Health First Colorado (Medicaid) Home Care
EliteCare accepts Health First Colorado for personal care, homemaker help, nursing and therapy at home. We work with your case manager to start authorized care.
- Licensed CDPHE Class A and B, #04Z659
- Free in-home assessment by a registered nurse
- Help in English, Russian and Spanish
- CDPHE Licensed #04Z659
- Medicare-Certified
- CHAP Accredited
- In-network: BCBS & Cigna
- Health First Colorado & IHSS
- Open 7 days, 8 AM–7 PM
- English · Русский · Español
Health First Colorado is the name of Colorado's Medicaid program. For members who need help at home, it can pay for hands-on personal care, homemaker tasks, skilled nursing and therapy. The goal is to help people stay in their own homes.
EliteCare holds both Class A and Class B licenses, so we can provide medical and non-medical care under one agency. Your case manager decides which services are authorized. We provide them and keep your case manager informed.
Do you qualify for home care under Health First Colorado?
- You are enrolled in Health First Colorado, or you have applied through your county or PEAK.
- An assessment shows you need help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing or meals.
- Your case manager authorizes home care services for you.
- For skilled nursing or therapy, your doctor orders the care.
- You live at home in Colorado and want to keep living there.
Eligibility is decided by Health First Colorado and your county. We can explain the process and help you prepare for the assessment.
What Health First Colorado covers at home
Covered
- Personal care: bathing, dressing and toileting
- Homemaker services: meal preparation and light cleaning
- Skilled nursing for medical needs, with physician orders
- Physical, occupational and speech therapy, with physician orders
- Medication reminders and help following your care plan
- RN-supervised care plans
Not covered
- 24-hour continuous care
- Rent, groceries and other room and board costs
- Non-medical rides for social outings
- Care while you are in a hospital
- Care your case manager has not authorized
- Supplies not related to your home care plan
For eligible members, most authorized services have little or no cost. Your case manager can confirm what's covered for you.
How to start Health First Colorado home care with EliteCare
- You
Step 1
Apply or confirm your coverage
Apply through your county human services office or PEAK, or confirm your current Health First Colorado coverage.
- Your case manager
Step 2
Assesses needs and authorizes care
Your case manager reviews what help you need and authorizes services. Ask them to send the authorization to EliteCare.
- Your doctor
Step 3
Orders skilled care if needed
If you need nursing or therapy, your doctor sends orders. We can request them from the office.
- EliteCare
Step 4
Starts care
Once we receive the authorization and physician orders, care can begin within 48 hours, starting with a nurse visit.
What to have ready when you call about Health First Colorado
- Your Health First Colorado member ID card, or your Medicaid ID number
- Your case manager's name and phone number, if you have one
- Your doctor's name and office phone number
- A current list of medications
- Recent discharge papers from a hospital or rehab stay
Services Health First Colorado can pay for
Personal care
Help with bathing, dressing, toileting and safe transfers, as authorized by your case manager.
Learn moreCompanion care
Homemaker help with meals and light housekeeping for members who qualify.
Learn moreHome health care
Skilled nursing at home when your doctor orders it.
Learn moreTherapy services
Physical, occupational and speech therapy visits ordered by your doctor.
Learn moreWhat Health First Colorado home care includes
Health First Colorado covers low-income Coloradans, including many seniors and people with disabilities. Its home care benefits help members get support where they live instead of in a facility.
Benefits can include non-medical help, such as bathing and meals, and medical care, such as nursing visits. Because EliteCare is licensed for both, one team can cover both kinds of care.
Personal care and homemaker help under Medicaid
Personal care covers hands-on tasks like bathing, dressing, toileting and moving safely from bed to chair. Homemaker services cover light housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation.
Your caregiver follows a written plan created by our registered nurse. The plan lists the tasks your case manager authorized and the times your caregiver will come.
Working with your Health First Colorado case manager
Your case manager assesses your needs, authorizes services and reviews them over time. They are the person to call if you need more help or your situation changes.
We send updates to your case manager when your care plan changes. Complete your yearly renewal paperwork on time so your coverage and home care continue without a gap.
Choosing IHSS or agency care under Health First Colorado
Some members choose In-Home Support Services, or IHSS. With IHSS, you pick and direct your own attendant, who can be a family member. Others prefer agency care, where we assign and schedule the caregiver.
We offer both options. Read our IHSS page to compare, or ask your case manager which option fits your needs.
Check your Health First Colorado home care options
Health First Colorado home care questions
How do I know if I qualify for Health First Colorado?
Eligibility depends on income, assets and other rules. You can apply through your county human services office or online through PEAK.
How many hours of home care will Health First Colorado pay for?
The number of hours depends on your assessed needs and your benefits. Your case manager can confirm what you qualify for, and we can help you understand the next steps.
Can I choose EliteCare as my Medicaid home care provider?
Yes. If you are authorized for home care, you can choose a licensed agency that accepts Health First Colorado. Tell your case manager you want EliteCare.
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid home care?
Medicare home health covers short-term skilled care for people who are homebound. Health First Colorado can also pay for longer-term help with daily tasks for members who qualify.
Does Health First Colorado cover therapy at home?
It can. When your doctor orders physical, occupational or speech therapy, Health First Colorado may cover visits at home.
How quickly can Medicaid home care start?
Once we receive the authorization and physician orders, care can begin within 48 hours.
Related to Health First Colorado home care
Last updated: October 2026