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Complementary and Integrative Health Waiver (CIH)

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 Complementary and Integrative Health Waiver provides acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy in addition to all HCBS services listed below. There is no waitlist for this waiver.  

Individuals who receive services through the CIH waiver are also eligible for all Health First Colorado covered services as long as they are not duplicative. 

In July 1, 2022, all services on the Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) waiver (formerly Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Waiver) became available statewide to HCBS-eligible Coloradans living with a spinal cord injury (traumatic or nontraumatic), multiple sclerosis, brain injury, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy with the inability for independent ambulation over the age of 18.  

In 2025, the second iteration of an independent evaluation will be presented to the State legislature that measures the health outcomes, quality of life, and cost expenditures for waiver participants receiving complementary and integrative health services which includes, acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic services through the CIH waiver. This report will help the legislature determine any changes to the availability of complementary and integrative health services in the future. 

Complementary and Integrative Health Services Flyer - Updated September 2022

View the full text of the CIH waiver and Waiver Lifecycle

Who Qualifies?

The Home and Community-Based Services Complementary and Integrative Health waiver helps individuals living with a spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, a brain injury, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy with the inability for independent ambulation.

To qualify for the CIH waiver, you must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Have a qualifying condition of a spinal cord injury (traumatic or nontraumatic), multiple sclerosis, brain injury, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy 
  • Have been determined to have an inability for independent ambulation resulting from the qualifying condition as identified by the case manager through the assessment process. The inability for independent ambulation for the HCBS-CIH waiver means: 
    • The individual does not walk, and requires use of a wheelchair or scooter in all settings, whether or not they can operate the wheelchair or scooter safely, on their own, OR; 
    • The individual does walk, but requires use of a walker or cane in all settings, whether or not they can use the walker or cane safely, on their own, OR; 
    • The individual does walk, but requires “touch” or “stand-by” assistance to ambulate safely in all settings.
  • Have been determined to be financially eligible
  • Have been determined to need long-term services and supports as you would receive in a nursing home or a hospital.

 

Waiver Benefits and Services

CIH FAQ Page

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.

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 (Colorado's Medicaid Program), contact your local Case Management Agency to start the waiver application process.

If you are NOT yet enrolled in Health First Colorado, apply now.

If you have more questions about this program please contact your local Case Management Agency or the Member Contact Center.

CIH Services Providers

CIH Services Provider List Page

Note:  Providers listed provide only acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy services for CIH members.  Contact your case manager for information and availability for these providers and any new providers that may become available.

If an enrolled massage therapy, acupuncture, or chiropractic provider is not available in your area, please see the Remote Services Option to work with a local provider.

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