Learn about Long-Term Services and Supports
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Informational Videos Programs and Enrollment Adult HCBS Waivers Children's HCBS Waivers Community First Choice (CFC)
Participant-Directed Programs Additional LTSS Programs Enrollment Guides Resources and Contacts
The resources available on this page are designed to help educate individuals and their support systems, including those assisting in awareness and enrollment activities, about Long-Term Services and Supports programs available to support individuals with disabilities and older adults living more independently in their homes and communities.
What is LTSS?
- Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS, sometimes known as Long-Term Care) is a broad term for many health care programs available to help people who have disabilities or older adults with their daily activities.
- LTSS includes Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and several other programs which have different requirements to qualify. If you don't qualify for HCBS or it does not fit your needs, you can explore other LTSS programs.
- A Case Management Agency (CMA) in your area can help you identify programs that meet your needs. They might also refer you to a Regional Accountable Entity (RAE) (a regional organization that supports existing Health First Colorado members) to connect you with community programs in your area.
- Watch a video to learn more - What is Long-Term Care? (English) or What is Long-Term Care? (Spanish)
What is HCBS?
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers are one of Health First Colorado’s (Medicaid) LTSS programs.
- HCBS helps older adults and individuals with disabilities live independently by providing services in their home and community instead of in a nursing home or medical facility.
- Examples of HCBS services include:
- Help keeping your home safe and clean
- Assistance with bathing and dressing
- Transportation for non-medical activities
- Help for caregivers
- Food preparation
- Watch a video to learn more - Waivers 101 (English) or Waivers 101 (Spanish)
Informational Videos
Learn About Programs and Enrollment
Waivers for Adults
- Brain Injury (BI) Waiver
- Community Mental Health Supports (CMHS) Waiver
- Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) Waiver
- Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
- Elderly, Blind and Disabled (EBD) Waiver
- Supported Living Services (SLS) Waiver
HCBS Waiver Charts - side-by-side comparison of waiver benefits
Waivers for Children
- Children with Complex Health Needs (CwCHN) Waiver
- Children's Extensive Supports (CES) Waiver
- Children's Habilitation Residential Program (CHRP) Waiver
HCBS Waiver / CFC Comparison Charts - side-by-side comparison of waiver and CFC benefits
Community First Choice
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.
Participant Directed Programs
Most HCBS waivers offer optional participant-directed service delivery options:
These optional programs offer individuals, families, and authorized representatives the ability to take control and responsibility for hiring, training, and managing care providers. Care providers can be family members, neighbors, and other natural supports. You can discuss these options with your case manager.
Watch a video to learn more - Benefits of CDASS (English) or Benefits of CDASS (Spanish)
Additional LTSS Programs
A variety of other programs exist to support individuals with disabilities and older adults who qualify.
Watch a video to learn more - What is Long-Term Care? (English) or What is Long-Term Care? (Spanish)
- Long-Term Home Health (LTHH)
- Nursing Facilities
- Intermediate Care Facilities
- Health First Colorado Buy-In Programs Page
- Private Duty Nursing (PDN)
- Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
- Transition Services - Learn about transitioning out of a nursing facility
- Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) (Adults)
- State-Funded Supported Living Services (State SLS) Program (Adults)
- Family Support Services Program (FSSP) (Children)
HCBS Enrollment Guides
This journey map is designed to help individuals and their support systems navigate the process by providing clear instructions and guidance.
It is designed to be a reference for the entire enrollment process. It includes tips, preparation strategies, common pitfalls to avoid, links to additional resources, and a glossary of important terms.
HCBS Waiver Enrollment Guide - English - September 2024
HCBS Waiver Enrollment Guide - Spanish - September 2024
HCBS Waivers Enrollment Guide - English
HCBS Waivers Enrollment Guide - Spanish
Resources and Contacts
Case Management Agencies
Case Management Agencies (CMA) are your main point of contact for home and community-based services and can also help you hire service providers.
Watch a video to learn more - What is Case Management? (English) or What is Case Management? (Spanish)
- Find the CMA in your region
- Find providers for your service needs
- Select HCBS Provider type to search for HCBS and IDD providers
- More information about HCBS Waivers
Contacts
Apply Online: co.gov/peak
Questions? Email: HCPF_HCBS_Questions@state.co.us
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