Exciting Updates: New Waiver Combines CHCBS and CLLI for Better Support
Families of children with complex health needs in Colorado have an exciting update for 2025! A new waiver, the Children with Complex Health Needs (CwCHN) Waiver, will merge two existing waiver programs:
- TheChildren’s Home and Community-Based Services (CHCBS)Waiver, and
- TheChildren with Life-Limiting Illness (CLLI)Waiver.
This new waiver is designed to simplify services, expand eligibility, and provide even greater support for children and families.
What’s Changing?
Why This Matters for Families?
For caregivers, navigating complex waiver systems can be overwhelming. The new CwCHN Waiver simplifies access to services while preserving the comprehensive care families rely on.
By combining resources from CHCBS and CLLI, this waiver ensures more families can benefit, streamlining support for children with special health care needs. The addition of the Wellness Education Benefit provides an extra layer of support, focusing on education and prevention to complement direct care.
What’s Next?
The transition to the CwCHN Waiver is designed to be smooth, with no interruption to services. Families currently enrolled in CHCBS or CLLI will automatically transition to the new waiver at their Continued Stay Review (CSR). If you have questions or concerns about the new waiver or your child’s eligibility, reach out to us.
Advocacy in Action
PASCO and our dedicated advocacy allies were instrumental in securing Community First Choice (CFC) for Colorado’s Medicaid State Plan, making In-Home Support Services (IHSS) accessible to more families. Through CFC, family caregivers now have fewer burdensome requirements, such as the CNA license, which had previously created barriers, especially for non-native English speakers and those unable to meet CNA training demands. Our Retired Advocacy Leader, David Bolin, fought passionately for these changes, expanding opportunities and choice for Colorado’s disability community. We’re immensely proud of the progress made and its life-changing impact.
Supporting You Every Step of the Way!
This merger reflects Colorado’s commitment to improving support for children with complex health needs. The goal is to make programs for children easier to access, more inclusive, and better equipped to meet the unique challenges faced by families.
By strengthening community engagement and providing comprehensive resources, this initiative ensures that every child, regardless of their health challenges, can thrive in a supportive environment.
Stay tuned for more updates as we work together to ensure every child receives the care they deserve!
Learn More About Colorado’s Community First Choice (CFC)
For more about how CFC will benefit members and families, and details on eligibility, visit the Proposed CFC Timeline, HCPF website, or stay tuned to PASCO. Colorado’s Community First Choice (CFC) program brings a new level of choice, autonomy, and community connection to Medicaid members, ensuring that more Coloradans can thrive with the support they need.
