SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICES PROVIDER IN COLORADO

PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE AND COMMUNITY INTEGRATION FOR ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Supported Living Services (SLS) in Colorado offer individualized assistance to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who live independently or with family. These services are authorized under the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) SLS Waiver, administered by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) and coordinated through Case Management Agencies (CMAs).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF)

Role: Administers the HCBS-SLS waiver and sets rules for provider participation and reimbursement

Agency: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)** (as applicable)

Role: Licenses service providers if medical or personal care services are offered

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures waiver services align with federal person-centered and HCBS standards

2. SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICE OVERVIEW

Supported Living Services help individuals manage daily activities, participate in their communities, and develop life skills while residing in non-licensed settings (e.g., their own homes or with family).

Approved providers may deliver:

• Personal care and hygiene support

• Homemaker services and meal prep assistance

• Medication reminders and health support

• Life skills training (money management, cooking, etc.)

• Transportation to appointments, work, or community activities

• Community access and social participation

• Oversight and documentation based on individualized plans

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Colorado Secretary of State

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)

• Enroll as a provider under the HCBS-SLS Waiver via the Gainwell Technologies Medicaid Provider Portal

• If providing personal care, obtain a Class B Home Care Agency license from CDPHE

• Employ staff trained in supporting individuals with IDD

• Carry general and professional liability insurance

• Implement HIPAA-compliant documentation and quality assurance systems

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Complete business registration and obtain NPI

Step 2: Apply for CDPHE Class B license (if providing personal care/homemaker services)

Step 3: Enroll as an HCBS-SLS waiver provider via the Gainwell Medicaid Provider Portal

Step 4: Establish referral relationships with Case Management Agencies (CMAs) and Regional Centers

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or proof of business registration

• IRS EIN Letter

• NPI confirmation

• CDPHE Class B license (if applicable)

• Medicaid provider ID

• Policy & procedure manual including:

  • Intake and service authorization verification procedures

  • Individualized service planning and documentation templates

  • Staff supervision, training, and emergency protocols

  • Incident reporting and abuse prevention

  • Participant rights, HIPAA compliance, and consent forms

  • Community integration tracking and transportation policies

  • Audit readiness checklists and quality monitoring tools

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Background check and TB clearance

• CPR/First Aid certification

• Experience supporting individuals with IDD preferred

Role: Program Supervisor / Agency Administrator

Requirements:

• Human services or social work background

• Familiarity with HCBS documentation, person-centered planning, and IDD supports

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• Client rights and dignity

• Person-centered service delivery

• Abuse prevention and mandatory reporting

• Medication reminders and ADL/IADL assistance

• Documentation and emergency response procedures

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Supported Living Services are reimbursed under:

• HCBS-SLS (Supported Living Services) Waiver

Approved providers may deliver:

• In-home and community-based services focused on functional independence

• Individualized support aligned with each participant’s plan

• Non-medical personal assistance and life skills coaching

• Daily progress tracking and service coordination with CMAs

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: CDPHE Licensing (if applicable)Timeline: 30–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment via Gainwell

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staffing and Referral Activation

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF)

Email: hcpf_hcbs_questions@state.co.us

Website: https://hcpf.colorado.gov

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

Phone: (303) 692-2800

Website: https://cdphe.colorado.gov

Colorado Medicaid Provider Enrollment (Gainwell Technologies)

Website: https://portal.co.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — COLORADO SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICES PROVIDER

We support agencies and direct support professionals in launching and operating fully compliant Supported Living Services under Colorado’s HCBS-SLS Waiver.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)

• Medicaid enrollment and waiver-specific application support

• CDPHE Class B license assistance (if required)

• Policy & procedure manual for care delivery, supervision, and compliance

• Templates for service logs, progress notes, and person-centered plans

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Staff credentialing trackers and supervision logs

• Client intake packet, consent forms, and emergency contact protocols

• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools

• Referral networking with CMAs, day programs, and Regional Centers

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

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