Family Caregiver Stats in Colorado

State Population: 5,800,000

Number of Caregivers: 600,000

Number of Care Hours Annually: 560,000,000 

Value per Hour: $20

Economic Value: 11,200,000,000

Source: AARP

If you care for a family member in Colorado you know the difference you make in their life. While the rewards of caregiving can be undeniable, the financial challenges that come with it can take a toll. Fortunately, there are programs and resources available in your state that can help you receive compensation for your invaluable work. In this article, we'll explore the programs that can help you get paid for the care you provide, as well as eligibility requirements, and application steps.

Family caregivers in Colorado can get paid to provide care to an aging family member or friend through several programs. They include:

• RubyWell
• Medicaid/Health First Colorado
• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Tax credits and deductions

Here, we share information about each program and who can take advantage of it, as well as other resources that Colorado family caregivers may be able to tap to help cover the cost of caring.

Getting paid with the help of RubyWell in Colorado

So many programs that pay family caregivers require the person you care for to meet strict income and asset levels. RubyWell is different. RubyWell is a technology company that helps patients, caregivers, and care teams work together to safely manage health at home. And it’s designed specifically for families who don’t qualify for Medicaid, but can’t afford to pay for long term care out of pocket. In 2025, we plan to bring our program to Colorado. 

If you care for a homebound parent, spouse, other family member, or friend on Medicare, RubyWell could help you get trained and certified as a home health aide. Once you’re certified, you’ll be able to provide Medicare-covered care for your family member as a paid employee of one of our partner home health agencies. 

Who is eligible for RubyWell?

If you’re a family caregiver in Colorado, you may be eligible for RubyWell if the person you care for is on Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and:

• is NOT receiving Medicaid/Health First Colorado benefits
• meets Medicare’s definition of “homebound”
• has internet access where they live

As the family caregiver, you also have to:

• be eligible to work in the United States
• be 18 years of age or older
• have a smartphone or tablet
• pass a criminal background check and drug test
• be willing to complete a 59-hour, on-line home health aide certification course and 16-hours of in-person training

How much can family caregivers get paid with the help of RubyWell?

Through the RubyWell program, you may be approved for a maximum of 35 hours per week. And your hourly pay rate will align to the going rate for Home Health Aides in your area. The average pay rate for a Medicare-certified home health aide in Colorado in 2025 is about $20/hour. 

RubyWell is coming to Colorado soon

RubyWell will be accepting applications from Colorado family caregivers and care recipients in 2025.

Join our waitlist to be among the first to know when RubyWell launches in your state. 

Getting Paid Through Medicaid/Health First Colorado

Medicaid is a joint Federal and state program that pays for health care services for adults age 65 and older, people with disabilities, or people who are blind. Eligibility requirements for Medicaid vary by state and often include strict income and resource (asset) limits. In Colorado these limits are as follows:

• Income less than three times the current Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) limit per month. 
• Countable resources less than $2,000 if single
• Countable resources less than $3,000 if a couple

If the person you care for doesn’t meet these income and resource limits, they may be eligible through the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities. If their income qualifies for the Buy-In Program, their monthly premium would be based on their gross monthly income. They can complete the Health First Colorado Application to find out if their income qualifies.

Colorado's Medicaid program is called Health First Colorado. It offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that allow Medicaid recipients to receive care services at home or in the community, so they can avoid moving into a nursing home. Some of these waivers allow the participant, or their authorized representative, to choose who to hire to provide their care—including a family member or friend—through Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS). Health First Colorado’s HCBS waivers that include the CDASS option are below.

Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) Waiver

If the person you care for is elderly, blind, disabled, or has a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS, and they require long-term, nursing home level of support services, you could get paid to care for them through the EBD waiver.

Who is eligible for the EBD Waiver?

The person you care for must:

• be 18 years or older 
  
  • if between ages of 18 and 64, must be blind or have a physical disability, or have a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS.
  • if age 65 and older,  must have have a significant functional impairment
• require long-term support services at a level comparable to services typically provided in a nursing facility
• meet the Colorado Medicaid income and resource limits or qualify for the Colorado Health First Buy-in Program, both of which are noted at the beginning of this section.

How much can family caregivers get paid through the EBD Waiver?

The payment rate for caregivers under the EBD Waiver varies depending on the level of care required, local wage rates, your qualifications and experience, and the number of hours you’re approved and able to work. Generally, the pay rate in Colorado ranges from $17 to $20 per hour.

How to apply for the EBD Waiver

If the person you care for is already enrolled in Health First Colorado, the two of you can contact their local Case Management Agency to start the waiver application process.

If they’re not yet enrolled in Health First Colorado, they can apply here.

Brain Injury (BI) Waiver

As its name suggests, the BI waiver helps people with brain injuries receive care support at home and in their communities. And it also allows family caregivers to get paid through CDASS. 

Who is eligible for the BI Waiver

The person you care for must:

• be 16 years or older
• have a brain injury
  
  • that occurred before their 65th birthday
  • that fits within certain categories. Contact their local Case Management Agency to find out more.
• require long-term support services at a level comparable to services typically provided in a nursing facility
• meet the Colorado Medicaid income and resource limits or qualify for the Colorado Health First Buy-in Program, both of which are noted at the beginning of this section.

How much can family caregivers get paid through the BI Waiver?

The payment rate for caregivers under the BI Waiver varies depending on the level of care required, local wage rates, your qualifications and experience, and the number of hours you’re approved and able to work. Generally, the pay rate in Colorado ranges from $17 to $20 per hour.

How to apply for the BI Waiver

If the person you care for is already enrolled in Health First Colorado, the two of you can contact their local Case Management Agency to start the waiver application process.

If they’re not yet enrolled in Health First Colorado, they can apply here.

Community Mental Health Supports (CMHS) Waiver

Coloradans with a mental illness who require long-term supports and services in order to live at home may be eligible for the CMHS waiver. This waiver allows them, or their authorized representative, to hire a family member or friend to provide their care through CDASS. 

Who is eligible for the CMHS Waiver

The person you care for must:

• be at least 18 years of age, with a severe and persistent mental health need
• be experiencing severe and persistent mental health issues that require assistance with one or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
• currently or at any time during the past year leading up to assessment have a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder of sufficient duration to meet diagnostic criteria specified within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
• have a disorder that is episodic, recurrent, or has persistent features, but may vary in terms of severity and disabling effects, and has resulted in functional impairment which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major activities.
• require long-term support services at a level comparable to services typically provided in a nursing facility
• meet the Colorado Medicaid income and resource limits or qualify for the Colorado Health First Buy-in Program, both of which are noted at the beginning of this section.

A severe and persistent mental health need does not include:

• Intellectual or developmental disorders
• Substance use disorder without a co-occurring diagnosis of a severe and persistent mental health need.

How much can family caregivers get paid through the CMHS Waiver?

The payment rate for caregivers under the CMHS Waiver varies depending on the level of care required, local wage rates, your qualifications and experience, and the number of hours you’re approved and able to work. Generally, the pay rate in Colorado ranges from $17 to $20 per hour.

How to apply for the CMHS Waiver

If the person you care for is already enrolled in Health First Colorado, the two of you can contact their local Case Management Agency to start the waiver application process.

If they’re not yet enrolled in Health First Colorado, they can apply here.

Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) Waiver

If the person you care for is living with a spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, a brain injury, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy, and they’re not able to walk independently, they may qualify for the CIH waiver. In addition to standard HCBS services, this waiver also covers acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy when provided by an approved practitioner. And it allows family caregivers to get paid through CDASS. 

Who is eligible for the CIH Waiver

The person you care for must:

• be at least 18 years of age,
• have a qualifying condition of a spinal cord injury (traumatic or nontraumatic), multiple sclerosis, brain injury, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy 
• be unable to walk independently resulting from the qualifying condition as identified by the case manager through the assessment process. This means:
  
  • They do not walk, and require a wheelchair or scooter in all settings, whether or not they can operate the wheelchair or scooter safely, on their own
    OR
  • They do walk, but  require use of a walker or cane in all settings, whether or not they can use the walker or cane safely, on their own
    OR
  • They do walk, but require “touch” or “stand-by” assistance to walk safely in all settings.
• need long-term services and supports as they would receive in a nursing home or a hospital.
• meet the Colorado Medicaid income and resource limits or qualify for the Colorado Health First Buy-in Program, both of which are noted at the beginning of this section.

How much can family caregivers get paid through the CIH Waiver?

The payment rate for caregivers under the CIH Waiver varies depending on the level of care required, local wage rates, your qualifications and experience, and the number of hours you’re approved and able to work. Generally, the pay rate in Colorado ranges from $17 to $20 per hour.

How to apply for the CIH Waiver

If the person you care for is already enrolled in Health First Colorado, the two of you can contact their local Case Management Agency to start the waiver application process.

If they’re not yet enrolled in Health First Colorado, they can apply here.

Supported Living Services (SLS) waiver

If the person you care for has intellectual or developmental disabilities, they may be eligible to receive services and supports through the SLS waiver so they can remain in their home and community. Your loved one is responsible for their living arrangements which can include living with family or in their own home. Up to three people receiving services can live together. And they need not require 24-hour supervision on a continuous basis to be eligible for this program.

Who is eligible for the SLS Waiver‍

The person you care for must:

• be at least 18 years of age
• be determined by a Case Management Agency to have a developmental disability
• meet Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF-IID) level of care, as determined by the functional needs assessment 
• meet the Colorado Medicaid income and resource limits or qualify for the Colorado Health First Buy-in Program, both of which are noted at the beginning of this section.

How much can family caregivers get paid through the SLS Waiver?

The payment rate for caregivers under the SLS Waiver varies depending on the level of care required, local wage rates, your qualifications and experience, and the number of hours you’re approved and able to work. Generally, the pay rate in Colorado ranges from $17 to $20 per hour.

How to apply for the CIH Waiver

Contact your loved one’s local Case Management Agency or the Member Contact Center.

Community First Choice (CFC)

‍

A new Health First Colorado initiative called Community First Choice (CFC) is scheduled to start rolling out on July 1, 2025. CFC is not specifically an HCBS waiver. But it allows the state to offer a broader range of home and community-based attendant services, expanding access to long-term care services.

If the person you care for qualifies for CFC, they, or their authorized representative, will have the option to hire the caregiver of their choice or to arrange services through an agency. CFC allows members to control their own budget, select and dismiss their attendants, and provide training for the people who provide their care. 

Who will be eligible for the CFC Waiver

The person you care can for be any age and must:

• be enrolled in Health First Colorado, meet an institutional level of care (LOC), and have an assessed need for a CFC service(s).​ 

OR

• be enrolled in an HCBS waiver program, receiving at least one waiver service per month, and have an assessed need for a CFC service(s).

How much can family caregivers get paid through the CFC program?

The payment rate for caregivers under the CFC program varies depending on the level of care required, local wage rates, your qualifications and experience, and the number of hours you’re approved and able to work. Generally, the pay rate in Colorado ranges from $17 to $20 per hour.

How to apply for the CFC Program

Current HCBS Waiver Members with Renewal Dates Between July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026:

If the person you care for is an HCBS member who is currently using services that will be covered under CFC, or if they would like to enroll in CFC to access newly available services or service delivery models, you may apply during your Continued Stay Review (CSR) with your case manager. Your case manager will assess your loved one’s service needs with the same assessment process they use for HCBS waiver members.

Current Medicaid Members NOT Receiving HCBS Waiver Services:

If the person you care for is currently enrolled in Health First Colorado and is interested in receiving CFC services, they, or their authorized representative, need to reach out to their local Case Management Agency after July 1, 2025 to begin the eligibility and assessment process. 

Getting Paid Through Veterans Benefits

In Colorado, adult children, relatives, and occasionally spouses who look after older or disabled veterans, including those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, may be eligible for compensation through various VA programs. These programs provide a flexible budget or cash allowances that enable veterans to employ caregivers of their choosing, including family members.

How much can family caregivers get paid through the VA in Colorado?

Payments from VA benefits in Colorado depend on the type of program, as well as the veteran’s specific circumstances, degree of disability, and care needs. Below is a summary of the four VA programs that pay family caregivers. For the most current and personalized information, it's best to contact the Colorado Division of Veteran Affairs.

How to apply for VA benefits in Colorado

Applying for VA benefits in Colorado can seem daunting due to its complexity. Each county in Colorado provides a Veterans Service Office where veterans and their families can obtain free guidance. These offices employ Service Officers who are experts in assisting with the application, claims, and appeals processes related to VA benefits.

Veteran Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit (A&A)

Colorado veterans or their surviving spouses who need long-term care might qualify for the A&A Pension Benefit, receiving a monthly cash allowance to use as they see fit. This includes paying for in-home care from family members. However spouses may not be paid to provide care under this benefit. Expenses related to receiving care can be deducted from the care recipient's income, aiding them in staying below the income threshold for this benefit. To qualify for A&A, the care recipient must: 

• be eligible for the basic VA pension or basic survivor pension
• require assistance with ADLs and/or have Alzheimer’s disease 

How much can family caregivers get paid through the A&A in Colorado?

For eligible individuals in Colorado, the A&A benefit until November 30, 2025, offers up to $2,358 monthly for a single veteran with no dependents, $2,795 for those married or with a dependent, and $1,515 for a surviving spouse without dependents.

Veteran Directed Care (VDC)

The VDC program, available to Colorado veterans, offers a different approach where no direct cash is given. Instead, veterans receive a monthly budget to manage their care needs, including payments for necessary medical equipment or caregiver services. This includes assistance from family members such as adult children, grandchildren, or a spouse.

How much can family caregivers get paid through the VDC in Colorado?

To learn about the specific payment rates for caregivers under the VDC program in Colorado, veterans should contact their local VA Medical Center, the Colorado Division of Veteran Affairs, or their local Area Agency on Aging.

Housebound Pension Benefit

The VA offers the Housebound Pension Benefit to Colorado veterans or their surviving spouses who are confined to their homes due to a permanent disability. This benefit provides a monthly cash allowance that can be used to employ a family caregiver, excluding a spouse. To qualify for Housebound Pension Benefit, the care recipient must also be eligible for the basic VA pension or basic survivor pension.

How much can family caregivers get paid through the Housebound Pension Benefit in Colorado?

Through November 30, 2025, the benefit amounts in Colorado are as follows: up to $1,727 monthly for unmarried veterans, $2,112 for those married or with one dependent child, $2,165 for two veterans married to each other (one qualifies), $2,478 if both qualify, and $1,159 for a surviving spouse without dependents.

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

The PCAFC supports family caregivers of Colorado veterans who suffered critical injuries or serious illnesses in the line of duty and are dependent on personal care for a significant part of the day. Benefits include a monthly cash stipend paid directly to the caregiver based on the veteran’s level of need and local care costs, plus support like educational programs, training, counseling, and respite care.

How much can family caregivers get paid through the PCAFC in Colorado?

The stipend from the PCAFC is calculated based on the veteran’s required level of care and the cost of care in the local area.

Tax Benefits for Family Caregivers in Colorado

What is a tax credit?

A tax credit provides a financial advantage by reducing the total amount of income tax you’re required to pay. Unlike tax deductions, which decrease your taxable income, tax credits directly lower the overall amount of taxes you owe.

What tax credits are available for family caregivers in Colorado?

At this time, the state of Colorado doesn’t offer any tax credits for family caregivers caring for aging family members. However, there are federal tax benefits that some family caregivers can take advantage of:

• Federal Child and Dependent Care Credit
• Credit for Other Dependents
• Head of Household
• Medical Expenses

Federal Child and Dependent Care Credit

This is a federal tax credit that you may be able to receive if you can claim the person you care for as a dependent and paid for care for them that was provided by a care facility (including adult day care), a home care professional, members of the family or community. You can claim up to $3,000 for one dependent and up to $6,000 for two dependents. 

Credit for Other Dependents

You may qualify for a tax benefit of up to $500 through the Credit for Other Dependents. This federal tax credit can be claimed for:

• Dependents of any age
• Dependents who have Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers
• Dependent parents or other qualifying relatives supported by the taxpayer
• Dependents living with the taxpayer who aren't related to the taxpayer

To claim this credit, your dependent must have shared your home for a minimum of six months during the tax year. It's important to maintain detailed records and documentation to verify their residency status.

Head of Household

If you’re single and providing care for an aging family member who qualifies as your dependent, you may be eligible to file as “Head of Household” on both your federal and Colorado tax returns. This filing status boosted the standard deduction for 2024 from $14,600 to $21,900.

Medical Expenses

You might be eligible for a tax deduction (not a credit) if you're covering medical expenses for a family member you claim as a dependent. Here’s how it works:
When the combined medical costs for you and your dependent family member(s) exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, you may be able to deduct amount from your taxable income. 

Other Ways to Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Colorado

Long-term care insurance

Certain long-term care insurance (LTCI) plans pay family members who provide care for the person who holds the policy. If the person you care for has an LTCI policy, it's worth investigating whether it includes coverage for "informal caregivers." This is the term that’s used to describe family members or friends who offer care services. If you’re lucky, you might be eligible for payment for the help you provide with activities of daily living (ADLs)which include:

• Dressing
• Bathing or showering 
• Using the toilet 
• Eating 
• Getting in and out of bed or a chair 
• Walking 

Paid Family Medical Leave

Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI)

The state of Colorado offers up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave to eligible workers who need to care for a relative or friend with a serious health condition. Learn more about this program on the CO FAMLI website. 

Employer-Sponsored Family Medical Leave

Some Colorado employers also offer paid family medical leave as an employee benefit for employees. Ask your HR department if they have a paid leave benefit and if so, how you may take advantage of it. 

Personal Care Agreement

If your family agrees to pay you to provide care to an aging relative, you can draw up a legally binding document called a Personal Care Agreement. This lays out the duties and responsibilities of the caregiver and the amount the family will pay you. Your pay rate should be based on the going rate for professional care in your area. After the agreement is signed, you can start receiving pay for the care you provide.

Other Caregiver Resources in Colorado

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)

AAAs connect families with local programs, caregiver training, and assistance accessing Medicaid, other state benefit programs, and respite care services. Find your local AAA on the ACL’s Eldercare Locator. 

National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)

‍The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) helps connect family caregivers to valuable resources:

• Respite care
• Training and education
• Financial assistance

Eligibility is determined by your local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). 

Colorado Department of Healthcare Policy & Financing (HCPF)

The HCPF provides a range of resources for caregivers, including access to Medicaid waivers. Explore the HCPF caregiving resources here.

RubyWell Values Caregiving

As you can see, Colorado has a lot to offer family caregivers. Maybe even more than you can wrap your head around all at once. It’s worth taking your time to learn about them. And you can always return to this article for guidance as you navigate the caregiving waters. If you found this article helpful, share it with family or friends who live in Colorado and are caring for older family members.