Adult Health Services in Colorado 


1. Program Definition and Services 

Adult Health Services in Colorado, specifically Adult Day Services (ADS), provide health and social services and individual therapeutic and psychological activities on a regularly scheduled basis. Services include: 

  • Health monitoring 
  • Medication administration 
  • Personal care assistance 
  • Social activities 
  • Nutrition services 
  • Supervision for safety 
  • Therapeutic activities 

 

2. Regulations 

Adult Health Services are governed by regulations outlined in 10 CCR 2505-10-8.491 of the Colorado Code of Regulations. 

 

3. Licensing or Certification 

Providers must be certified by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to receive Medicaid reimbursement. Non-Medicaid providers are not required to be licensed or certified. 

 

4. Responsible State Agency 

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) oversees Adult Health Services programs and certifies Medicaid providers. 

 

5. Application Process 

The application process is conducted online through the Colorado Provider Enrollment system at https://www.colorado.gov/hcpf/provider-enrollment.

 

6. Required Documentation 

Required documentation for providers includes: 

  • Proof of certification (for Medicaid providers) 
  • Staff qualifications and training records 
  • Policies and procedures manual 
  • Proof of compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws 
  • Documentation of services provided 

 

7. Timeline for Approval 

The timeline for approval is not specifically mentioned in the provided information. 

 

8. Pre-Application Process 

There is no specific pre-application process mentioned in the provided information. 

 

9. Pre-Application Training 

While not mandatory pre-application training, providers must ensure staff are trained to carry out their duties efficiently, effectively, and competently. 

 

10. Additional Notes 

  • There are two types of Adult Day Services: basic ADS and specialized ADS (SADS). 
  • SADS centers provide intensive health supportive services for participants with specific diagnoses such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, chronic mental illness, or developmental disability. 
  • To be considered a specialized center, two-thirds of an ADS center's population must have physician-verified diagnoses requiring specialized services. 
  • Adult Day Programs encourage the active participation of frail seniors in various activities, ranging from social to educational pursuits. 
  • Medicaid may be available for individuals who meet Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) qualifying requirements, both financially and functionally. 
  • As of February 26, 2025, providers must comply with the most recent regulations and any updates implemented since the last major revision. 

 

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