Did your caseworker say your services expire at 3 years of age?
Oh! My most loathed thing to hear lately in the state of Colorado. “Holly- My caseworker told me that when my child turns 3, they lose all services and cannot get anymore”. THIS IS NOT TRUE. So, let’s talk about this. There’s something called early intervention services and waivers in the state of Colorado. Early intervention services DO end at 3 years of age.
However, in the state of Colorado there are MULTIPLE options after the age of 3 to get additional services for your child. So, if you work with Rocky Mountain Human Services, Developmental Pathways, or Developmental Disability Resource Center and a case worker has said this to you…. kindly correct them and let them know you want to be connected to a caseworker that can help with after 3 services. Not sure what they even are? Well, be glad you came here, because I am going to list some options. Also, I am going to include the website links so you can figure out what this funding covers to help you decide what’s best for your family. for the sake of this post, I am only listing the ones that work for ages up to 18. Adult waivers will have to be a separate post.
Family Support Service Program (FSSP) - “Any individual with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) or Developmental Delay living with their family is eligible for the FSSP.” - https://hcpf.colorado.gov/family-support-services-program-fssp
Children’s Extensive Support Waiver (CES) - “Children must meet Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) level of care which is determined by the Functional Needs Assessment (ICF/IID services are defined in the Code of Federal Regulations: 42 CFR § 440.150)” - https://hcpf.colorado.gov/childrens-extensive-support-waiver-ces
Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver (HCBS-CHRP) - “To provide Health First Colorado benefits in the home or community for children and youth who have an intellectual or developmental disability and extraordinary needs” - https://hcpf.colorado.gov/childrens-habilitation-residential-program-waiver-chrp
Children with Life-Limiting Illness Waiver (HCBS-CLLI) - “To provide Health First Colorado benefits in the home for children with a life-limiting illness” - https://hcpf.colorado.gov/children-life-limiting-illness-waiver-clli#:~:text=A%20waiver%20is%20an%20extra,in%20your%20home%20and%20community.
Children's Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (CHCBS) - “The Children's Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (CHCBS) is available for children with significant medical needs and who are at risk for institutional care in an acute hospital or skilled nursing facility.” - https://hcpf.colorado.gov/childrens-home-and-community-based-services-waiver-chcbs. Also, want a business to help you apply or see if you meet the qualifications for this one? www.ariseabovecolorado.com can help you out. Tell them Holly Ross, Occupational Therapist sent you.
Overall Website: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/hcbs-waivers
So, as you can see, there are multiple options for possible funding after the age of 3 in extension to your regular Medicaid. PLEASE DO NOT allow your caseworker to simply say “there’s no resources.” It’s not true! Also, please email me if you have questions or need these links in email form. Whether you receive services from me or not, I love to help when and where I can. - Holly MOT/OTRL/WSI, Owner of CANOE
