Assisted Living in Colorado

Health First Colorado is the state's Medicaid program. For people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled, it pays for doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and other medical services. It does not pay assisted living rent or meals. Through the Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) waiver, it can pay for the care you get in an assisted living residence that is certified as an Alternative Care Facility.

If you get SSI, you get Health First Colorado. People who need long-term care, such as care in an Alternative Care Facility or a nursing home, can have higher income. In 2026 the long-term care income limit is $2,982 a month, which is three times the SSI amount of $994. Countable assets must be under $2,000 for a single person or $3,000 for a couple.

If your spouse still lives at home, part of your income and savings can be set aside for your spouse. In 2026 the spouse at home can keep up to $162,660 in assets, and up to $4,066.50 a month in income. You cannot qualify for long-term care if the equity in your home is over $1,130,000.

An Alternative Care Facility (ACF) is an assisted living residence that Health First Colorado has certified. Medicaid pays the residence for 24-hour protective oversight, personal care such as help with bathing and dressing, help learning daily living skills, and homemaker services. You get these services through the Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) waiver. People with a serious mental illness can get them through the Community Mental Health Supports (CMHS) waiver instead.

Medicaid does not pay room and board. You pay it yourself, usually from Social Security, SSI, or the Old Age Pension. In 2026 an ACF can charge a Medicaid resident no more than $810 a month for room and board. You keep at least $184 a month for personal needs, and up to $435.46 depending on your income.

Not every assisted living residence is an ACF, so ask before you move in. In 2026 HCPF said long-term care costs are growing faster than the state can support, and that it is reviewing waiver benefits.

A monthly cash payment from the state for low-income Coloradans age 60 and older. It is paid for entirely with state tax money. You can use it for any living cost, including room and board in assisted living.

In 2026 the maximum payment is $1,032 a month. Your other income, such as Social Security or SSI, lowers the payment. People who get OAP also get Health First Colorado or, if their income is too high for it, the more limited OAP Health and Medical Care Program.

A program that covers all of your Medicare and Health First Colorado services through one local organization, so you can keep living in the community. Care is given at a PACE center, in your home, and in the hospital or a nursing home when needed. It includes doctor visits, nursing, personal care, home care, prescriptions, meals, and rides.

Colorado has six PACE organizations. Together they serve all or part of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Delta, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Mesa, Montrose, Pueblo, and Weld counties. If you have Health First Colorado, you pay no PACE premium. You must get all your care from the PACE organization's providers.

The federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. Part A covers hospital stays and a short period of skilled nursing care after a hospital stay. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical equipment. Medicare does not pay for assisted living rent or for help with daily tasks like bathing and dressing. In 2026, Part B costs $202.90 a month with a $283 yearly deductible, and the Part A hospital deductible is $1,736.

Plans sold by private insurers that replace Original Medicare. They must cover everything Original Medicare covers, and many add drug, dental, vision, or hearing coverage. Plans, costs, and doctor networks vary by county.

Drug plans that add prescription coverage to Original Medicare. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs and its own premium. Most Medicare Advantage plans already include drug coverage.

A federal program, also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy, that pays most Part D premiums, deductibles, and drug copays. People who get Medicaid, SSI, or a Medicare Savings Program qualify automatically.

Health First Colorado programs that pay Medicare costs for people with limited income. Anyone in QMB, SLMB, or QI-1 also qualifies for Extra Help.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) pays Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualifying Individual (QI-1) pay the Part B premium. Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) pays the Part A premium for people who lost premium-free Part A after going back to work. The table shows each program's 2026 monthly income limit.

Monthly income for retired workers, based on what you earned during your working years. You can spend it on anything, including assisted living. You need at least 40 work credits, which is about 10 years of work. Benefits can start at 62, and the monthly check is larger if you wait until full retirement age or later.

A monthly federal payment for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very little income and savings. Getting SSI usually qualifies you for Medicaid as well.