Children’s Medicaid Waivers
Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) is a health care program for low-income Coloradans. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria for one of the program categories in order to qualify for benefits.
Medicaid Waiver programs allow adults and children to access Medicaid benefits when they would not otherwise qualify due to income or assets. This is true even if the person is covered under private insurance. When determining eligibility under a children’s waiver program, the child must meet both financial and medical eligibility requirements.
Financial Requirements: For children’s waiver eligibility, only the child’s assets and income are considered. Because children generally have few assets, most children will meet this requirement.
Medical Necessity Requirement: To be eligible for any of the children’s home and community-based waivers, the child must have an institutional-level of care need. The level of care needed is determined by a comprehensive assessment for individuals seeking Long-Term Services and Supports.
In Colorado, there are currently 4 waiver programs available to children ages 0-18.
- Children’s Extensive Support Waiver (HCBS-CES)
- Children’s Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (CHCBS)
- Children with Life-Limiting Illness Waiver (HCBS-CLLI)
- Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver (HCBS-CHRP)
To view a side-by-side comparison of all the children’s waivers, click the link below.
Health First Colorado has also provided an informational flow chart that may help you in deciding which waiver program might be the best option for you and your family. Click the link below to view the Children’s HCBS Waiver Flowchart.