Waiver-Based Benefits and Services

A Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver is an extra set of Health First Colorado (Medicaid) benefits and services that you may be able to get. Waiver benefits and services support health, independence, personal care, and overall well-being. Colorado has a glossary of waiver program benefits and services.

Colorado has 10 waiver programs, each with its own mix of benefits and services that help you live in the community instead of in a hospital or long-term care facility. No one waiver program offers every benefit and service. Instead, they offer different sets of benefits and services that are customized for different people and situations. For example, the Brain Injury (BI) waiver offers a different combination of benefits and services than the Complimentary and Integrative Health (CHI) waiver, but both help people live independently in the community. Some waivers offer more services than others.

You may qualify for more than one waiver program. If so, you should learn about the benefits and services each waiver has and choose the best program for you. Colorado has charts showing which benefits and services each waiver provides.

What Types of Benefits and Services do Waivers Provide?

Waiver benefits and services range from mental health counseling to non-medical transportation to peer mentorship to personal care supports. These benefits and services help you live with greater independence, and some benefits and services can help you get a job and build your career.

There are more than 50 waiver benefits and services, which help people with these types of things:

• Medical and professional services that give direct medical care, including services such as behavioral therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture.
• Accessibility supports that help you live independently through assistive technology, home adaptations, transportation, and more.
• Recreational and daytime programs, which offer equipment and fees, group activities, mentorship, and other opportunities to improve your days.
• Independence and training services that give you the tools, supports, and strategies to transition into the community and keep living in your home. These services also include supported employment.
• Personal care and behavioral supports that help you live safely and independently in the community through therapies, management, education, direct personal care, and more.

If you are on a waiver, you will have a Case Manager who can help you get the most from your waiver services.

Learn more about the exact benefits and services offered by each waiver.