Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
To qualify for PACE benefits under Health First Colorado, Seniors must be at least 55 years old and able to live safely in a community setting. They also have to meet some medical service requirements and live in a PACE area. Denver and the surrounding county are within the PACE area. PACE helps cover a range of services for older adults, including dentistry, optometry, durable medical equipment, transportation for medical appointments, caregiver education and respite care. Some of these benefits can be used while in an assisted living facility.
To qualify for PACE, seniors first have to apply for and receive Medicaid benefits under Health First Colorado.
Home and Community-Based Services Waivers
Colorado also offers various home and community-based waivers to assist with additional points of care. One of them is the Elderly, Blind, & Disabled Waiver, which is available to qualifying adults with specific disabilities. Those age 18 to 64 must have an HIV or AIDs diagnosis, be blind or have a physical disability to qualify for this benefit. Individuals age 65 and older can qualify for this waiver if they have a significant impairment in function as determined by medical professionals.
The financial requirements for this program requires individuals to demonstrate an income less than three times the amount that federal SSI is paying each month, and seniors must have countable assets (or resources, such as cash savings) of less than $2,000 if single or $3,000 for married couples.
This waiver can help pay for a variety of services including, but not limited to, adult day services, homemaker services, modifications to homes, alternative care services, transportation (not just for medical purposes), personal care services and respite care. These benefits can be used while seniors are in an assisted living facility to cover these types of costs.
After applying for Colorado Medicaid, you can contact your Single Entry Point agency to apply for these waivers. The office that serves the Denver area is located at 11100 Bethany Drive, Aurora, CO, 80014, or call the office at (877) 710-9993.