FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Public Funding
Medicaid is a program, funded by the federal and state governments, which pays for medical care for low income people and those with special health care needs who are eligible for specific programs. Health First Colorado is the name of Colorado’s Medicaid program. Child Health Plan Plus is a low cost insurance program for children and pregnant women who do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
Medicaid waivers enable people (including children) who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for Medicaid due to income or assets to access Medicaid benefits even if the person already has private insurance. In the case of families, parental income is not considered for eligibility. Only a child’s assets or income is considered. Therefore, many children with extraordinary health care needs qualify for Medicaid waivers because they have few assets. A child must have institutional-level of care requirements to be eligible for these waivers.
For help in knowing how to see if your child might qualify for Medicaid or any of the waivers, you can start with How to apply for Health First Colorado or Child Health Plan Plus
Health First Colorado Buy-In The Medicaid Buy-In Program for Children with Disabilities (Children’s Buy-In) is a medical assistance program that will provide Medicaid benefits for children who are under age 19, have a qualifying disability, and whose adjusted family income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). There is also a program for Working Adults with Disabilities.
COLORADO MEDICAID WAIVERS
Colorado’s Medicaid Waivers are administered through the Department of Health Care, Policy and Financing. You can access specific information through the following links:
Adult Programs, including Medicaid Waiver Programs
Children’s Programs, including Medicaid Waiver Programs
Information for Parents and Caregivers
Physical and Developmental Disabilities (Children and Adults)
Behavioral Health Services and Providers (All children and adults covered by Health First Colorado are eligible for a behavioral health services)
You can find charts that compare the different Medicaid Waiver options for children and adults on the Long Term Services and Supports Training page. These charts are helpful to find out who to contact for eligibility and other questions about Medicaid waivers.
COLORADO MEDICAID RESOURCES
Colorado Financial Programs – a listing of different programs available in Colorado.
Community Centered Boards (CCB) manage and deliver services, in partnership with private service providers, to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families throughout the state of Colorado. The CCB case manages specific Medicaid waiver programs for children and adults. Each CCB operates in a designated geographic area.
Consumer Directed Attendant Services (CDASS) Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) is a Medicaid benefit under the Home and Community Based Services that allow clients to manage their attendant services.
Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic & Treatment (EPSDT) are services provided to youth who are Medicaid eligible.
In-Home Support Services – Available for people enrolled in the HCBS-EBD or Children’s HCBS Waiver program who want more choice and control in their home care.
Transportation to Medicaid services appointments – may be provided if no other transportation resources are available.
National Resources
Understanding Medicaid Home and Community Services: A Primer – (P2P note – This is not a family friendly or easy to read summary. It is very detailed information.)
Supplemental Security Income
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. Social Security Income (SSI) is very different from SSDI (Social Security Disability Income) which is for adults who become disabled after working and contributing to social security benefits.
To find your local Social Security Office, click here.
Private Funding
At Funding sources Website
AT Funding Sources is a searchable online database tool. It is provided to assist people with disabilities in locating needed funding to purchase AT devices and services for their specific needs.
Friends of Man
A non-profit, tax-exempt charity using 100% of donations for charitable assistance. They work through Referring Professionals (caseworkers, case managers, health care workers, social workers, counselors, teachers, clergy) who apply on behalf of their patients and clients needing mobility equipment, prosthetics, glasses, dentures, hearing aids, and much more!
Colorado Lions clubs
The Lions Club gives direct financial help to individuals who need help with hearing, vision care or glasses.
Family Support Funds
The Family Support program is a state funded program that provides individualized supports and services to families who are caring for a family member with developmental delays/disabilities. Our Family Support Service Coordinators connect families with community resources, provide advocacy, and can offer financial support for identified needs which are beyond typical child rearing and daily living expenses.