Colorado Medicaid has made changes to how in-home care services are assessed and approved.
These changes affect services like Personal Care, Homemaker, and Health Maintenance Activities (HMA). While these decisions were made by the state, RMHS is responsible for carrying them out and supporting you through the process.
We know changes like this can be stressful. Rocky Mountain Human Services is here to help you understand what’s changing and what it may mean for you or your family. Not everyone will be affected in the same way. Your RMHS case manager will work with you to explain how these changes apply to you and to answer your questions.
What’s Changing
5 Things You Need to Know About Changes to In-Home Care Services
- Colorado Medicaid has ended the Nurse Assessor Program.
Outside nurses will no longer assess Health Maintenance Activities (HMA). This change was made by the state. - RMHS case managers are now responsible for HMA assessments.
RMHS will now assess and authorize HMA services using updated state guidance and tools. - New limits on services are coming.
Beginning January 15, 2026, limits will be placed on the number of hours available for Homemaker, Personal Care, and Health Maintenance Activities. - Some people may receive fewer service hours.
These changes may reduce authorized hours for some people and affect families and provider agencies. - RMHS will support you through these changes.
Your case manager will explain what this means for you and help explore options when services change.
What Happens Next
Your RMHS case manager will review your services and talk with you about what these changes mean for you.
Not everyone will be affected the same way, and no changes will happen without a conversation.
During this process, your case manager will:
- Review your current services and needs
- Explain any changes in plain language
- Answer your questions
- Talk with you about options if services change
- Help request an exception when appropriate
If you have questions or concerns, you don’t have to wait. Please reach out to your case manager. They will work with you to explain how these changes apply to you.
Member & Family FAQs
Why is this happening?
We understand this may feel sudden or upsetting. These changes were made by Colorado Medicaid (the state). The state decided to end the Nurse Assessor Program and update the rules for in-home care services. RMHS is required to follow these rules, and our role is to help you understand them and support you through any changes.
What services are affected?
These changes affect some in-home care services, including:
- Personal Care
- Homemaker services
- Health Maintenance Activities (HMA)
- Protective Oversight
Not everyone uses all of these services, and not everyone will be affected in the same way.
Will my services change?
It is possible that your services or hours could change. Some people may see a decrease in the number of hours approved for certain services. Others may see little or no change. Your situation is unique, and your RMHS case manager will review your needs and talk with you before changes take effect.
When will changes happen?
Some changes are happening now, and others will happen over time. RMHS began reassessing Health Maintenance Activities in December. Additional state limits on service hours will begin in January 2026. Your case manager will explain how the timing applies to you.
What if I need more help than the limits allow?
We know that limits do not always reflect real-life needs. In some situations, RMHS can request an exception from the state when there is a strong medical or safety need. Your case manager will review this with you and help gather the needed information if an exception request is appropriate.
What if my services are reduced and I don’t agree?
It’s okay to have questions or concerns. If you disagree with a change, your case manager can explain the decision and talk with you about your options, including appeal rights. RMHS will make sure you understand the process and how to ask for a review.
How will this affect my family or caregiver?
We recognize that many family members provide care and rely on these services. Changes to service hours may affect caregiving schedules and payments. RMHS understands how difficult this can be and will work with you to talk through next steps and available options.
Is RMHS taking services away?
No. RMHS does not decide state policy or funding levels. These changes were made by Colorado Medicaid. RMHS’s role is to carry out the rules while supporting you, explaining your options, and advocating for your needs when possible.
What is RMHS doing to help?
RMHS is committed to supporting you through this transition. We will:
- Explain changes in plain language
- Talk with you before services change
- Answer your questions
- Help request exceptions when appropriate
- Share updates as more information becomes available
Who do I call if I have questions about this?
Your RMHS case manager will review your services and talk with you about what these changes mean for you. If you have immediate questions or concerns, you don’t have to wait. Please reach out to your case manager. They will work with you to explain how these changes apply to you.
CMA Contact Center: 844-790-6747
Email: CMAQuestions@rmhumanservices.org
We know this is a lot to take in. Please know that you don’t have to navigate these changes alone. RMHS is here to support you.
