Authorizations
IHSS in California: What Home Care Agencies Need to Know
IHSS is consumer-directed: the recipient hires the provider and the state pays. Agencies mostly serve IHSS clients with private-pay hours, plus contract mode in a few counties.
Can you get paid to care for a family member in Colorado?
Last verified October 17, 2026 · All Colorado resources
Yes, through 2 programs we verified. In Colorado, Medicaid members who need long-term care at home can choose their own attendants, including family members, through CDASS or In-Home Support Services (IHSS). Both are options under Community First Choice. Under IHSS, paid relative personal care is limited to 40 hours a week, except for parents caring for an adult child. The person receiving care must be on Health First Colorado and meet an institutional level of care.
| Can a spouse be paid? | Yes, in at least one program |
|---|---|
| Can a parent of a minor child be paid? | Not confirmed |
Which Colorado programs pay family caregivers?
Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS), under Community First Choice
- Type: Medicaid self-direction
- Who can be paid: Attendants the member hires, trains and supervises, including family members and friends, with some restrictions.
- Who qualifies for care: Health First Colorado (Medicaid) members who qualify for Community First Choice, meet an institutional level of care, have an assessed need for personal care, homemaker or health maintenance services, and want to self-direct.
In-Home Support Services (IHSS), under Community First Choice
- Type: Medicaid self-direction
- Who can be paid: Attendants the member selects and supervises, including family members, employed through an IHSS agency. Relative personal care is capped at 40 hours a week per member, shared among relatives, except parents caring for adult children.
- Who qualifies for care: Health First Colorado (Medicaid) members who qualify for Community First Choice, meet an institutional level of care and have an assessed need for personal care, homemaker or health maintenance services.
Are there national programs too?
Yes. Veterans may qualify for VA programs that pay or support family caregivers: Veteran Directed Care and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
What should you confirm with the state?
Rules on paying a spouse or the parent of a minor child were not spelled out on the state's program pages. Confirm with your Case Management Agency.
More for Colorado
Paid family caregivers by state: other states
Related guides
Authorizations
How to Become a Medicaid Provider for Home Care
To bill Medicaid for home care you need a state license, a Type 2 NPI, state Medicaid enrollment and screening, waiver or managed care contracts, EVV and authorizations.
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