People with disabilities deserve care in a familiar environment provided with love and consideration. Rather than relying on care facilities, Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) makes it possible for people with disabilities to receive their care at home. clients can access HCBS through their Medicaid waiver program to receive better, more personal care.
HCBS covers three important areas that help ensure facility-free care:
- Empowering loved ones to become licensed and paid caregivers
- Access to in-home medical care professionals
- Access to community care resources close to home
PASCO is a team of medical, social, and care management professionals providing home care to those in need. We are committed to empowering independence for our clients through HCBS waivers that allow home care and freedom to remain part of your community. We can help you access a wide range of personalized support, including personal resources for individuals of all ages and needs. HCBS is integrated into our care plan to make care more accessible to all.
What Are Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)?
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) is a Medicaid-funded program that enables individuals to live at home instead of transferring to an institutional setting. HCBS is designed to foster independence, maintain community engagement, and ensure people with disabilities receive personalized care from loved ones and personalized medical services.
HCBS waivers make it possible to meet individual needs for adults with disabilities, seniors, children with special needs, and people with life-altering medical conditions. The waiver system allows you to choose your care structure, receive care at home, and receive adequate medical care without living in an institution.
Types of HCBS Waivers
The types of HCBS waivers available depend on the person’s disabilities or medical conditions. Each waiver type may provide access to a customized balance of care tailored to the needs of someone with each eligibility profile.
Developmental Disabilities Waiver
-
Assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive care at home and in their community.
-
Includes access to 24/7 supervision, residential and day habilitation and support in addition to services including family caregiver support, transportation, supported employment, and behavioral services.
For Adults
-
Help adults with physical or intellectual disabilities access personalized service to meet individual needs.
-
Services include personal care, job training and search, transportation, home modification, access to community resources, and at-home medical support.
For Children
-
Help children with developmental disabilities or severe physical disabilities.
-
Services include early intervention programs, specialized therapies, personal care services, and respite care for family caregivers.
Community Mental Health Support Waiver
-
Assists those with a mental illness that requires long-term support.
-
Services include day care facilities, home-delivered meals, home modification life skills training, medication assistance, transportation, personal care, remote support, and respite care.
Elderly, Blind, and Disabled Waiver
-
Provides support for persons who are elderly, blind, or disabled.
-
Services include daycare, home-delivered meals, in-home support services, medication support, personal care, remote support, and respite care.
Supported Living Services Waiver
-
Provides service support for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities to stay home and in communities with minimal impact on daily life.
-
Services include a wide range of life, independence, health, and at-home care services supporting personal empowerment for the client including life skills, behavioral, and employment support in addition to home and community care, expanding the service scope available.
Brain Injury Waiver
-
Help those with a traumatic brain injury, including 24/7 supervision and care at home or access to care through the community.
Complementary and Integrative Health Waiver
-
Extends services to include holistic health such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care along with standard care access.
Why Choose HCBS Through PASCO?
PASCO provides dedicated in-home care services personalized to the needs of each client. We are honored to be one of Colorado’s trusted HCBS providers, and our experienced service providers adapt our care plan to the unique needs and service structures of each client and the independence mandate of their HCBS waiver.
Passionate HCBS Providers
PASCO shares a history of advocacy for HCBS clients. We believe in the ethos behind the HCBS program, helping clients live independently in their own home, surrounded by loved ones, and part of their community. We can help you with our expertise in Medicaid waivers to pursue your own independence and freedom to build your own personalized care plan.
Family Caregiver Model
A big part of the HCBS program is the capability of families to become licensed and paid caregivers for their loved ones. To further this purpose, PASCO has pioneered the Family Caregiver Model, empowering family caregivers to become official caregivers and build a care team for those who need HCBS in the family.
Expert Nurses and Medicaid Specialists
Our expert nurses and Medicaid specialists will help you access the HCBS waivers best suited to your needs. Our goal is to advocate for our clients and guide you through the process of gaining access to the care services you need to enjoy an independent and self-determined life.
Commitment to Choice and Independence
We are committed to client choice and independence. Families should be able to select their caregivers, and clients should be able to guide their own personal care plan at home and as part of their community. PASCO will help you achieve those goals through advocacy, home care, and caregiver training.
Grassroots Advocacy
PASCO participates in grassroots advocacy efforts to achieve community impact. We’re here to ensure you have access to the services, resources, and support you need to enjoy independent care and a self-determined life.
Benefits of HCBS Waivers
HCBS waivers provide a wide range of benefits depending on the medical needs of each individual. The variety of waivers allows each client to access care that is tailored to their unique needs and the demands of their medical situation.
- Independence and quality of life – Promotes care at home and in the community, ensuring your ability to maintain an enriching lifestyle outside of institutional care.
- Flexibility for individual needs – Build a care plan that includes services that meet both your medical and non-medical needs based on individual situations.
- Tailored care plans – Custom-tailor your care plan. Services are adaptive to clients of all age groups, medical needs, and personal lifestyles, ensuring the appropriate level of care is provided
- Cost-effective – HCBS care plans are usually half the cost or less of residential care. They are a cost-effective alternative to institutional care.
- Access to professional care – HCBS waivers grant you direct access to trained care professionals and family caregiver resources, ensuring high-quality services for people in need.
How HCBS Works at PASCO
PASCO is a provider of both at-home medical services and family caregiver training resources. We can help clients apply and receive HCBS waivers and accept HCBS waivers as payment for our services
PASCO can help you access HCBS services through a simple process that any family can navigate:
1.
Assessment of needs
2.
Eligibility determination for Medicaid and specific HCBS waivers
3.
Creation of a personalized care plan
From there, PASCO will help you to hire and train your chosen caregiver with a step-by-step guide. Contact us today to get started with HCBS services for your own care or the care of your loved one.
Who Can Benefit From HCBS?
As you may have deduced from the designation of HCBS waiver types, HCBS eligibility can be granted to a wide range of eligible individuals who may benefit from home care and who might otherwise be at risk of needing institutional residency.
Families who want to provide loved ones through the Family Caregiver Model can also pursue HCBS if their loved one has a qualifying condition and meets the other eligibility terms (eligibility requirements) for the appropriate type of HCBS waiver. PASCO will help you become a family caregiver for your loved one with personalized training and professional support.
People who can benefit from HCBS include:
- Adults with disabilities
- Seniors
- Children with medical or developmental needs
Supported conditions include:
- Quadriplegia
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism
- Chronic illness
- Traumatic brain injury
- Many more
PASCO’s Service Area
PASCO operates throughout Colorado, providing medical home care assistance, resources, and family caregiver training to Colorado families. We can provide 24/7 support for those in need and offer a Care for the Caregiver initiative to help prevent family caregiver burnout.
Our service areas include:
Adams County
Arapahoe County
Boulder County
Broomfield County
Clear Creek County
Denver County
El Paso County
Elbert County
Gilpin County
Jefferson County
Larimer County
Morgan County
Park County
Douglas County
Pueblo County
Teller County
Weld County
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for HCBS waivers?
HCBS waivers are designed to support individuals with disabilities or age-related challenges who might otherwise require care in an institutional setting. Eligibility is generally determined by both the individual’s medical needs and financial eligibility criteria set by Medicaid. Since waiver requirements vary depending on the type, it’s important to review each program’s guidelines—whether for children, adults, or seniors—to determine the best fit for your specific situation.
How do I apply for an HCBS waiver in Colorado?
You can apply for HCBS through Medicaid. PASCO can help you navigate the application process.
Are HCBS services covered by Medicaid?
Yes, HCBS services are covered by Medicaid. As a state-funded program, HCBS waivers provide cost-effective, in-home, and community-based care alternatives to traditional institutional settings, ensuring that eligible individuals receive the comprehensive support they need to live independently.
Can family members be paid caregivers under HCBS waivers?
YES. PASCO can help you become a licensed and paid caregiver for your loved one.
What types of services are available through HCBS waivers?
HCBS waivers offer a wide range of services including community support, home care, medical home services, community resources, job training, behavioral services, specialized therapies, transportation, respite care and more.
What is PASCO's role in providing HCBS services?
PASCO can help you apply and access HCBS services, become a paid family caregiver, and provide in-home medical care services.
How does PASCO support family caregivers?
PASCO can help family caregivers become licensed and paid through the HCBS program. We also provide a Care for the Caregiver initiative including respite care.
Are HCBS waivers available for children with special needs?
Yes. There are special HCBS waivers for children with disabilities and special needs.
What conditions or disabilities qualify for HCBS waivers?
Many disabilities and medical conditions are included in the scope of HCBS waiver types.
How much do HCBS services cost, and does Medicaid cover them?
Medicaid covers the cost of care for the services under the HCBS waivers.
How do I get started with PASCO's HCBS services?
Contact us today to consult on your personal situation, needs, and HCBS eligibility.
How long does it take to get approved for HCBS services?
Approval for HCBS services typically takes between 60 to 120 days. The timeframe may vary based on the complexity of your case and the completeness of your application.
