CO Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services Program

Colorado's Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) program empowers individuals with disabilities to manage their care, hire personal attendants, including family members, and receive compensation for their caregiving efforts.

Overview of Colorado's Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services Program

The CDASS program is designed to enable individuals with disabilities to have greater control over their care by allowing them to hire, train, and manage their personal care attendants, who often include family members. By offering participants this option, the CDASS program promotes independence and autonomy while recognizing family members' unique expertise and dedication to the caregiving equation. The program extends its support to people of all ages who require assistance with daily activities due to disabilities or chronic health conditions. 

Eligibility requirements

To access the transformative benefits of Colorado's Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) program, individuals and families must meet specific eligibility criteria to ensure the program's resources are allocated to those who most need them. These criteria encompass a variety of factors, encompassing both financial considerations and health-related aspects:

1. Medicaid Eligibility: CDASS is available to eligible individuals for Colorado's Medicaid program. Medicaid eligibility is determined by income level, family size, and specific medical conditions. Applicants must meet the state-defined income thresholds to qualify for both Medicaid and the CDASS program.
2. Disability Status: To be eligible, individuals must have a qualifying disability or medical condition that necessitates assistance with daily activities. This disability could be physical, cognitive, or both, and it should be severe enough to require ongoing personal care support.
3. Need for Assistance: The CDASS program primarily targets individuals who require help with activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). These activities can include bathing, dressing, mobility assistance, meal preparation, medication management, and transportation.
4. Choice of Self-Directed Care: Participants must express a preference for self-directed care and demonstrate the ability to manage their care or designate a representative to assist in managing the caregiving process. This includes hiring, training, and supervising personal care attendants.
5. Approval from Medical Professional: A medical assessment is often required to confirm the individual's medical condition and the necessity for caregiving assistance. Medical professionals, such as doctors or nurses, may need to provide documentation that supports the applicant's need for the program.
6. Colorado Residency: Applicants must be residents of Colorado to be eligible for the CDASS program. Residency documentation may be required during the application process.

Eligibility requirements can evolve based on state policy and regulation changes. Interested individuals and families should always refer to the official Colorado Medicaid and CDASS program guidelines for the most up-to-date information regarding eligibility criteria.

By aligning eligibility requirements with financial considerations and the genuine need for caregiving support, the CDASS program ensures that its resources are effectively allocated to individuals who can benefit the most from its services. This approach reflects the program's commitment to empowering caregivers and reinforces its mission to enhance the overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities in Colorado.

Services and supports

The Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) program in Colorado offers a comprehensive array of services and supports tailored to the specific needs of individuals with disabilities. These services are designed to enhance participants' overall quality of life, promote independence, and ensure their well-being within their homes and communities. The CDASS program goes beyond basic caregiving, encompassing a range of assistance and specialized support:

1. Personal Care Assistance (PCA): CDASS participants can hire personal care attendants, often family members, to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility assistance.
2. Skilled Nursing Services: For individuals requiring medical interventions, the program covers skilled nursing services such as wound care, medication administration, and health monitoring, ensuring that complex medical needs are addressed.
3. Therapies: The CDASS program supports various therapies, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, to improve participants' mobility, functionality, and communication skills.
4. Assistive Technologies: Recognizing the importance of technology in enabling independence, CDASS supports providing assistive devices and technologies that facilitate communication, mobility, and daily activities.
5. Respite Care: Caregivers also benefit from the program through respite care, which offers temporary relief and a break from caregiving responsibilities, ensuring their well-being and preventing burnout.
6. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): CDASS promotes community integration by covering HCBS, such as transportation assistance, community participation support, and social activities, enabling participants to engage with their local communities.
7. Home Modifications: The program may cover modifications to participants' homes, making them more accessible and accommodating to their specific needs, thus ensuring a safer and more comfortable living environment.
8. Consumer Training: CDASS empowers participants to manage their care by offering training on caregiver recruitment, supervision, and relevant health-related skills, fostering self-reliance and informed decision-making.
9. Individualized Care Plans: Each participant receives a customized care plan that outlines their specific needs, preferences, and goals, ensuring that the services are aligned with their unique circumstances.
10. Financial Support for Caregivers: One of the standout features of the CDASS program is its recognition of family caregivers as paid personal care attendants, offering monetary compensation for their essential caregiving role.

Compensation for caregivers

Colorado's Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) program takes a remarkable step in recognizing and compensating unpaid family caregivers. Through the program's self-directed care option, eligible participants can hire family members, including parents, as personal care attendants and receive financial compensation for their caregiving efforts.

This approach acknowledges the invaluable contribution of family caregivers and addresses the financial challenges that often accompany caregiving responsibilities. By compensating caregivers for their time and dedication, CDASS transforms the caregiving dynamic, underscoring the importance of this often unpaid and unrecognized workforce within the healthcare system.

Learn more about Medicaid self-directed care >>

A note from Givers

In a world where caregivers are the unsung heroes, the CDASS program shines a light on their dedication. Let's champion change together. Check your eligibility for caregiver compensation here.