Resources for Adults
Services and Supports for Adults with IDD
A case management agency is the single-entry point for services and supports for people with IDD. In Adams County, the CCB is Rocky Mountain Human Services.
What can a CMA do for you?
- Determine eligibility for services in the system that supports people with intellectual/developmental disabilities. See below*
- Coordinate those services
- Provide case management
A case management agency can help a person in areas of:
- Employment
- Daily living skills
- Healthcare
- Community activities
- Family support
- Behavioral
- Other related needs
Case Management Agency Directory: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/case-management-agency-directory
Eligibility for CMA services is dependent on meeting the Colorado definition of IDD. This means:
- the intellectual/developmental disability has occurred before the age of 22 and
- has an IQ of 70 or less (as measured by specific testing/evaluations) and/or
- has day to day living skills that are like having an IQ score of 70 or less (as measured by specific testing/evaluations)
To apply for IDD services if you are a resident of Adams County, click here to complete a referral.
Along with this application you will need:
- Copy of Birth Certificate
- Copy of Social Security card
- Copy of Medicaid card
- If available, testing/evaluations that were completed prior to the age of 22 is helpful, this could include school records/IEP
- Financial:
- Your income must be less than three times the current Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) limit per month.
- For a single person, your countable resources must be less than $2,000.
- For a couple, the countable resources must be less than $3,000.
- If you do not meet these financial requirements, you may be eligible through the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities.
More information available here: Case Management | rmhs (rmhumanservices.org)
A Medicaid Waiver is an extra set of benefits available for people on Medicaid who need additional support services or Long-Term Care. We encourage you to reach out to your case management agency for accessing these waivers. These benefits were created for people to use in their community to avoid nursing type of care or institutional level of care.
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/hcpf/hcbs-idd-manual
See below under “Waiver Services” for more information.
Every CMA has this funding that can be used for emergency situations and for people who do not qualify for Medicaid. There may be a wait list for this program as there is a limited number of people who can be served in any given year.
We encourage you to contact Rocky Mountain Human Services if you live in Adams County if you are in this situation.
(303) 636-5600
https://www.rmhumanservices.org/
Family Support funds are prioritized for children under 18 years of age but may be an option for those who do not qualify for Medicaid. This program links families with community agencies and provides limited financial resources to meet the needs of the person. Also managed through case management agencies. There is a wait list for these services.
Please be aware if you live in Adams County, you may qualify for the Grant Assistance program through NMCS.
Grant Assistance Fund – North Metro Community Services (nmetro.org)
Services in Colorado: VIDEO SERIES
Please note that the videos below are not current when North Metro Community Services (NMCS) is mentioned. Please contact Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS): Rocky Mountain Human Services Website
What are services & why should you apply?
System processes and eligibility
Click here to access the resources from the 2nd part in the series.
After you have completed the Application
Enrollment into IDD services in colorado
Click here to access the resources from the 4th part in the series.
Waiver Services
You will hear the term “waiver”, it is important to understand what this word means:
- A waiver is an extra set of benefits to regular Medicaid that provides for a specific kind of services and supports; it’s an improved type of Medicaid (like a vanilla cone with the addition of sprinkles!)
- A waiver is how services and supports are funded.
- Services under these waivers are required to be provided in the home and community.
Medicaid Waiver Services for Adults with IDD
*Keep in mind some waivers have a wait list so it’s important to apply. *
- Supported Living Services are for individuals age 18 and older who are living in the family home or independently in the community.
- These services are used to help the individual gain more skills.
- These services do not include housing options.
- There is not a wait list for these services.
Please note: individuals can apply for eligibility at the age of 14, but services are not available until 18 years of age.
For more information go to: www.colorado.gov/pacific/hcpf/supported-living-services-waiver-sls
SLS Waiver Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKMrygz4h9k
- Provides for 24 hour, 7 days a week support.
- To enroll into this waiver individuals must be 18 years of age or older.
- Living arrangements can range from the family home to a host home setting with 1-3 people who are in services; this is dependent upon the needs of the people receiving services.
- These services are used to help the individual gain more skills.
- There is a long wait list for this program, but we encourage you to apply early if these services would be helpful for the future.
For more information go to: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/hcpf/long-term-services-and-supports-programs
Adult DD Waiver Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXrpb2AClpY
Individual Rights and Rights Modification PowerPoint with audio
For people who do not meet the criteria for Intellectual/Developmental Disability there are several different waivers. Each of these adult waivers provides specialized support unique to that group:
- brain injury
- mental health
- Elderly, Blind and Disabled
- Spinal Cord Injury
If you are interested in more information about these waivers, or to see if someone might qualify, contact Rocky Mountain Human Services at phone: 844-790-7647, or email at: SEPquestions@rmhumanservices.org
Everyone who is in waiver services has a budget for those services. The budget is tied to an assessment that is completed. The assessment is called the Supports Intensity Scale or SIS.
The SIS:
- is a standardized assessment designed to measure how much and what type of supports an individual with an intellectual/developmental disability needs in the community and in their home.
- The assessment is done through an interview, that asks specific questions, with the individual and others who know about the individual’s support needs and has known the person for at least three months.
- The results of this assessment are tied to levels of funding for services which in turn determines how much services an individual can receive.
For more information go to: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/hcpf/long-term-services-and-supports-case-management-tools
Family Caregiver
If you are already receiving services and supports through your local CMA, Family Caregiver is a service delivery model under the IDD waiver services. Speak with your Case Manager about this option.
Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS)
CDASS allows an individual accepting Medicaid Waiver services to direct and manage the attendants who provide personal care, homemaker and health maintenance services. CDASS allow the person to hire, train and manage attendants of their choice, including family and friends, to best fit their needs. This option is currently only available in the Supported Living Services waiver, and other non-IDD waivers.
For more information go to: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/consumer-directed-attendant-support-services
An Intro to CDASS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HatFdYr-dfQ
Program Approved Service Agency (PASA)
A Program Approved Service Agency (PASA) is licensed by the State of Colorado to provide long term care services. Information about Residential, Supported Living Services, Day Program, and Employment Agencies can be found here:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/find-and-compare-facilities
Becoming your own PASA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnRMdd-ozTQ
Single Entry Points (SEPS)
A Single-Entry Point is the starting point for accessing all Colorado Medicaid Waivers. See SEP and Medicaid waiver information here:
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/hcpf/single-entry-point-agencies
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/hcpf/long-term-services-and-supports-programs
Supported Decision Making & Guardianship
Guardianship is often unnecessary when the right supports, information and opportunities are given to people. Learn more about how to support someone with decision making without the need for legal intervention.
Facebook Live Supported Decision Making Event – Arc of Colorado
PowerPoint Presentation on Supported Decision Making (includes audio)
Note: It is important to note that The Arc of Adams County is not able to fill out guardianship paperwork. Doing so is considered an unauthorized practice of law. We are not attorneys.
Check out below for more information:
- Colorado Court https://www.courts.state.co.us/
Civil Engagement
How do I vote? Register! www.GoVoteColorado.gov
Who Can Vote? You Can!
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/FAQs/VotingAndConviction.html
Accessibility? Yes!
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/FAQs/ElectorsWithDisabilities.html
Special Needs Trusts & Estate Planning
In order to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid an individual may not have more than $2,000. If he/she wants to save more than that amount, or if family or friends want to give or leave money to the person, there must be a special needs trust or an ABLE account in place so the person does not loose SSI and Medicaid.
Check out our training on ABLE Accounts here!
Updates to Colorado ABLE:
Under the new law which goes into effect January 1, 2023, the State may no longer file certain claims against an ABLE account upon the death of the designated beneficiary. Known as the Medicaid clawback, the previous practice allowed for the capture of funds to reimburse certain Medicaid expenses, and ultimately discouraged participation by placing private savings at risk.
The new law also enhances the tax benefits for Colorado ABLE savings accounts, providing a dollar-for-dollar State tax deduction for contributions made into a Colorado ABLE account.
And, to broaden access and ease of use, a person other than the individual with a disability can now open and administer an ABLE account on behalf of a person with disabilities.
Adams County Community Resources
2551 W. 84th Ave., Ste. 2, Westminster, CO 80031
(844) 493-8255
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Mental health services
Benefit Information
Applying for Social Security income (SSI & SSDI)
- ssa.gov
- 1-800-772-1213
- Lakewood SSA office 866-563-9469
- Check out our Helpful Hints on SSI & SSDI
Medicaid, food stamps and other benefit information at Adams County Department of Human Services
https://coloradopeak.secure.force.com/
https://www.medicareplans.com/medicare-coverage-for-people-with-disabilities/
Services & Funding
Case management agencies are the single entry point for IDD waivers
Rocky Mountain Human Services
- https://www.rmhumanservices.org/single-entry-point
- Phone number is: 844-790-7647
- Address: 9900 E. Iliff Ave, Denver, CO. 80231
- Email: SEPquestions@rmhumanservices.org