View Waiver Comparison Charts
- Find HCBS Service Providers
- Day Treatment Resources for persons with Brain Injuries
- ICD-10 Transition for BI Waiver Fact Sheet - October 2015
- View HCBS Public Comment Opportunities
- Other Long-Term Services and Supports Programs