Community First Choice (CFC)
Expanded IHSS Eligibility in Colorado Medicaid
What is Community First Choice (CFC), and when will it be available?
Community First Choice (CFC) is a federal Medicaid program that expands services and service delivery options for home and community-based services (HCBS) to Health First Colorado (Medicaid) members on the State Plan. CFC goes into effect on July 1, 2025.
Moving to the State Plan is important because it creates an entitlement. This means if you’re eligible, you can receive services instead of relying on waiver programs, which have extra eligibility requirements and possible waitlists.
What is Expanding with CFC?
Services and service delivery options, such as IHSS, that were previously limited to certain waivers will now be available to all Health First Colorado Medicaid members who qualify for long-term care.
Available Services and Service Delivery Options:
Services
Personal care, homemaker, health maintenance activities, personal emergency response systems (PERS), medication reminders, transition set up, home-delivered meals, and remote support technology.
Service Delivery Options
Consumers can receive services through agencies or through self-directed care models, including Consumer Directed Support Services (CDASS) and In-Home Support Services (IHSS).
How Can I Access CFC Services or IHSS?
- If you are already using an HCBS Waiver (and your renewal is between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026): When it’s time for your Continued Stay Review (CSR) with your case manager, you’ll have the option to enroll in CFC. Your case manager will walk you through the same assessment process you’re used to. If it shows that you need any of the new CFC services, you can start using them — while keeping any other waiver services you already have. At a minimum, you’ll continue to qualify for the Wellness Education Benefit (WEB), which helps maintain your waiver eligibility.
- If you are a Health First Colorado member but not currently using an HCBS Waiver: Starting July 1, 2025, you can contact your local Case Management Agency to get started with the eligibility and assessment process for CFC services. Visit the Case Management Agency Directory to find contact information for the agency in your area. When you call, let them know you’re interested in Community First Choice (CFC) services and they’ll guide you from there!
FAQs: Understanding CFC and IHSS Services with Entrust Health
What is Community First Choice (CFC)?
CFC is a Colorado Medicaid benefit that provides in-home support services to eligible individuals who need assistance with daily living activities, empowering them to live independently in their homes and communities rather than in institutional settings.
Who qualifies for CFC services?
You may qualify for CFC if you receive Medicaid and meet the level of care typically provided in a nursing facility. A case manager helps assess your needs and determines eligibility.
When can I begin receiving CFC services?
CFC services officially launch in Colorado on July 1, 2025. Once your eligibility is confirmed and your care plan is approved, services can begin promptly through a licensed provider like Entrust Health. Now is the time to prepare.
What services does CFC provide?
CFC includes three categories of in-home support delivered through the IHSS (In-Home Support Services) model:
- Homemaker Services (cleaning, laundry, meal prep)
- Personal Care Services (bathing, grooming, dressing, mobility)
- Health Maintenance Activities (HMA) (medication, catheter care, vital signs)
What is IHSS, and how does it work?
IHSS is a person-centered care model that lets you choose your caregiver, including qualified family members, and receive services at home with clinical oversight from a trusted agency like Entrust Health.
Why should I request Health Maintenance Activities (HMA) hours?
If you need help with medical tasks (e.g., meds, bowel care, vitals), HMA hours ensure your care plan reflects these needs. Entrust Health’s licensed nursing team will evaluate, delegate, and train caregivers to safely meet those needs.
Can my family member be my caregiver?
Yes. Through IHSS, a relative can be employed and trained by Entrust Health to deliver Homemaker, PCW, and even HMA services with professional support.
Why choose Entrust Health as your IHSS provider?
Entrust Health is a CDPHE Class B Licensed Home Care Agency with IHSS and PCW training sub-licenses, fully enrolled with Colorado Medicaid. We are locally owned, nurse-led, and built to deliver care with excellence, dignity, and compassion. We don’t just check boxes we care with you.
How do I get started?
Call your case manager and ask to authorize CFC services through Entrust Health. Or contact us directly, and we’ll walk with you step by step, from assessment to caregiver setup, ensuring your care plan reflects your full potential.
Stay Informed
Entrust is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to CFC for its IHSS recipients and those who are eligible.
If you have questions about eligibility, enrollment, or IHSS provider options, contact your trusted IHSS experts at Entrust Health today or visit the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing.