Memory Care in Colorado

Tax benefits for seniors and beautiful scenery make Colorado a popular place to retire. The state is home to around 5.84 million residents, with an estimated 15.1% of the population aged 65 and over. Seniors are at an increased risk for memory loss disorders such as Alzheimer’s, and recent information from the Alzheimer’s Association shows that Alzheimer’s is a growing health crisis in the U.S. Data from the CDC supports this statement, as the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths in Colorado increased by 27.98% between 2016 and 2020.

The state of Colorado meets the need for dementia care with facilities that offer a secure space for seniors to receive the level of personal care and support they require 24/7. Memory care facilities hire professional staff trained in memory loss disorders in an effort to slow cognitive decline.

This guide connects readers with statewide agencies that can provide support to those affected by dementia and explains the average costs of memory care.

The Cost of Memory Care in Colorado

Colorado residential assisted living communities also often provide memory care in separate secured areas. There is no national authority on memory care costs, so we used assisted living data from Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey with 25% added, as memory care is 20-30% more than assisted living on average.

Memory care costs in Colorado are $5,938, which is close to the national average of $5,625. The costs of memory care in nearby states vary. Utah has an average monthly memory care cost of $4,375, and Nebraska’s is $5,095. Wyoming’s cost is $5,212 per month on average for memory care and New Mexico’s is $5,623. Kansas has an average monthly memory care cost of $5,725, which is close to Colorado’s.

Colorado’s cities also have varying memory care costs depending on location. Boulder is the city with the highest cost for memory care at an estimated $7,844 per month. Denver’s cost is slightly less at $6,875 and Colorado Springs’ is $5,829. Greeley has a memory care cost of $5,500 per month on average, and Grand Junction’s is $5,313. Memory care in Fort Collins’ is less expensive at $5,000. The most affordable city in Colorado for memory care is Pueblo, with an estimated monthly cost of $4,750.

There are other care types for Colorado seniors besides memory care. Adults who require daytime care can receive adult day health care services for approximately $1,950 per month. Assisted living facilities cost around $4,750 per month, and both home health care and home care are $6,387. The $5,938 estimated cost of memory care in Colorado is lower than nursing home costs. For a semiprivate room, costs are approximately $8,567 per month, and private rooms cost around $9,726 monthly.

Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Colorado?

Colorado Medicaid — which is called Health First Colorado — does not directly cover memory care costs at a residential facility. However, seniors who have Medicaid or are eligible may qualify for the Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver (EBD). This waiver can help cover the costs of residential memory care for seniors with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Seniors whose income disqualifies them for the Health First Colorado program may qualify for the Old Age Pension Health and Medical Care Program (OAP), which provides limited care and may be helpful in reducing expenses to income that can be used for memory care costs.

What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Colorado?

Medicaid does not directly cover the costs of memory care in Colorado. The EBD waiver provides the same medical benefits as Health First, along with other services including transition assistance, transportation and various other personal care services that memory care recipients may need. The OAP also covers certain types of senior care, but it’s more limited in scope than the EBD waiver. Both programs can help seniors retain more income that would usually be spent on the medical services these programs cover, so more funds can go towards residential memory care.

Memory Care Waiver Programs in Colorado

The Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver (EBD)

The Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver (EBD) is limited to individuals who require long-term care at a level that’s comparable to a nursing facility. Applicants age 65 and older must be qualified by a doctor as having a significant cognitive and/or physical impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Applicant income must not exceed 300% of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) limits. Individuals cannot have resources exceeding $2,000. For couples, the resource limit is $3,000.

This waiver covers everything that’s covered by Health First Colorado, which includes but is not limited to doctor visits, dental care, emergency services, behavioral health services, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. In addition, there are senior-specific services that are covered by the EBD waiver, such as electronic monitoring and personal care, among others.

To apply for the Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver (EBD), you must first apply and qualify for the Health First Colorado program. If you are already enrolled in this program, contact the Member Contact Center at (800) 221-3943 or the local Single Entry Point (SEP). If you do not know your SEP location, you can find the location and contact information on the website.

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

Colorado’s Health First Medicaid program has eligibility criteria that include age, disability status, citizenship status, age and income. Eligibility requirements for memory care recipients that must be met to qualify include:

• Age: Applicants must be 65 or older.
• Disability Status: Blind and/or disabled individuals may be eligible.
• Income: Applicants must have a gross yearly income that does not exceed $17,131 for singles and $23,169 for couples.
• Resources: Individuals can have no more than $2,000 in resources, and couples cannot exceed $3,000.
• Citizenship: Applicants must be verified as U.S. citizens to be eligible or provide documentation of legal resident status.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Colorado

*Per year

Seniors who don’t meet income eligibility requirements for the Colorado Health First Program may qualify for other financial assistance programs through the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace. The Colorado Indigent Care Program  (CICP) and prescription savings plans may also help reduce overall expenses so that more income can go towards memory care costs.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Colorado

Seniors or their caregivers can apply for Colorado Medicaid online at the Colorado PEAK website. Paper applications can be printed and mailed or dropped off at the correct county Medicaid office or application assistance site. In-person applications with a Medicaid worker can be done at the same locations.

Applications can also be submitted over the phone by calling (800) 221-3943 or State Relay: 711. Telephone service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Information You Will Need

Verifications must be provided when applying for the Colorado Health First Medicaid program. Seniors must provide the following information when applying:

• Identification and Social Security cards
• Immigration documentation if not a verified U.S. citizen
• Verification of income that may include tax documentation or employer information
• Verification of Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Insurance policy documentation for all household members

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Seniors can obtain assistance with applying for the Health First Medicaid program by contacting the Office of Adult, Aging and Disability Services. Alternatively, assistance can be obtained at a local application assistance site. Help can also be found on the PEAK website, or seniors can contact the Colorado Division of Aging and Adult Services.

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Colorado?

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Colorado. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will 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 Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Colorado.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care 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 Memory Care affordable.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Colorado

Colorado has many free services for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. There are legal advocacy programs, services for veterans and a wide variety of other resources and services for all seniors, including those with memory care issues.

COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care 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 2/7/2022, 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

Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Colorado

Building design, levels of care, dining, medication management and staff training issues are among the rules and regulations enforced by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Memory care programs can be incorporated within a secure area of an assisted living facility or dedicated structure. In Colorado, these types of facilities are often called Alternative Care Facilities and less commonly known as Personal Care Homes.

Frequently Asked Questions