State Medicaid Waiver Directory
Find your state's Katie Beckett waiver, TEFRA pathway, HCBS programs, and Medicaid eligibility rules for children and adults with disabilities. Each guide covers waitlists, application steps, income limits, and parent caregiver pay options.
For informational purposes only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Medicaid rules, eligibility, and waitlists change frequently. Always verify with your state's official Medicaid agency before making decisions. Cross-check with Medicaid.gov's official waiver page.
Colorado
Program Overview
Overview
Colorado makes it fairly clear that HCBS waivers are extra benefits layered onto Health First Colorado. For children with major medical needs, the Children with Complex Health Needs (CCHN) Waiver is the key route.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Colorado does not have a Katie Beckett or TEFRA pathway. The state uses the CCHN Waiver as its primary child-specific route.
Child-relevant waivers
Colorado officially lists the Children with Complex Health Needs Waiver and Children's Extensive Support (CES) Waiver for children with developmental disabilities. For adults with physical disabilities or chronic illness who need nursing-facility level of care, Colorado's HCBS-Elderly, Blind and Disabled (EBD) Waiver is the primary adult option. The EBD Waiver covers personal care, home health aide, adult day services, homemaker services, and other community supports that allow adults to remain at home.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
The child must be under 19, meet the Social Security disability definition, and meet hospital or nursing-facility level of care for the CCHN Waiver.
Financial and income rules
Colorado explicitly says parental income is not considered for the Children with Complex Health Needs Waiver. The child's own income and resources are evaluated.
Level of care
Nursing-facility or hospital level of care is required for CCHN. The CES Waiver has its own level-of-care criteria tied to developmental disability needs.
Age rules
Child must be under 19 for CCHN. CES Waiver serves individuals of various ages.
Getting Started
How to apply
Contact the local Case Management Agency (CMA) for an assessment. CMAs coordinate CCHN and CES Waiver enrollment.
Documents needed
Physician documentation of the disability, level-of-care assessment, and financial information for the child are typically required.
Waitlist information
The CES Waiver has historically had a waitlist. CCHN waitlist status varies and should be confirmed with the CMA.
Practical next step
Contact the local Case Management Agency for CCHN screening. For non-Medicaid supports, contact Colorado DVR or PEAK Parent Center.
Services & Support
Services available
CCHN can cover private duty nursing, home health aide, personal care, respite, therapies, and medical equipment. CES covers habilitation, respite, supported employment, and community supports.
Parent caregiver pay
Colorado has strong options including the CES Waiver and Parent CNA Program, which allows qualified parents to be paid as certified nursing assistants.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
Colorado Assistive Technology Program (ucdenver.edu/CIDE) — free device loans, demonstrations, and the SWAAAC AT Lending Library of 1,500+ devices. The Assistance League of Denver HELP loan program also provides medical equipment loans at no cost.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
Colorado Health First Colorado (Medicaid) covers mental health services through Behavioral Health Organizations (BHOs) and managed care plans. Covered services include outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis intervention, and substance use treatment. Children's behavioral health is a priority and the state has invested in school-based mental health services and early childhood mental health programs. The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration oversees the public behavioral health system.
Additional notes
Colorado's CCHN Waiver explicitly sets aside parental income, which is a significant advantage for families who earn too much for standard Medicaid but have a child with major medical needs.
State-Specific Resources
Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) — Employment Services
Colorado DVR (dvr.colorado.gov) assists people with disabilities with employment preparation, job training, assistive technology, job placement and coaching, and specialized services for those who are blind or low vision. Services are free and available statewide. DVR also serves transition-age youth (ages 14+) before leaving high school and has specific expertise in supporting people with various disabilities.
Colorado Assistive Technology Program — Device Loans & AT Funding
The Colorado Assistive Technology Act Program (ucdenver.edu/CIDE/community-engagement) provides free device loans for trial or demonstration, device reutilization for refurbished equipment, and the AT Funding $ources database to find financing options. The SWAAAC AT Loan Library contains over 1,500 AT devices and resources. Call (303) 315-1283 for information.
PEAK Parent Center — Special Education & Disability Advocacy
PEAK Parent Center (peakparent.org), founded in 1986, offers free and low-cost services to families of children with disabilities and self-advocates across Colorado. PEAK provides training on IEPs, 504 plans, special education rights, transition planning, and parent advocacy. Phone: (303) 864-6166 · Toll-free: (800) 284-0251.
Family Voices Colorado — Family-Led Advocacy
Family Voices Colorado (familyvoicesco.org) is a grassroots organization run by parents of children with special healthcare needs and disabilities. It provides information, parent-to-parent support, advocacy training, and navigation help for families across Colorado. No cost to participate.
Early Intervention Colorado (EI) — Birth to Age 3
Early Intervention Colorado (called 'REFER-EI') serves families with children birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Services are provided in homes and communities. Families can self-refer or be referred by anyone. Call 833-REFER-EI (833-733-3734) or visit the Colorado Department of Education website for local contacts.
Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI)
Colorado FAMLI (famli.colorado.gov), effective January 2024, provides eligible workers with paid leave to care for a seriously ill family member, bond with a new child, or address personal medical needs. Benefits replace a percentage of wages up to a state maximum. Eligibility requires earning at least $2,500 in Colorado during the benefit year.
Disability Law Colorado — Legal Advocacy & P&A
Disability Law Colorado (disabilitylawco.org) is the state's Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency, providing free legal services, advocacy, and information on disability rights, education rights, employment issues, assistive technology access, and abuse/neglect. Phone: (303) 722-0300 · Toll-free: (888) 818-7299.
Team Hoyt Denver — Inclusive Racing for Athletes with Disabilities
Team Hoyt Denver (TeamHoytDenver.com) is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing the joy of racing to athletes with disabilities in the Denver metro area. They match runner volunteers ('pushers') with rider athletes with disabilities to compete together in running races including 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons. Athletes can run, ride, volunteer, or donate. The organization was inspired by the national Team Hoyt story of inclusion through sport.
AquaAbility — Adaptive Swim Program
AquaAbility is an adaptive swim program designed for children and individuals with neurological, physical, and other disabilities. The program combines aquatic movement, survival swim instruction, and one-on-one personalized support in a nurturing environment. Their motto: 'Where Ability Moves Beyond Limits!' Contact through their social media or local disability sports networks in the Denver area.
Colorado Mama Tribe — Community for Moms of Children with Special Needs
Colorado Mama Tribe (coloradomamatribe.com) provides support, resources, and community to women raising children with special needs and disabilities across Colorado. Founded by and for moms of kids with disabilities, the Tribe offers in-person events, peer connection, and a supportive network for navigating the emotional and practical challenges of raising a child with special needs. Free to join.
The Third Place for Kids — Sensory-Friendly Community Space (Parker, CO)
The Third Place for Kids (thethirdplaceforkids.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Parker, CO creating sensory-friendly community spaces for families with neurodivergent and disabled children. The facility features sensory equipment, adaptive play structures, and intentional design for children who need a more inclusive environment. First visit is free. Located in Parker — serving families across the south Denver metro area.
Sēb's Recreation Center — Accessible Fitness & Community (Aurora, CO)
Sēb's Recreation Center (sebsrec.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit open to ALL — individuals with disabilities, older adults, families, friends, and care providers. Located at 1710 S Buckley Rd, Unit 9, Aurora, CO 80017. Offers wheelchair-accessible fitness equipment, adaptive personal training, massage therapy, arts and crafts, sensory activities, board games, video games, movies, and more. Their mission: empowering individuals with special needs through community outreach, health and wellness, recreation, and education. Phone: (303) 353-9822.
Sources
Recent news for Colorado
Colorado Public Radio · October 20, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers, Research
Colorado families managing rare diseases discuss their concerns regarding upcoming Medicaid coverage reductions and the impact of medical research advancements.
Yahoo Finance · October 19, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers
A Colorado-based provider has published a guide explaining eligibility, application processes, and frequently asked questions regarding state Medicaid HCBS waivers.
KKCO 11 News on MSN · October 9, 2026 · Rights & Law, Funding & Budget
Grand Valley Transit is using federal funding to add three new paratransit buses to their fleet, which will improve accessibility and service capacity for riders with disabilities.
The Colorado Sun · October 7, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers, Caregiving, Funding & Budget
Colorado officials are terminating an agreement with an in-home care provider following a significant and unexplained increase in Medicaid billing.
Colorado Newsline · October 2, 2026 · Medicaid & Waivers, Funding & Budget
A proposed Colorado ballot measure aims to restrict specific gender-affirming procedures for minors and could potentially impact Medicaid funding for certain medical services. Families who rely on state-funded health programs may be affected by these changes to coverage rules.
Community Tips & Experience
Comments reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual community members only. They do not represent the views, positions, or endorsements of National Disability Resource Project or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliated members. Always verify information with official agencies and qualified professionals before making decisions.
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