303-337-5517
2600 South Parker Road,
#3-239 Aurora CO 80014

Community First Choice

Stay independent and comfortable at home with the Community First Choice (CFC) Colorado Program — a new Colorado Medicaid option that provides in-home support for daily activities. Launched as an innovative approach, CFC expands access to care, standardizes services across the state, and gives participants more flexibility and control over how they receive assistance.

CFC
in home care Colorado

Earn Up To $60,000 per Year!

Earnings vary based on program and hours. Employment and program eligibility requirements apply.

assistance in home care

Feeling frustrated with:

  • Limited support or guidance from your agency?
  • Poor communication or lack of updates about your loved one’s care?
  • Inconsistent or delayed payments?
  • A lack of appreciation for your hard work?

It’s time for a change! Join us today and get up to $2 500 Recruitment and Retention Bonus*.
*Full bonus details and eligibility available upon request.

Overview & Key Dates of CFC Implementation

The Community First Choice (CFC) Program is a statewide Medicaid initiative in Colorado that expands access to Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for individuals who need long-term care, including those currently on HCBS waivers. A key goal of CFC is to promote self-direction, community-based living, and person-centered care. Members can choose to self-direct their attendant services or receive support through an agency, giving them control over their budget, the ability to hire or replace attendants, and the option to train those providing their care. This flexibility provides members with greater choice and control over how services are delivered.

CFC Program Rollout Timeline:

  • July 1, 2025

    Community First Choice (CFC) services officially became available for eligible Colorado Medicaid members.

  • 2025–2026

    A transition period begins, during which members move gradually from HCBS waiver programs to CFC.

  • Fall 2026

    CFC is fully integrated across the state, with overlapping HCBS services removed to streamline care and provide a unified, standardized program for all participants.

How to Get Started

Become a Family Caregiver

  • Step 01

    Contact us via the form below or at 303-337-5517 — we’ll explain the program, answer your questions, enroll you in training, and help with clearances!

  • Step 02

    We’ll handle the process with your Insurance/Medicaid to secure all necessary approvals.

  • Step 03

    You get hired and paid!

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about the Community First Choice Program:

What is Community First Choice?

Community First Choice (CFC) is a Medicaid program that provides in-home and community-based services to individuals who need help with daily activities. Instead of relying on institutional care, eligible participants can receive support at home, maintaining independence, safety, and quality of life while remaining connected to their community.

Community First Choice Program Eligibility

In Colorado, the Community First Choice (CFC) program is available to individuals who are enrolled in Medicaid and require an institutional level of care, meaning they need assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, mobility, or health-related tasks. Applicants must live in a home or community setting, not in a nursing facility, and meet functional and financial eligibility criteria set by Colorado Medicaid. Reach out to us by phone number or complete our form, and we’ll gladly help you determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.

What services are covered under CFC?

The program covers personal care, help with daily activities, household tasks, medication reminders, and health-related support. It may also include emergency backup systems and assistance with moving from facilities back into home settings.

How does CFC differ from HCBS waiver programs?

The Community First Choice (CFC) Program differs from HCBS waiver programs in that it consolidates many common in-home support services into a single, statewide Medicaid option, providing easier access, greater flexibility, and opportunities for participants to self-direct their care. However, not all services transition to CFC. Specialized supports such as behavioral counseling, mental health therapy, day and residential habilitation, supported employment, complementary and integrative therapies, specialized medical equipment, and certain individualized therapies continue to be offered through specific waiver programs. This ensures that while CFC streamlines general in-home services, members still have access to specialized care that meets their unique needs.

Can family members be paid caregivers?

Yes, in Colorado, eligible family members can serve as paid caregivers through the Community First Choice (CFC) program. This allows trusted relatives to provide personalized care while receiving compensation through Medicaid. By involving family members, the program ensures continuity, comfort, and familiarity for participants, while also giving families the support and resources needed to safely manage daily care tasks at home.

Does CFC support people with disabilities?

Yes, the Community First Choice (CFC) program is designed to support not only seniors but also adults and children with disabilities who require daily assistance. The program provides help with personal care, household tasks, and health-related activities, enabling individuals to live safely and comfortably at home rather than in institutional settings.

Can I choose my caregiver?

Yes, through the Community First Choice (CFC) program’s self-directed care option, participants have significant control over their in-home support. This means you can hire caregivers, including family caregivers, whom you trust, provide them with specific training, and even replace them if needed. Having the ability to select and manage your own caregiver ensures that care is personalized to your preferences, routines, and needs.

How does CFC improve independence?

The Community First Choice (CFC) program enhances independence by offering personalized support for daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and mobility. With flexible care options, individuals can receive the help they need while maintaining control over their daily routines and lifestyle.

Which Services Are Moving to CFC?

As CFC rolls out, many services that were previously available through HCBS waivers will now be provided under the CFC program. This includes supports such as Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS), In-Home Support Services (IHSS), Personal Care and Homemaker tasks under AME, Health Maintenance Activities, Medication Reminders, Home Delivered Meals, Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), Remote Supports, and Transition Setup Services. Once these services are incorporated into CFC, they will no longer be accessible through HCBS waivers.

What are the limits on caregiving hours under CFC?

Yes, there are limits on how much care a caregiver can provide through the CFC program. Caregivers, including family members, cannot exceed 16 hours of service per day. Additionally, family caregivers offering homemaker services are restricted to 10 hours per week for those specific tasks. Our team assists in establishing clear schedules and accurately tracking care hours, and our case management support helps ensure that members stay within these limits to maintain eligibility and proper reimbursement.

Contact us now

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Which Services Are Included in CFC?

The Community First Choice (CFC) program under Medicaid offers comprehensive support to help individuals live safely, independently, and comfortably in their own homes. It is designed to meet the unique needs of seniors and people with disabilities, ensuring they receive the care and assistance necessary to maintain their daily routines and quality of life.

Eligible participants in Colorado can access a variety of services, including:

  • personal care assistance;
  • support with daily activities (ADLs & IADLs);
  • health-related tasks;
  • personal attendant services;
  • emergency backup services;
  • self-directed care options;
  • transition assistance;
  • home modifications and assistive technology;
  • transportation support;
  • meal preparation and nutrition support.

These services empower individuals to remain connected to their communities, make choices about their care, and maintain independence. By providing reliable, flexible, and person-centered support, CFC helps participants live with dignity, comfort, and confidence in their own homes. At Mercy Home Services, we offer a range of care options and guide you in selecting the approach that best fits your needs and your family’s preferences. Our comprehensive service model ensures compassionate, high-quality support across multiple areas of care.

Why This Program Makes a Difference

Community First ChoiceThe Community First Choice (CFC) Program is reshaping long-term care in Colorado by offering a more accessible, flexible, and person-centered approach. By transitioning many services from waiver programs into the state plan, CFC:

  1. Removes barriers to essential in-home support.
  2. Expands options for self-directed care.
  3. Streamlines Medicaid services.
  4. Strengthens long-term care funding through enhanced federal support.

Let’s take a closer look at how CFC benefits different participants and those supporting them:

Benefits for Members:

  1. Expanded Access: Receive services without needing a waiver.
  2. More Choice & Control: Self-directed models allow members to hire, train, and manage their own attendants.
  3. No Loss of Services: Waiver services continue under the new program, now with simplified access.

Benefits for Families & Advocates:

  1. Simplified Access: Fewer restrictions and easier navigation.
  2. Enhanced Support Networks: More community-based resources and continuity of care.
  3. Greater Availability: More people can receive the care they need.

Benefits for Providers:

  1. Increased Service Opportunities: Serve more members under state plan benefits.
  2. Training & Guidance: Access to operational guidance and mandatory training for smooth program implementation.

Overall, CFC empowers Coloradans to live safely, independently, and comfortably in their own homes, with dignity, flexibility, and control over their care.

How We Support You

Navigating the Community First Choice (CFC) program can feel overwhelming, but we are here to make the process easier and ensure you receive the care you need. As a provider of CFC services, we provide guidance and assistance every step of the way, helping you and your loved ones confidently access available services.

  1. Clarify Eligibility Requirements – We help you understand if you qualify for CFC and what criteria you need to meet.
  2. Assist with Service Transitions – We guide you through moving from existing programs or waivers to CFC services smoothly and without disruption.
  3. Advocate for Your Care Needs – We ensure your preferences and requirements are represented as the program evolves, helping you get the support that fits your life.

Our dedicated support goes beyond initial guidance. We continue to monitor your progress, answer questions, and provide ongoing assistance, ensuring you maximize the benefits of the CFC program while maintaining independence, safety, and comfort at home.

Testimonials

Feedback from our clients testifies to the high quality of the services we provide.

Bill's review
Bill Wallace
5

My sincere thanks to you and your staff at Mercy Home Services for coming to my 1 rescue back in June. Your Caregiver helped me shower daily, made my bed, prepared meals and did food shopping, light cleaning and the laundry. She was a gem, always on time, and her manner and demeanor exhibited her many years of experience as an expert Caregiver. She was dependable, calm, caring and trustworthy. I also enjoyed her lovely sense of humor. I also salute you for your flexibility in making the effort to accommodate a prospective client at the “last minute,” as well as your reasonable cost for the excellent care received.

Amanda's review
Amanda Klein
5

I was referred to Mercy Home Services when my Mom was coming home from a hospital. I was out of town and had to organize everything remotely. The staff was extremely helpful and professional. I was very stressed and totally lost but they handled everything from start to finish. One of their care managers went out to the hospital to assess mom that same day and was able to get Mom home safely. What I liked the most was their flexibility and quick action. Mom came home with 24-hour care for her first few days and then was able to slowly reduce hours to a manageable schedule. Highly recommend!

Alex's review
Alex Davis
5

As a baby boomer, I am part of the generation that’s trying to navigate the waters of eldercare. Mercy Home Services has been an invaluable part of my equation for making sure my mom receives the highest level of care and support. From transportation to care appointments, to 24/7 supervision and assistance, their staff is both professional and compassionate. I can’t recommend them highly enough.

Katherine's review
Katherine Thomas
5

Their caregivers have done a phenomenal job for our family. Mom wanted to stay home and we just could not manage her care alone due to our work and families. If it weren’t for Mercy Home Services, it would have been impossible for us to keep Mom home. She really enjoys the company of her caregiver and is living life again. Thank you, Mercy Home Services for all what you have done for us. We highly recommend them to anyone who needs high-quality care for an loved one.

Andrew's review
Andrew Gennett
5

Mercy Home Services in every way ensured that I could meet my wife ’s needs and help me to have time to care for the other myriad of things that go along with caring for someone who is sick. You don’t know how much I needed you all. Thank you is not enough. I will recommend you and your staff to any and all that want or need to have someone take care of their loved ones – with all of the glowing words that I can find. Until you walk in the shoes of a caretaker you can’t fully understand the help that you need. AND when you find it, it is a miracle. My heartfelt and grateful thanks to all of your miracles.

Maria's review
Maria Lawson
5

Mercy Home Services was recommended to us when we were in desperate need of care for our mother. She had fallen a few days before we were to leave town and couldn’t she couldn’t be left alone. Our experience has been that Mercy Home Services was able to provide us with caregivers on short notice who were knowledgeable, efficient, dependable and kind. Emily, our case manager, has been so responsive and helpful. Amy who did the intake gave us assurance that care was on the way! Now, we are ready to recommend the Mercy Home Services to others.