The health of your child is precious, and so is their happiness as part of a loving family. Children should be able to live at home and take part in their community even if they have a critical health condition that might otherwise require facility care. This is why the state of Colorado provides Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers for children.
HCBS waivers for children are part of the Medicaid program, funding home care and community support services for children with acute medical or developmental conditions. HCBS waivers benefit children with special needs and their families. The purpose is to empower families to care for their children at home without sending them away to a care facility to get the support they need.
PASCO is proud to provide a wide range of care services designed to align perfectly with the HCBS waiver system. We offer compassionate, comprehensive support for children and their families, ensuring that you have full access to your rightful HCBS waivers and the services your child needs to enjoy life at home and as part of their community.
Learn how PASCO can help your child thrive with HCBS Waivers for Children.
What Are HCBS Waivers for Children?
Home and Community Based Care waivers for children are a Medicaid-funded program for specialized, home-based and community services. The program is for children with disabilities and medical conditions who might otherwise need to live in a care facility. HCBS waivers for children keep families together and help children with acute medical conditions live life to the fullest with access to the care they need.
HCBS waivers help children avoid institutional care and enable children to remain at home. They also support and compensate family caregivers with access to both care resources and professional care training. HCBS waivers for children are designed to enhance children’s quality of life and help children integrate into their community with the flexibility to cater to a wide range of both medical and non-medical needs.
Children with Complex Health Needs
(new waiver starting July 1st- more info will be updated on HCPF site soon)
Colorado’s Children with Complex Health Needs program provides expanded Medicaid support for children and young adults (under age 21) who live with significant medical conditions and require a high level of care.
Through this program, eligible children can access:
- Personalized, in-home care tailored to both medical and daily living needs
- Skilled and unskilled caregiving services — including the ability for parents to be paid caregivers
- In-Home Support Services (IHSS) through the Community First Choice (CFC) program
- Coordinated care planning to promote long-term stability, health, and independence
At PASCO, we partner closely with families to navigate the system, simplify care, and ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive — in the comfort of home, surrounded by people who love them.
1. Children’s Extensive Support Waiver
The Children’s Extensive Support Waiver provides care and support for children with developmental disabilities and behavioral disorders. Eligibility includes diagnosis and the need for continuous human intervention to provide care for the child. Services are comprehensive including a range of therapy, life skills training, and family support.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: Children aged 0–18.
- Diagnosis: Developmental disabilities or severe behavioral challenges.
Level of Care Requirement:
- Must meet institutional or equivalent level of care needs.
Financial Requirements:
- Medicaid-eligible under family income rules.
2. Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver
The Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver is designed for children who require around-the-clock care. This waiver can assist families with children who have developmental, behavioral, emotional, or physical disabilities that put the child at risk of requiring out-of-home placement care. Care services include 24-hour residential support in addition to youth mentoring, therapies, and respite care.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: Children aged 0–20.
- Diagnosis: Severe developmental or physical disabilities.
Level of Care Requirement:
- Requires residential or intensive habilitative care.
Financial Requirements:
- Medicaid qualification based on household income and assets.
How HCBS Waivers Work at PASCO
If your child requires acute medical or non-medical care, PASCO can help you through the entire process of attaining and implementing HCBS waivers for children. We have a comprehensive program designed to meet the needs of families with children who have acute or special needs. Our team will help you navigate every step of the process from eligibility assessment to building a personalized care plan.
1. Initial consultation to understand the child's needs and family goals.
-
We will help you assess your child’s needs and your family’s goals for providing home and community based care.
2. Eligibility determination for Medicaid and specific waivers.
-
We will help you determine your Medicaid qualifications and eligibility for each type of HCBS waiver for children. We will then guide you through the application and approval process.
3. Development of a personalized care plan tailored to the child's medical, behavioral, or developmental needs.
-
Together, we will build a personalized care plan that is crafted to meet your child’s specific needs and create a supportive environment. This plan will include a comprehensive approach to both medical and non-medical support to help your child grow and thrive..
4. Providing or training family caregivers or matching with skilled professionals.
-
PASCO also provides training and resources for family caregivers so that your skills can match those of care professionals. Your child can receive the care they need and family members can receive compensation for providing professional-grade care.
Start your child’s journey toward independence and well-being. Contact PASCO to explore HCBS Waivers for Children.
Frequently asked questions
What types of disabilities or conditions qualify for HCBS Waivers for Children?
HCBS waivers are granted for children with life-limiting disabilities, developmental delay, emotional disturbance, and other conditions that would typically require residential facility care.
How do I know if my child is eligible for Medicaid or a specific waiver?
PASCO will help you conduct a detailed assessment to determine eligibility for Medicaid and any HCBS waivers for children that you may qualify for.
What services are included in HCBS Waivers for Children?
HCBS waivers for children provide for both medical and non-medical services including counseling, physical therapy, in-home medical care, assistive technology, caregiver education, youth mentorship, and more.
Can a family member be a caregiver for my child under a waiver?
Yes. HCBS waivers will provide training and compensation to family caregivers. This is intended to empower families to provide care for their children with acute and special needs.
How long does the application process take, and what steps are involved?
The average HCBS application and approval process takes about three months. PASCO will help you through the steps for your personal situations.
