Sample Supports Provides the Essentials on Colorado Medicaid HCBS Waivers Including Availability, Who’s Eligible, How to Apply, and Frequently Asked Questions

Longmont, CO, US / Storyteller / Oct 19, 2026 /

What Is an HCBS Waiver in Colorado?

Colorado Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers provide additional services and support to eligible people who need long-term care but want to live in their homes and communities rather than an institutional setting. These benefits are provided through Colorado’s Medicaid program, which is called Health First Colorado. 

It is a “waiver” because it allows the state to waive standard Medicaid rules that have historically provided funding for recipients who are in institutional settings. This program doesn’t replace standard Health Insurance Medicaid coverage. The person receiving services is still eligible for benefits under Health First Colorado if they meet financial requirements. 

There are different Colorado Medicaid HCBS waivers for adults with disabilities. The correct waiver depends on the recipient’s age, condition or disability, the level of support needed, and financial eligibility. 

Confirm current eligibility and program information with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing.

This Sample Supports article provides helpful information about Colorado HCBS waivers.

Colorado HCBS Waivers at a Glance

Who are they for?

Eligible Colorado Medicaid members who meet specific disability, functional, age, and financial requirements.

What do they provide?

Additional home- and community-based services and supports.

Which waivers serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)?

Primarily the Developmental Disabilities (DD) and Supported Living Services (SLS) waivers.

Is there a waiting list?

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) currently identifies the DD waiver as the only HCBS waiver with an active waiting list. The wait tends to be seven years or more and is subject to change.

How do I get started?

Contact a Case Management Agency and begin the eligibility/intake process. You can find your CMA in the agency directory.

What Does HCBS Stand For?

As noted above, HCBS stands for Home and Community-Based Services. HCBS waivers exist to allow eligible individuals to receive individualized care in their homes and local communities. The goal is to help them live safely in their homes and be active participants in their communities. 

Our mission at Sample Supports aligns perfectly with this objective, as we focus on tailored, community-based support as an alternative to institutional care. We help adults with disabilities get the Colorado Medicaid long-term services and support they need to live, work, volunteer, and develop meaningful connections with people in their area.

What Colorado Medicaid HCBS Waivers Are Available for Adults?

Families often ask, “What Medicaid waivers are available for adults in Colorado?” Six HCBS waivers can be granted in our state. Each is designed for individuals with specific support needs based on their medical conditions and diagnoses. 

The six Colorado Medicaid waiver programs are outlined in this table:

This table indicates who the different Medicaid waivers for adults with disabilities generally serve. It’s crucial to confirm a person’s eligibility.

How Do I Apply for an HCBS Waiver in Colorado?

To apply for an HCBS waiver, do the following:

1. Contact a Case Management Agency. A CMA is your entry point into the waiver program. You can find the CMA for your area online. 
2. Complete the intake and eligibility process. A CMA evaluator uses assessment tools to determine the applicant’s functional needs and other criteria.
3. Determine the appropriate waiver. The CMA case manager identifies the appropriate waiver based on the assessment. 
4. Develop an individualized plan (IP). The participant, their family members or guardians, and the CMA case manager create an IP. 
5. Choose a service provider. The case manager issues a Request for Proposal (RFP) to Program Approved Service Agencies (PASAs), after which the participant and their family can interview providers and choose the best fit.

Which Colorado Medicaid Waivers Are Most Relevant to Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?

Although Colorado offers multiple HCBS waivers, two programs are most critical for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: the Developmental Disabilities (DD) waiver and the Supported Living Services (SLS) waiver. Both require confirmation by a Case Management Agency (CMA) that the individual meets specific level of care, eligibility group, and financial requirements.

Developmental Disabilities Waiver

This waiver provides “wrap around services” for people who are 18+ and require access to around-the-clock services and support to live safely. In addition to housing, services under the Colorado DD waiver include non-medical transportation, behavioral services, peer mentorship, and prevocational training. This is the only waiver with an active waiting list, which exists due to federal enrollment caps.

Supported Living Services Waiver

The Colorado SLS waiver is for adults who don’t need 24-hour continuous supervision and can live safely in their own homes or apartments or with family members. Unlike the Colorado DD waiver, the participant (not the waiver program) must arrange and pay for their housing and food. Services under the Colorado SLS waiver include personal care, life skills training, mentorship, behavioral counseling, assistive technology, and modifications to make the home more accessible. Individuals on the DD waiver waitlist can access SLS services in the interim.

What Is the Difference Between the DD and SLS Waivers?

The table below provides a quick comparison of the Colorado DD and Colorado SLS waivers. Keep in mind that eligibility and service needs determine which program is appropriate.

What Services Can Colorado HCBS Waivers Provide?

Two important questions families ask are, “What services are covered by the SLS waiver?” and “What services are covered by the DD waiver?” 

Between the two, Colorado Medicaid HCBS waivers for adults with disabilities can provide a wide range of benefits. Depending on the waiver, eligibility, and individual service plan, HCBS may provide access to services such as:

Residential and housing-related supports (depending on the waiver and individual plan)

• Residential services
• Host home supports
• Individual residential supports
• Supported living
• In-home supports

Community and daily living supports

• Skill development
• Community participation
• Personal care
• Homemaker services
• Community connections

Employment

• Job coaching
• Job development
• Employment supports
• Collaboration with the Colorado Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

Behavioral/clinical supports

• Behavioral services
• Therapeutic support
• Other services depending on eligibility and waiver

Who Is Eligible for Colorado HCBS Waiver Services?

How do you qualify for an HCBS waiver in Colorado? Generally speaking, applicants have to meet:

• Age requirements
• Disability/diagnosis requirements
• Functional or support needs
• Financial eligibility requirements
• Program-specific requirements

If you’re looking into assistance for a loved one, understanding HCBS waiver eligibility in Colorado is an important first step.

How Do I Choose an HCBS Provider?

When researching Medicaid services for adults with disabilities and choosing a provider, there are several considerations to keep in mind. You should ensure that they offer the services you require and that they have trained staff with experience in addressing the type of needs your loved one has. You also must confirm that they have availability in your geographic area. 

It is also wise to work with a provider that communicates quickly and clearly and emphasizes a flexible, person-centered approach to care. Finally, you should look for reviews online and choose an organization with a positive reputation.

What Does Medicaid HCBS Not Automatically Cover?

It is important to understand that having Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado) or being enrolled in a waiver program does not necessarily mean every disability-related service is automatically covered.

Coverage depends on:

• Waiver types
• Eligibility
• Service definition
• Individual service plan
• Authorization
• Provider availability
• Other Medicaid rules

What Happens After You Are Approved for an HCBS Waiver?

Once you’ve been approved for an HCBS waiver, you will collaborate with your CMA to develop a services plan, determine the services that are needed, and choose the appropriate provider(s). 

Then, you will complete the provider’s enrollment and sign agreements, schedule services, and start receiving support. Remember that it is important to review your services periodically and make changes as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado HCBS Waivers

What is an HCBS waiver in Colorado?

A Colorado HCBS waiver provides extra benefits through Colorado Medicaid that fund personalized, long-term support services so eligible individuals can live in their homes and communities rather than in an institutional facility.

Who qualifies for Colorado Medicaid HCBS waivers?

Applicants must meet specific age guidelines, have a verified qualifying diagnosis, demonstrate the need for an institutional level of care, and satisfy financial income and asset limits.

What HCBS waivers are available to adults in Colorado?

Colorado offers six adult waivers: Developmental Disabilities (DD), Supported Living Services (SLS), Brain Injury (BI), Community Mental Health Supports (CMHS), Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH), and Elderly, Blind and Disabled (EBD).

What is the difference between the Colorado DD and SLS waivers?

The DD waiver funds comprehensive 24-hour care, including residential placements like host homes. The SLS waiver provides services to supplement support for adults living independently or with family.

Is there a waiting list for Colorado Medicaid waivers?

The Developmental Disabilities (DD) waiver is currently the only adult HCBS waiver in Colorado with an active waiting list. Other adult programs like SLS offer immediate enrollment upon eligibility approval.

Can HCBS help someone live independently?

Yes, HCBS programs fund crucial independent-living services such as personal care, life skills coaching, assistive technology, and home modifications to enable participants to live safely in their own homes and communities.

How do I apply for an HCBS waiver in Colorado?

You apply by contacting your regional Case Management Agency (CMA), which conducts the intake evaluation, coordinates assessments, and guides you through the waiver selection process.

Does Colorado Medicaid pay for residential services for adults with disabilities?

Yes, Colorado Medicaid covers residential habilitation services—such as host homes, group homes, and supported apartments—through the DD waiver.

Can I choose my HCBS provider?

Yes, you have the right to select your own Program Approved Service Agency (PASA) by reviewing agency proposals, conducting interviews, and choosing the provider that best fits your needs.

Can I use more than one service provider?

Yes, individuals have the right to select different Program Approved Service Agencies (PASAs) for different services—choosing one agency for day programs and another for residential support, for example.

How long does it take to get HCBS services?

Completing the intake, functional assessments, and financial enrollment through a Case Management Agency typically takes one to three months before services begin.

What happens if my needs change after I enroll?

If your care needs change, your Case Management Agency can update your functional assessment and modify your plan as needed or explore alternative waiver options.

Learn More About Colorado Medicaid HCBS Waivers for Adults with Disabilities

Ready to explore your options? Learn how to get started with Medicaid HCBS waiver services or contact Sample Supports at info@samplesupports.com to discuss available services.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal, medical, or benefits advice. Medicaid and HCBS waiver eligibility, availability, covered services, enrollment requirements, and program rules may change and vary based on individual circumstances. Individuals should confirm current information and eligibility with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) or their Case Management Agency before making decisions based on this information. Sample Supports does not determine Medicaid or HCBS waiver eligibility.

About Sample Supports
Sample Supports is a Colorado-grown organization dedicated to creating innovative, individualized supports that empower people with developmental disabilities, mental health needs, and their families to thrive. Through behavioral health, residential, day, and employment services, Sample Supports focuses on independence, inclusion, meaningful relationships, and authentic community engagement. Founded on the belief that supports should be designed around each individual, Sample Supports combines evidence-based practices with creativity, compassion, and a commitment to helping people live full and meaningful lives on their own terms. Learn more at https://samplesupports.com

Sample Supports Media Contact
Carmen Sample, Owner, 720-684-6102

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