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In-Home Care in Colorado

Of the more than 5.8 million people who call Colorado home, 14.6% are seniors aged 65 or older. That’s nearly 850,000 older adults drawn to the state’s majestic mountains and abundant recreational opportunities. Colorado also boasts more than 100 hospitals, including many top-ranked facilities like the nationally ranked UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora.

Colorado taxpayers aged 55 and older get a generous state tax exclusion on their retirement income, which gets even better at age 65. Colorado property taxes are among the lowest in the nation. Seniors may qualify for property tax exemptions of up to 50%, which is excellent for those who own their homes and want to age in place. As they get older, in-home assistance helps them remain independent. Colorado seniors have two in-home care options. Home care helps with household chores and personal care, and home health care offers medical assistance. Both types of care averaged $6,387 per month in Colorado in 2021.

This guide provides an overview of in-home care in Colorado, including average costs and how Medicaid helps cover the expense. It also offers local and statewide resources that provide free or low-cost programs to help seniors remain in their homes and communities.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Colorado

Unfortunately, the average cost of in-home care in Colorado is relatively high compared to the national average and surrounding states. According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, its cost of $6,387 was over $1,400 more than the national average of $4,957. Compared to adjacent states, New Mexico has the lowest price at $4,605, followed by Nebraska at $5,148 and Arizona at $5,338. Wyoming and Utah have the highest rates at $5,529 and $5,625, respectively, which is still less than Colorado’s.

Colorado

$6387

The United States

$4957

New Mexico

$4605

Nebraska

$5148

Arizona

$5339

Wyoming

$5529

Cities in Colorado have a wide range of average in-home care costs, with a $1,500 difference per month between the lowest and highest. Pueblo has the lowest rate at $5,268, and Boulder and Denver have the highest at $6,769, which is even higher than the state average. In the middle, average costs include Grand Junction at $5,434, Greeley at $5,625, Colorado Springs at $5,768 and Fort Collins at $6,101.

Pueblo

$5268

Grand Junction

$5434

Greeley

$5625

Colorado Springs

$5768

Fort Collins

$6101

Boulder

$6769

Denver

$6769

Nursing home rates ran $8,567 in 2021 compared to $6,387 for home and home health care. Assisted living facilities had a lower average cost of $4,750, but in-home care has the bonus of remaining in familiar surroundings. Adult day health care has the lowest price at an average of $1,950, but it offers limited services in a community setting.

In-Home Care

$6387

Home Health Care

$6387

Adult Day Health Care

$1950

Assisted Living

$4750

Nursing Home Care

$8567

Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Colorado?

Colorado’s Medicaid program is called Health First Colorado. Although it doesn’t directly cover home care, the state has a waiver program that does. Applicants must meet the financial, program targeting and medical criteria of Health First Colorado to access the services available under a waiver.

Home Care Waiver Programs in Colorado

Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver

The Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for Elderly, Blind and Disabled (HCBS-EBD) persons provides an alternative to nursing home care and allows recipients to remain in their homes. Through this waiver, recipients receive long-term supports and services not available through the Health First Colorado State Plan. 

Applicants must be age 65 or older with a functional impairment, blind or aged 18 to 64 with a physical disability or HIV or AIDS diagnosis to qualify for the HCBS-EBD. They must meet financial and program criteria and be willing to receive services in their home or community. Waiver enrollees receive regular Health First Colorado benefits, as well as services specific to the HCBS-EBD waiver: 

  • Adult day services
  • Alternative care facilities
  • Consumer-directed attendant support services
  • Electronic monitoring
  • Home-delivered meals
  • Home modifications
  • Homemaker services
  • In-home support services
  • Life skills training
  • Non-medical transportation
  • Personal care
  • Respite care 

Applicants not enrolled in Health First Colorado must apply for Medicaid first. Those already enrolled should contact their local Single Entry Point (SEP) to start the waiver application process. Applicants with questions about the waiver program should contact their SEP agency or the Member Contact Center.

How to Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Colorado

Applicants must meet income and resource requirements to be eligible for Medicaid in Colorado. Income must be less than 300% or three times the monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) allowance. In 2022, the maximum monthly amount was $841 per month for individuals, which comes to $10,092 annually, and $1,261 per month for couples, which is equivalent to $15,137 annually. Resources must be less than $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples. 

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Colorado 

Income limits*Asset limits
$10,092$2,000
$15,137$3,000

*Per year

  • Aged 65 or older, blind or disabled
  • A Colorado resident
  • A U.S. citizen, U.S. national or eligible immigration status 

How to Apply for Medicaid in Colorado

Seniors can apply for Health First Colorado at any time. There aren’t any set enrollment periods like other types of medical coverage. They can apply:

Seniors applying for Aged, Blind, Disabled & Long-Term Care must also fill out Worksheet B on the Health First Colorado application.

What Information You Will Need

Along with the completed application, seniors must include a long list of information and documentation during the application process. These items include:

  • Names and birthdates of all applicants
  • Social Security numbers for citizens
  • Immigration document numbers for non-citizens
  • Employer and income information, including pay stubs or W2s
  • Documentation of additional income, such as Social Security benefits, SSI, public cash assistance, railroad retirement, rental income, retirement, pension and veterans benefits
  • Current health insurance and Medicare information, including policy numbers, of all household members
  • List of life insurance and burial policies
  • List of expenses, such as medical expenses, dependent elder care, health insurance, mortgages, prescriptions, rent and utilities
  • List of resources, including cash, checking and savings account, CDs, annuities, inheritance, property, proceeds from a home sale, stocks, bonds and trusts
  • List of property and vehicles owned
  • List of anything of value given away within the last 5 years 

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Government and nonprofit organizations offer help completing the Health First Colorado and waiver applications to ensure seniors receive the services and supports they need. Statewide assistance is available in person, over the phone and online.

ProgramContactAreaServedServices provided
Colorado Department of Human Services(303) 866-5700StatewideThe CDHS connects people with resources, assistance and support to live independently in Colorado. Staff members help seniors apply for Health First Colorado benefits and answer questions about their Medicaid and waiver benefits. They may also address questions and concerns with any health care bills they may have received. Seniors may get help in person or over the phone.
Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado(844) 265-2372StatewideADRC is a trusted source of information on all types of long-term supports and services available to aging adults throughout the state. The organization has 16 regional offices to assist seniors in planning their future long-term care needs and provide options counseling. Staff also coordinate access to information and assistance and help seniors make informed decisions through personalized, consumer-friendly help.
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing(800) 221-3943StatewideHCPF strives to improve seniors' health care access and outcomes while saving them money. To help with Medicaid and other programs, it provides a searchable database to find a Certified Application Assistance Site (CAAS) and get assistance with Colorado PEAK, the online Medicaid application site. HCPF's website also offers a comprehensive list of FAQs about Medicaid.

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Colorado?

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

  • Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
  • Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
  • Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
  • Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

Other Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in Colorado

While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Colorado

Numerous government programs and nonprofit organizations strive to support the quality of life and ongoing independence of Colorado’s seniors. Programs and services help ensure they have access to nutritious foods, stay safe in their homes and stretch their retirement dollars to the fullest.

ResourceContactAreaServedService
Hunger Free Colorado(855) 855-4626StatewideHunger Free Colorado connects seniors to food resources to ensure they never go hungry. Seniors call the bilingual statewide Hunger Free Hotline for information on public benefits, food and nutrition programs and community resources. The hotline provides lists of community-run sites serving hot meals or providing food boxes for free and organizations that deliver meals to older adults and disabled individuals. It also provides information on the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for Seniors, distributed to low-income persons aged 60 or older.
Department of Local Affairs(303) 482-7670StatewideThe DOLA Home Modification Tax Credit helps individuals retrofit their homes through state income tax credits of up to $5,000. The program helps Colorado residents with impairments, illnesses or disabilities make home modifications to allow better accessibility and independence. Applicants must be state taxpayers with adjusted incomes at or below current income limits. They must currently occupy the home, and modifications must be necessary to ensure their safety, health and welfare.
Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program(866) 432-8435StatewideColorado Leap is a federally funded program that pays a portion of winter home heating costs for eligible seniors and families. It also assists with repairing broken heating equipment and replacing inoperable equipment. The program received extra funds for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) to help reconnect disconnected water or wastewater services or help prevent disconnection. Funds are limited and provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Colorado Senior Property Tax ExemptionVaries by CountyStatewideColorado offers a property tax exemption to qualifying seniors. They must be aged 65 or older, be the property owner of record for the last 10 consecutive years and have occupied the property for the past 10 consecutive years. Seniors who qualify receive an exemption of 50% on the first $200,000 of the actual value of their home. They must submit an exemption form with their local county assessor's office.
Colorado Energy Office(720) 384-4220StatewideThe CEO Weatherization Assistance Program partners with local weatherization agencies throughout the state to provide free weatherization services to Colorado residents. Weatherization agencies schedule free home energy audits for approved homeowners or renters to identify the most appropriate, cost-effective improvements for their homes. Qualified technicians install the improvements, and homeowners or renters save money on their utility bills by conserving energy. Seniors aged 60 or older and households with disabled individuals or children may receive preference for this program.
Disability Law Colorado(303) 722-0300StatewideDisability Law Colorado administers the Legal Assistance Developer Program for the Elderly through a contract with the CDHS, Division of Aging and Adult Services. It coordinates services statewide by operating with the 16 regional Area Agencies on Aging to offer free civil legal services to seniors aged 60 or older. The program helps prevent foreclosures, home repair scams, financial exploitation, creditor-initiated bank garnishments for unpaid medical bills and Medicaid denials and terminations. It also helps prepare wills, guardianships, conservatorships, advanced directives and deeds.

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Colorado

In Colorado, home care agencies are regulated and licensed by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF). Home care providers that offer nonmedical personal care services are licensed as Class B agencies. The HCPF also investigates consumer complaints and conducts initial and periodic inspections of all licensed HCAs to ensure compliance with state regulations. This table outlines the regulations that home care agencies in Colorado must abide by.

TopicRule
Scope of CareColorado HCAs with a Class B license may provide various nonmedical personal care services to clients so they can safely and comfortably remain in their homes. These services may include providing help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, continence care, transferring, ambulation and eating. Personal care workers employed by HCAs may also perform housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation tasks, provide companionship and assist clients in completing activities outside the home, such as shopping and attending appointments.
Care Plan RequirementsHome care agencies must evaluate new clients within 48 hours of an initial service visit and develop a care plan to meet their needs. This personalized plan should detail the care services to be provided and tasks to be completed by the agency's PCWs. It must also specify when visits will occur and their length. Each client's care plan must be reevaluated and updated annually and whenever any change occurs in the individual's needs or condition.
Medication Management RequirementsPCWs employed by HCAs may not manage or administer medications to clients. A PCW may provide clients with medication reminders if this service is included in the individual's care plan.
Staff Screening RequirementsHCAs must have criminal background checks conducted on individuals seeking employment as PCWs who will have direct contact with clients.
Staff Training RequirementsPCWs hired to provide direct care to clients must receive initial training on the agency's policies and the services it provides. Staff must also receive ongoing training on 12 relevant topics every 12 months.
Medicaid CoverageHealth First Colorado covers the cost of in-home care and supportive services through the In-Home Support Servicesprogram, which is offered under the Waiver for the Elderly, Blind and Disabled.
Reporting AbuseConcerned parties may report abuse, mistreatment or neglect of a senior to Colorado Adult Protective Services by calling the agency's intake number in the county where the at-risk individual resides.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in Colorado

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.

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Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist
Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist

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To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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