Seven Steps to Enrollment

In-Home Support Services

Eligibility

In-Home Support Services (IHSS) is available to people who meet the following eligibility requirements:

Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members who qualify for one of the home and community-based services waivers in which IHSS is an approved service delivery option.
Demonstrated need for personal care, homemaker, or health maintenance services.
Members can be in unstable health but must be able to direct their own services and/or assign an authorized representative (AR) if one is required.

Not yet enrolled in Health First Colorado? Apply now.

Enrollment Steps

There are seven steps to enrolling in the IHSS program:

1. Enroll in an eligible waiver

IHSS is available to members on the following HCBS waivers:
Contact your local case management agency or private case management agency to start the waiver application process.

2. Meet with your case manager

Meet with your case manager to discuss why IHSS is right for you compared to other options.
- Looking for your case management agency? Find it using the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) case management agency directory.
When you meet with your case manager, you will complete an assessment of your care needs and additional enrollment paperwork.
After completing the assessment process, your case manager will provide you a list of IHSS agencies in your area.

3. Pick an IHSS agency

Pick the IHSS agency that is the best fit for you. You may contact them and ask questions about their services.
After picking an IHSS agency, your case manager will check that it is accepting new members. If they are not, work with your case manager to choose another agency or look into other service options.
Your case manager will send your chosen IHSS agency a referral and your enrollment paperwork.

4. Enroll with your IHSS agency

Your IHSS agency will review your referral and contact you to set up an intake assessment.
Attend your intake assessment and share your care needs with your agency.
After your intake assessment, your IHSS agency will create a care plan and send it to your case manager for approval.

5. Case Manager care plan approval and PAR entry

Your case manager will review and approve your care plan. They will work with your IHSS agency to make corrections if needed.
If additional information is needed, your case manager will contact you.
After your case manager approves your care plan, they will enter your PAR in HCPF’s system called the Bridge. A PAR has information about your authorized services, service hours, and certification period for IHSS.

6. IHSS agency begins staffing and orientation

Your IHSS agency will hire your attendants. As the employer, your agency is responsible for your attendants, but you are welcome to participate in the selection and interview process.
Attend your IHSS agency’s orientation.
Work with your IHSS agency to train your attendants.

7. Services begin

Once your attendants are hired and trained, your IHSS agency will set up their work schedule and begin services.
If at any time an attendant cannot come to work or doesn’t show up, your IHSS agency is responsible for sending a backup attendant.
Stay in communication with your IHSS agency to manage your attendants and get ongoing support. If you are struggling to work with your IHSS agency, you can contact CDCO or HCPF at HCPF_PDP@state.co.us or 303-866-5638.

After services begin, Consumer Direct Care Network Colorado (CDCO) is always available to help answer questions about IHSS. As the Training and Support contractor, we have many resources available to help you navigate IHSS!