Home and Community-Based Services Waivers
An HCBS 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. HCBS Waivers have extra program rules and some programs may have waitlists.
Stakeholders can provide input to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) on proposed Home and Community Based (HCBS) 1915(c) waiver changes through the
HCBS Public Comment Opportunities page.
Waiver Comparison Charts Approved Waiver Documents and Lifecycle HCBS Public Comment Opportunities
Children's HCBS Waivers
Waiver Comparison Charts
HCBS Waiver Charts
Side-by-side comparison of waiver benefits
- Adult Waivers / CFC / PACE Chart - July 2025
- Adult Waivers / PACE Chart - 14 pt font - January 2025
- Adult Waivers / PACE Chart - Spanish - January 2025
- Children's Waivers / CFC Chart - July 2025
- Children's Waivers Chart - 14 pt font - January 2025
- Children's Waivers Chart - Spanish - January 2025
CHRP-CES Waiver Comparison Charts
- CHRP-CES Waiver Comparison Chart for Caregivers - October 2021
- CHRP CES Waiver Comparison Chart for Case Management - October 2021
Choosing an HCBS Waiver Flowcharts
Decision tree-type flow chart showing waiver options
- Adult Waiver Flowchart - Updated December 2025
- Children's Waiver Flowchart - Updated December 2025
Approved HCBS Waiver Documents and Waiver Lifecycle
HCBS 1915(c) waiver agreements must be renewed with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) every five years. HCPF defines the 5-year agreement with CMS as the waiver's lifecycle. Each waiver is at a different point in that lifecycle.
The chart below details the current waiver year of the waiver lifecycle and the year the waiver will need to be renewed. The CMS HCBS 1915(c) waiver agreements always expire on June 30 of the listed calendar year and will go through the renewal process before that date.
Questions? Email HCPF_HCBSWaivers@state.co.us
Waiver | Most Recent Approved Waiver Application | Current Year of Lifecycle | Waiver Renewal Date | Five Year Renewal Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BI | Brain Injury (BI) Waiver - Approved Full Text - Effective January 1, 2026 | 4 | July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2027 |
CwCHN | Children with Complex Health Needs (CwCHN) Waiver - Approved Full Text - Effective January 1, 2026 | 1 | July 1, 2025 | July 1, 2030 |
| CES | Children's Extensive Support (CES) Waiver - Approved Full Text - Effective January 1, 2026 | 2 | July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2029 |
| CHRP | Children's Habilitation Residential Program (CHRP) Waiver - Approved Full Text - Effective January 1, 2026 | 2 | July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2029 |
| CHCBS | Children's Home and Community Based Services (CHCBS) Waiver - Approved Full Text - Effective July 1, 2025 | 3 | July 1, 2023 | N/A |
| CMHS | Community Mental Health Supports (CMHS) Waiver - Approved Full Text - Effective January 1, 2026 | 4 | July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2027 |
| CIH | Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) Waiver - Approved Full Text - Effective January 1, 2026 | 1 | July 1, 2025 | July 1, 2030 |
| DD | Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver - Approved Full Text - Effective January 1, 2026 | 2 | July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2029 |
| EBD | Elderly Blind and Disabled (EBD) Waiver - Approved Full Text - Effective January 1, 2026 | 4 | July 1, 2022 | July 1, 2027 |
| SLS | Supported Living Services (SLS) Waiver - Approved Full Text - Effective January 1, 2026 | 2 | July 1, 2024 | July 1, 2029 |
These documents have been provided by CMS and the information is accurate as of January 1, 2026 for State Fiscal Year 2025-26.