Colorado
Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS)
Self-directed care programs in Colorado that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services
Wait: VariesPA Hourly Rate
$14.81 - $19.29
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$1,200 - $8,000
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire your spouse, family member, or friend as your attendant
- Set your own care schedule and priorities
- Manage your monthly budget and decide how to allocate it
- Hire multiple attendants if needed
- Get help with bathing, dressing, meals, mobility, and other ADLs
- Use part of your budget for adaptive equipment or home modifications
- Fire and replace attendants who are not meeting your needs
What You Can't Do
- Use CDASS funds for room, board, or rent
- Exceed your approved monthly budget
- Use attendants for skilled nursing tasks requiring a license
- Bypass the required Fiscal Management Service
- Hire someone who cannot pass a background check
- Use CDASS if living in a nursing facility or ICF
How to Apply
Verify Medicaid eligibility
You must be enrolled in Colorado Medicaid. Contact Health First Colorado at (800) 221-3943 if you need to apply.
Get a referral for HCBS assessment
Contact your Single Entry Point (SEP) agency or Community Centered Board (CCB) for a referral to Home and Community Based Services.
Complete functional needs assessment
A case manager conducts an in-person assessment to determine your care needs and establish your monthly CDASS budget.
Choose CDASS as your service delivery option
Elect consumer direction over agency-based services. You'll sign a CDASS participation agreement.
Select a Fiscal Management Service
Choose an approved FMS agency (PPL or Palco) to handle payroll, taxes, and insurance for your attendants.
Complete CDASS training
Complete required orientation covering employer responsibilities, budgeting, and documentation requirements.
Recruit and hire attendants
Find, interview, and hire your attendants. They must complete enrollment with your FMS, including background checks.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in Colorado
Government-issued photo ID
Driver's license, state ID, or passport
Social Security card
Original Social Security card for payroll processing
W-4 tax withholding form
Federal tax withholding election
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Verification of identity and legal right to work
Background check authorization
Consent form for Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check
FMS enrollment packet
Enrollment forms specific to your chosen Fiscal Management Service
Direct deposit form
Banking information for electronic payroll deposits
TB test results
Tuberculosis screening results (required for some waiver programs)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CDASS in Colorado?
Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) allows eligible Medicaid members to hire, train, and manage their own attendants. You receive a monthly budget and decide how to spend it on your care needs.
Can my spouse be my CDASS attendant?
Yes. Colorado is one of the states that allows spouses to be paid caregivers under CDASS. Other family members including parents and adult children can also serve as attendants.
How is my CDASS budget determined?
Your monthly budget is based on a functional needs assessment. A case manager evaluates your care needs and assigns a dollar amount. Budgets can range from $1,200 to $8,000+ per month depending on the level of care required.
What's the difference between CDASS and traditional home care?
With CDASS, you're in control — you choose your attendants, set schedules, and manage your budget. Traditional home care assigns you an agency-employed caregiver with less flexibility.
Do I need a Fiscal Management Service (FMS)?
Yes. All CDASS participants must use an FMS agency (like PPL or Palco) to handle payroll, taxes, and worker's compensation for their attendants. The FMS cost is included in your budget.
What if my needs change after enrollment?
You can request a reassessment at any time if your care needs increase or decrease. Your case manager will update your budget accordingly.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for Colorado's CDASS program.