Understanding the New Community First Choice (CFC) Program and What It Means for You
Starting July 1, 2025, Colorado’s Medicaid system will launch a significant new benefit called Community First Choice (CFC). This program brings more options for home-based care—but it also comes with new processes that families need to understand and act on quickly.
At Team Select, we’re already preparing to guide families through these changes. We’ve been a trusted provider in Colorado for years, delivering high-quality care while staying in full compliance with state guidelines—even when others did not. We’re committed to making this transition smooth and successful for both existing and new families.
When does Community First Choice (CFC) officially begin?
Community First Choice (CFC) begins on July 1, 2025. This is the date when eligible Medicaid members in Colorado can begin accessing expanded home- and community-based services under the new CFC model.
How Team Select Can Help:
We’re already preparing our staff to guide families through enrollment starting July 1. Team Select can walk you through what documents you’ll need and when to meet with your case manager to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines.
What is Community First Choice (CFC)?
CFC is a new Medicaid benefit that provides home-based services—such as personal care and homemaker tasks—to individuals who meet a nursing-facility level of care. Unlike past waivers, CFC is available to a broader group of Medicaid members and offers more flexibility in how care is delivered, including agency-based, IHSS, and self-directed models.
How Team Select Can Help:
We offer multiple models of care and will help you choose what’s right for your family. Our experience in managing agency-based and self-directed services means we can guide you with confidence and clarity.
What services are included under CFC?
Under CFC, the following services will be available:
- Personal Care
- Homemaker
- Health Maintenance Activities
- Medication Reminders
- Home Delivered Meals
- Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
- Transition Setup
- Remote Monitoring and Support
- Acquisition, Maintenance, and Enhancement (AME) of Skills – a new support task to promote independence
How Team Select Can Help:
We’ve built a comprehensive service model that ensures quality, compassionate care across all of these areas—and we’ll help tailor your plan to fit your lifestyle and medical needs.
Who qualifies for CFC?
You may be eligible if:
- You’re enrolled in Health First Colorado (Medicaid), and
- You meet an “institutional level of care,” meaning you need the level of support usually provided in a nursing home or similar setting
You do not need to be enrolled in a HCBS waiver to qualify.
How Team Select Can Help:
We’ll help you determine eligibility and get assessed quickly, so there are no delays in receiving the care you need.
How do you enroll in CFC?
- If you’re already on a waiver, you’ll enroll during your annual Cost Share Reduction (CSR) review.
- If you’re new to Medicaid long-term care, contact your local Case Management Agency after July 1, 2025 to begin the evaluation.
How Team Select Can Help:
Our team can help you prepare for your CSR or initiate contact with your Case Management Agency. We know what they need and how to get it done.
Can a parent or legally responsible person be paid as a caregiver?
Yes. Under CFC, a Legally Responsible Person (LRP)—such as a parent or spouse—can be paid to provide:
- Personal Care
- Homemaker Tasks
- Health Maintenance Activities
This depends on the care model chosen (IHSS or CDASS).
How Team Select Can Help:
We’ll walk you through what’s allowed in each model and help get you properly set up as a paid caregiver if you qualify.
Are there limits on caregiving hours?
Yes. CFC imposes the following limits:
- A caregiver (including family members) may not exceed 16 hours per day.
- Family caregivers providing homemaker services are limited to 10 hours per week for those tasks.
How Team Select Can Help:
We help set up clear schedules and document care hours accurately. Our case management support ensures you don’t accidentally go over the limits, which could affect reimbursements or eligibility.
Does CFC replace waivers?
No. CFC does not replace Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. In fact, members can be enrolled in both, as long as services are not duplicated.
How Team Select Can Help:
We’ll ensure your services are coordinated properly and that nothing overlaps in a way that puts your care—or payments—at risk.
Common Misconceptions About CFC In Colorado
“Everyone qualifies for paid family caregiving now.”
Not true. Only individuals assessed at a nursing-home level of care and fully enrolled in Medicaid can access this option. Family caregivers must go through the proper employment or contract setup.
How Team Select Can Help:
We ensure all caregivers—especially family members—are fully trained, approved, and set up in the correct employment model.
“CFC eliminates current services or providers.”
False. CFC doesn’t cancel existing HCBS waiver services. It simply adds more options for how and by whom care is delivered.
How Team Select Can Help:
We help families preserve existing relationships with caregivers or switch to a new model that offers more independence or flexibility—whatever fits you best.
Why Choose Team Select?
- Proven Track Record in Colorado: We’ve been serving families here for years—and we’re deeply committed to doing things the right way.
- Trusted by the State: While other agencies bent the rules, we followed them. That means our families stayed safe, compliant, and fully supported.
- Prepared for the Future: We’re not waiting for July 1—we’re preparing now. That means fewer surprises for you later.
Helpful CFC Resources For Families
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) – CFC Program Page
This is the official source for updates, program guidance, and FAQs directly from the state agency implementing CFC.
https://hcpf.colorado.gov/community-first-choice-option
Health First Colorado – Member Benefits and Eligibility
Health First Colorado is Colorado’s Medicaid program. Families can use this site to check eligibility, find providers, and apply for Medicaid.
https://www.healthfirstcolorado.com
Find Your Local Case Management Agency (CMA)
Use this directory to locate the agency that will help with assessments, enrollment, and care coordination under CFC and HCBS programs.
PEAK – Apply for Medicaid and Manage Benefits
PEAK is the state’s portal for applying for Medicaid and other benefits, including checking application status and submitting documents.
https://colorado.gov/PEAK
Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC)
A trusted advocacy organization that provides educational tools and legal support for individuals navigating Medicaid services.
https://www.ccdconline.org
Disability Law Colorado – Family Advocacy and Legal Guidance
Helpful for families who need assistance with rights, access to care, and navigating Medicaid rules.
https://disabilitylawco.org
Team Select Home Care – Colorado Services Page
For ongoing updates, helpful tips, and direct contact with our local care coordinators, visit our Colorado services page.
https://www.tshc.com/locations/colorado
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