Assisted Living in Colorado

Colorado has much to offer seniors in assisted living. There are plenty of natural wonders and cultural destinations to explore, along with volunteer programs for seniors who want to help their community. Approximately 14.6% of the total Colorado population is age 65 and over, and that number is expected to rise. By 2030, it’s estimated that seniors 65 and over will comprise approximately 18.3% of the total Colorado population. Many may choose to make the move to assisted living at some point. In Colorado, the average cost for assisted living is $4,750 per month. Older adults can take advantage of the substantial tax deduction on retirement income in Colorado, which means more money to pay for assisted living care.

Seniors will be happy to know that there are highly rated hospitals in the state: The UC Health University of Colorado Hospital is ranked one of the nation’s best. In addition, Colorado is also home to SCL Health — a health care organization that provides specialized senior services. SCL Health has multiple locations, such as the senior emergency room at Lutheran Medical Center. 

This guide contains and compares cost information for residential assisted living communities in Colorado. There’s information about financial assistance to help pay for assisted living and details regarding facility regulations. Also in this guide are free resources for seniors that include state offices and nonprofit organizations.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Colorado

Colorado has an average monthly assisted living cost of $4,750 as reported by the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey. The national average is $4,500, while the costs in neighboring states vary. Kansas has an average monthly assisted living price of $4,580, and New Mexico’s is slightly lower at $4,498. Wyoming’s average monthly cost for assisted living is $4,169, while Nebraska’s is $4,076. The least expensive state near Colorado is Utah, where assisted living monthly costs average $3,500.

The cost of assisted living in Colorado’s cities also varies. Some are more than both the Colorado state and national averages, such as Denver’s average monthly fee of $5,500 and Boulder’s average monthly assisted living cost of $6,275. Colorado Springs is close to the state and national average at $4,663, as is Greeley at $4,400. Grand Junction has a slightly lower monthly assisted living cost of $4,250, while Fort Collins is even more affordable at $4,000 per month.

There are other care types for Colorado seniors to choose from besides assisted living. Adult day health care is the least expensive at about $1,950 per month. Home care and home health care both average $6,387 per month, while nursing homes are substantially higher. For a semiprivate room, fees average around $8,567 per month. A private room in a nursing home facility costs approximately $9,726.

Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in Colorado?

Health First Colorado is the state’s Medicaid program, and it does cover the cost of certified assisted living communities called Alternative Care Facilities (ACFs) for seniors enrolled in the Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver (EBD) or the Community Mental Health Supports Waiver (CMHS). ACFs assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) in a residential setting with 24-hour supervision.

What Assisted Living Services are Covered by Medicaid in Colorado?

Colorado Medicaid covers certain costs of Alternative Care Facilities (ACFs), which provide an array of services for seniors in a supervised residential setting. Care is based on each resident’s needs and level of independence. Services include:

• Bathing and dressing assistance
• Mobility assistance
• Housekeeping
• Medication management
• Transportation

The EBD Waiver provides seniors with all Health First Colorado services. In addition, the waiver provides senior-specific services that include personal care, transition services for seniors moving from their home to an ACF, and peer mentorship. Long-term hospital and nursing facility costs are not covered. Seniors must pay their room and board costs, and they may also have to share in certain care costs and services. The CMHS Waiver covers many of the same services. Like the EBD Waiver, long-term hospital and nursing facility care are excluded from coverage.

Assisted Living Waiver Programs in Colorado

Elderly, Blind, and Disabled Waiver (EBD)

In order to qualify for the EBD Waiver, seniors must receive Colorado Health First Benefits. Age, income, disability and citizenship status factor into eligibility. Income caps are as follows:

• Income must be less than 300% of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) limits
• Single seniors cannot have more than $2,000 in resources
• Couples cannot have more than $3,000 in resources

Through the Medicaid Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities, seniors may still qualify for the EBD Waiver.

Services covered under this waiver include but aren’t limited to:

• Transportation
• Personal care
• Medication assistance
• Housekeeping

In addition, EBD recipients receive all Health First Colorado services other than long-term nursing facility or hospital care. Some of these services include:

• Primary physician visits
• Specialist visits
• Emergency room visits
• Ambulance visits
• Dental care

To sign up for the EBD Waiver, seniors must be enrolled in Colorado Health First and contact their respective Single Entry Point (SEP) or Member Contact Center. Applications for Colorado Health First can be completed online, by mail, in person or by phone at (800) 221-3943.

Community Mental Health Supports Waiver (CMHS)

Seniors must meet eligibility and level-of-care requirements to qualify for the CMHS Waiver. Applicants must have a mental health condition that interferes with their ability to perform activities of daily living. Developmental and intellectual disorders are not applicable, nor is substance abuse disorder without an additional mental disorder present.

Applicants must require long-term care that’s comparable to nursing facility services and meet the same financial requirements as for the EBD Waiver, which are as follows:

• Income must not exceed 300% of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) limits
• Single seniors must not have resources exceeding $2,000
• Couples must not have resources exceeding $3,000

Seniors with income in excess of these amounts may still qualify for the CMHS Waiver through the Colorado Medicaid Buy-In Program.

The CMHS Waiver adds to Colorado Health First Services such as doctor visits, specialist visits, emergency room visits and dental care. In addition, the following are added:

• Adult day services
• Nutritional services
• Homemaking services
• Life skills training
• Mentorship services
• Personal care

To enroll in the CMHS Waiver, seniors must already be enrolled in Health First. If not enrolled in Health First, individuals can complete applications online, by mail, in person or by phone.

Seniors enrolled in Health First who want to also enroll in the CMHS Waiver can contact their applicable Member Contact Center or Single Entry Point (SEP) to apply.

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

Health First Colorado is the state’s Medicaid program operated under the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. Colorado Medicaid has eligibility requirements including age, disability status, citizenship, income and resources. General requirements state the seniors must:

• Be aged 65 or older
• Be disabled and/or blind
• Not exceed income and resource limits
• Be a citizen of the United States or a legal alien

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Colorado

*Per year

As noted, income requirements for additional programs, such as the EBD and CMHS Waivers, are based on SSI benefits. For both programs, household income cannot exceed 300% of 2022 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) limits for household size. For singles, that’s $10,092.40 and for couples, the SSI income limit is $15,136.93.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Colorado

Applications for Colorado Medicaid can be submitted online through the PEAK website. Seniors can also download and print a paper application, which can be mailed or submitted at an application assistance site or county Medicaid office. Applications can also be taken to these locations between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Seniors can also apply by phone by calling state relay 711 or (800) 221-3943.

Information You Will Need

In order to apply for Colorado Health First, seniors must submit appropriate verifications. Required documents include:

• Social Security cards for citizens
• Immigration documentation for noncitizens
• Identification showing name, address and birthdate
• Contact information 
• Documentation of all household income
• Health insurance policy documentation (including Medicare) for household members

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

There is help available for Colorado residents who need assistance applying for Medicaid. Seniors can contact local government offices as shown in the table below to get help with their application. In addition, local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) can provide assistance with benefit applications for Medicaid and waiver programs.

Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living in Colorado?

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Colorado. Assisted living facilities are considered to be a “residential setting” and not a “clinical setting,” (think nursing homes). While Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of care received in an assisted living community, it does still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for senior living in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Colorado.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Colorado

Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Assisted Living affordable.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Colorado

Colorado seniors in assisted living can access multiple free services and resources, some of which are through nonprofit organizations. Others are government programs that may help with advocacy, legal services, financial assistance, referrals and other senior-specific services.

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Colorado

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including covid19.colorado.gov. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 4/22/22, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Outings & Social Activities

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Colorado

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regulates all assisted living facilities in the state. All assisted living residences must comply with the regulations set forth by this department to remain in operation. Both scheduled and unscheduled checks are performed to verify facility compliance.