In-home Support Services (IHSS) in Colorado

In-Home Support Services (IHSS) is a Medicaid-funded program that helps older adults and people with disabilities receive personal care, homemaker support, and skilled health maintenance at home — rather than in a nursing facility. Members can select and supervise their own caregivers, including family members, and receive both skilled and unskilled care as part of one coordinated service plan.
Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing

As of July 1, 2025, IHSS is available through Colorado's Community First Choice (CFC) program.
Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing
To get started, contact your local Case Management Agency — or reach out to Andrea's Angels and we'll guide you through the process.

Yes. Through IHSS, you can hire a loved one — a family member, friend, or neighbor — as your paid caregiver. The Medicaid program compensates them for their time and effort. Andrea's Angels handles all enrollment, training, payroll, and compliance so your family member can focus on providing care.

One exception: if the caregiver shares a home with the member, services are only reimbursable when the case manager determines the care meets the definition of "Extraordinary Care." Legal Information Institute We can help you understand whether your situation qualifies.

As of July 1, 2025, IHSS is available directly through the Community First Choice (CFC) program, meaning new members no longer need to be enrolled in an HCBS waiver to access it. Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing This expanded access to more Health First Colorado (Medicaid) members statewide.

Current HCBS waiver members who already receive IHSS may continue under their waiver temporarily until they transition to CFC at their next Continued Stay Review. Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing Your case manager will guide you through the timing.

Yes. IHSS includes Health Maintenance Activities (HMA), which covers skilled tasks like medication administration, medical management, and respiratory care. Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing

What makes IHSS unique is that the Nurse Practice Act is waived, meaning skilled tasks normally requiring a licensed caregiver can be performed by your chosen attendant — once their competency is verified by a Registered Nurse from the IHSS agency. PASCO At Andrea's Angels, our licensed nursing team handles that training and oversight.

Both IHSS and CDASS are Medicaid-funded, participant-directed options that allow you to hire a family member or friend as your caregiver. The key difference is who manages the employer responsibilities. With IHSS, a licensed agency handles background checks, payroll, taxes, and caregiver pay rates on your behalf. With CDASS, the member acts as the employer — managing their own budget and setting their caregiver's rate of pay directly. Medicaid Planning Assistance

IHSS is a great fit for people who want choice and control over who provides their care, with the administrative support of an agency behind them. CDASS suits those who prefer full, hands-on control over every aspect of their care arrangement.