Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
For adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who need extensive supports to live in the community.
Colorado · Medicaid HCBS
Colorado Medicaid waiver guide: HCBS programs and how to apply
Colorado calls Medicaid Health First Colorado and coordinates HCBS waiver intake through local Case Management Agencies. Start by identifying the program, confirming Medicaid coverage, and asking the CMA to document the assessment and enrollment path.
No card required. WaiverPath organizes the process; Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) and local Case Management Agencies makes eligibility and service decisions.
Colorado Medicaid waiver programs
Supported Living Services (SLS) Waiver
For adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who can live in their own home or family home with supports.
Children's Extensive Support (CES) Waiver
For children with developmental disabilities and extensive behavioral or medical support needs.
Elderly, Blind and Disabled (EBD) Waiver
For older adults and people with qualifying physical disabilities who need long-term services and supports.
How to start in Colorado
- 1
Match the applicant to a Colorado HCBS waiver
Colorado operates adult and children's HCBS waivers for different populations and levels of need. Use HCPF's program list to identify likely tracks, then confirm the fit with the local Case Management Agency before relying on it.
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Find the Case Management Agency serving the county
Colorado Case Management Agencies are the local front door for HCBS waiver eligibility, assessment, person-centered planning, and ongoing coordination. Use HCPF's current directory because service areas and contacts can change.
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Apply for Health First Colorado through PEAK
Apply for Colorado Medicaid through the official PEAK portal and save the application confirmation or case number. A waiver assessment and Medicaid financial eligibility are separate determinations, so track both.
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Request the waiver eligibility and level-of-care assessment
Ask the Case Management Agency to start the assessment for the relevant waiver. Record the request date, assessment date, assessor, records requested, and the exact program being evaluated.
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For the DD Waiver, document waiting-list status
Colorado maintains a waiting list when DD waiver capacity is full. Ask the case manager to confirm the Order of Selection date and the recorded timeline category, then keep that written confirmation with the case.
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Make the process usable
Keep the agency trail with the checklist
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Organize my Colorado caseOfficial sources
Last reviewed by WaiverPath: September 3, 2026.
Medicaid.gov Home & Community Based ServicesFederal HCBS overview describing home and community-based services for Medicaid beneficiaries.Colorado HCPF — Medicaid LTSS and HCBS Waiver Fact SheetOfficial list of Colorado adult and children's HCBS waivers.Colorado HCPF — Case Management Agency DirectoryOfficial directory for the local HCBS intake and case-management front door.Colorado PEAKOfficial public-benefits application and case-status portal.Colorado HCPF — DD Waiver Waiting List MemoOfficial DD waiver waiting-list and assessment guidance.
WaiverPath is not a government agency, law firm, Medicaid provider, or benefits advisor. We help you organize information, documents, and follow-up tasks. Always verify requirements with the official agency or a qualified professional.