If you live in Colorado and care for a child with disabilities, you may be able to get paid for the support you already provide. Through Medicaid programs like Community First Choice (CFC) and In-Home Support Services (IHSS), parents, grandparents, and other family members can be compensated for caregiving- without needing a CNA license or being part of a private agency.
These programs aren’t always easy to navigate, but organizations like Family Voices Colorado have done a great job breaking them down for families. Here's how it works.
What Is CFC?
Community First Choice is a Medicaid option in Colorado that allows family members to be paid for providing medically necessary daily care in the home. It launched for children in July 2025, and is open to anyone who qualifies for Medicaid and meets the required level of care.
“This support has to be beyond typical parental responsibility. All expenses must be medically justified. For example, feeding a 10-year-old who can't feed themselves.”
- @familyvoicescolorado on Instagram
You can also view this same video on Facebook.
If your child is already on a Medicaid waiver like CES or CHCBS, you’ll add CFC during your annual renewal with your case manager. If they aren’t on a waiver, you can apply for CFC at any time.
What Kind of Tasks Are Eligible?
To qualify, your child must need help with health maintenance activities or personal care tasks that go beyond what’s typical for their age. Some examples:
Feeding (e.g., if the child cannot self-feed or uses a G-tube)
Bathing (e.g., if mobility, skin integrity, or safety is a concern)
Medication administration and reminders
Transferring, dressing, and positioning
Personal hygiene, oral care, toileting
Accompaniment to appointments
All care must be medically necessary, age-inappropriate, and well documented. Your case manager uses a worksheet and assessment tool (like the PAT or PCAT) to determine eligibility and hours.
“Everything has to be medically necessary. You have to show your child needs support that's not typical for their age.”
- Family Voices CO
Who Can Be Paid?
In most programs, parents and other family members can be paid caregivers- with a few important rules:
Parents of minors can be paid under IHSS, if hired by a certified home healthcare agency.
Parents cannot be paid under CDASS (which is for adults only).
The care you provide must be authorized by a case manager and approved by Medicaid.
You do not need to be a CNA unless you're providing skilled nursing care. Programs like IHSS waive the Nurse Practice Act requirement for family members.
How to Get Started
Enroll your child in Medicaid (Health First Colorado) if they’re not already enrolled.
Connect with your case manager to determine eligibility for CFC or IHSS.
Choose an approved provider agency (e.g., Colorado Family Caregivers, Entrust Health) to onboard, train, and manage payroll.
Complete a care plan and documentation with your agency and case manager.
Official CFC information: Colorado HCPF Community First Choice Option
Agencies to explore:
Colorado Family Caregivers
Entrust Health
Important Considerations
Being a paid caregiver can ease financial stress, but it also changes the dynamic of care:
You may face burnout or isolation without breaks or outside help.
Medicaid prohibits “duplicative billing” -you can’t be paid for the same task twice under different programs.
Parents must document care needs clearly and show they’re not just doing typical parenting tasks.
Learn more from the Caregiver Conversations Webinar series, held monthly by Family Voices Colorado.
Final thoughts & Resources
If you’re already doing the work of caregiving, Colorado Medicaid may be able to pay you for it. It’s not just about money- it’s about recognizing the real labor involved in raising a child with disabilities. With the right documentation and support, you can build stability while continuing to care for the person who needs you most.
CFC Overview from CO Medicaid: hcpf.colorado.gov/community-first-choice-option
Video: Paid Caregiver Programs: YouTube - Family Voices CO
Colorado Family Caregivers Website: coloradofamilycaregivers.com
Colorado Medicaid Buy-In Guide: Alpaca Health
Medicaid Buy-In Guide: Family Voices
CFC Colorado FAQs: RHMS
