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Participant-Directed Programs

Participant-directed services are Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) that help people of all ages, across all types of disabilities, maintain their independence and determine for themselves what mix of personal assistance supports and services work best for them. Participant direction empowers each program participant to expand his or her degree of choice and control over decisions made about his or her long-term services and supports in a highly personalized manner.

How do I know which program is right for me?

Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS)

CDASS is a service-delivery option that allows HCBS waiver participants to direct their care and have full control over their attendant services.

CDASS Fact Sheet
 

Open Enrollment for FMS providers for members receiving CDASS

Participants in CDASS have the option to change Financial Management Service (FMS) agencies quarterly, by the 16th of March, June, September and December. All paperwork for a transfer must be completed and approved by the receiving FMS vendor by the 1st of the month that the transfer will occur.

  • For example, if a participant wants to transfer by March 16th, all paperwork must be completed and approved by the receiving FMS agency by March 1.

If you do not want to change FMS agencies you do not need to take any action.
 

Training materials
Financial Management Service (FMS) Information

Financial Management Service (FMS) Vendor Information as of April 2021

Open Enrollment for FMS providers for participants receiving CDASS

Participants in CDASS have the option to change Financial Management Service (FMS) agencies quarterly, by the 16th of March, June, September and December. All paperwork for a transfer must be completed and approved by the receiving FMS vendor by the 1st of the month that the transfer will occur.

  • For example, if a participant wants to transfer by March 16th, all paperwork must be completed and approved by the receiving FMS agency by March 1.

If you do not want to change FMS agencies you do not need to take any action.

Attendant Background Checks

Backgrounds checks are required to hire CDASS attendants and include a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Criminal Background check, Board of Nursing license check, and Office of Inspector General check.

In June 2022, the Participant-Directed Programs Policy Collaborative (PDPPC) voted to recommend to the Department changes to the background check policies and processes. The Department approved these changes. These changes enable CDASS employers to:

  • Have the final decision to hire their attendants permanently or conditionally.
  • Decide whether to run additional and more frequent background checks.
  • Access more resources/education to better assess background check reports.

If you are a CDASS employer who wishes to request an exception to hire a prospective attendant who has been found initially ineligible, please complete the CDASS Background Check Exception Request Form.

Participant-Directed Program CDASS Exception Request Processes: This document outlines the requirements of the permanent, conditional, and CBI clarification processes.

Operational Memo (coming soon): This memo provides information about the replacement of the Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services Criminal Barrier Crimes List with the Background Check Crimes of High Risk: CDASS Employer Hiring Guide.

 

Annual FMS Member Satisfaction Survey Information

2021 FMS Member Satisfaction Surveys

Annual Member Satisfaction Surveys of each Financial Management Services (FMS) agency were mailed to CDASS members by Consumer Direct of Colorado (CDCO) on March 28, 2021. The surveys collected feedback through April 30, 2021. A total of 541 responses were gathered.

Palco 2021 Member Satisfaction Survey Report 05-27-2021

PPL 2021 Member Satisfaction Survey Report 05-27-2021

 
2020 FMS Member Satisfaction Surveys
 
Annual Member Satisfaction Surveys of each Financial Management Services (FMS) agency were mailed to CDASS members by Consumer Direct of Colorado (CDCO) on April 28, 2020. The surveys collected feedback through June 3, 2020. A total of 673 responses were gathered.

 

Training and Operations Vendor Information

If you have questions regarding CDASS or CDASS retraining, please contact Consumer Direct for Colorado (CDCO).

Consumer Direct for Colorado (CDCO)

Phone: 844-381-4433

Fax: 866-924-9072

Email: InfoCDCO@consumerdirectcare.com

Consumer Direct for Colorado Website

Forms

Temporary CDASS Sick Time Request Form - April 2020

Visit Consumer Direct Website for current documents

Contact Information for CDASS

If you are a Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program) member interested in starting CDASS, you must contact your case manager in your region.

If you currently are participating in CDASS contact Consumer Direct Colorado (CDCO) for the following:

  • Member Skills Retraining
  • Support Resources and Training
  • Questions regarding CDASS
Consumer Direct Colorado (CDCO)
Phone: 844-381-4433
Fax: 866-924-9072

How can I participate with other stakeholders on policy issues related to Participant-Directed Programs?

Other Long-Term Services and Supports Programs

Contact Information for IHSS

If you are a Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program) member interested in starting IHSS, you must contact your case manager in your region.

If you currently are participating in CDASS contact Consumer Direct Colorado (CDCO) for the following:

  • Member Skills Training Opportunities
  • Questions regarding CDASS
Consumer Direct Colorado (CDCO)
Phone: 844-381-4433
Fax: 866-924-9072

How can I participate with other stakeholders on policy issues related to Participant-Directed Programs?

Other Long-Term Services and Supports Programs

In-Home Support Services (IHSS)

IHSS is a participant-directed service-delivery option that allows home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver participants to direct and manage their care with the support of an agency.

 

Training Materials

IHSS Provider Training

  • Free provider training for current and prospective In-Home Support Services (IHSS) Agencies. Trainings will be held twice monthly in a hosted webinar format by Consumer Direct of Colorado (CDCO).
    • For more information and to register for IHSS Provider Training, visit Consumer Direct CO Schedule website
    • Training is recommended for IHSS Agency administrators, back-up administrators, and key staff.
Forms

 

How can I participate with other stakeholders on policy issues related to Participant Directed Programs?

Other Long-Term Services and Supports Programs

 

Resources and Contact Information

Report Issues or Provide Feedback

If you have any issues or feedback related to CDASS/IHSS policies, Electronic visit Verification (EVV), enrollment, vendor performance, or other topics you need to escalate to the Department for help getting a resolution, you can send your feedback or report your issue through:

Participate with other Stakeholders on Policy Issues related to Participant-Directed Programs

Learn about other Long-Term Services and supports (LTSS) Programs.

Questions about these programs or want to apply?

Contact the Single Entry Point Agency in your region or Consumer Direct for Colorado (CDCO).