Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS) provides case management for Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) in Denver and Adams Counties. RMHS serves both children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Whether you are new to services or transitioning from children’s case management services, this page will help you:
- Understand Medicaid waivers
- Transition from children’s to adult case management services
- Learn the steps required to enroll in adult case management services
What are Medicaid Waivers?
Medicaid waivers connect people with I/DD to the essential supports, services, and resources to live the lives they want in their home or community of choice.
Medicaid Waivers Can Provide:
- General support in the home such as assistance with bathing, dressing, laundry, shopping, cooking, etc.
- Support for living independently
- Job coaching or day programs
- Home modifications for accessibility
- And more
To qualify, a person must:
- Be eligible for Medicaid
- Have a documented I/DD
- Require help with daily activities
- Apply through their county’s Case Management Agency
- RMHS supports individuals in Denver and Adams Counties
Waivers promote dignity, independence, and choice by helping people live independently and stay connected to their communities.
Types of Adult Waivers that Support Individuals with I/DD
Supported Living Services (SLS) Waiver
Provides part-time assistance to support adults with I/DD live independently at home or in the community. Services may include personal care, skill-building, respite for family caregivers, and specialized therapies or equipment.
Learn more about the SLS Waiver here
There is currently not a waiting list for SLS Waiver services.
Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
Provides 24/7 support in a staffed home environment. In addition to daily care, staff offer habilitation—guidance in building everyday life skills such as cooking, cleaning, socializing, and managing routines.
Learn more about the DD Waiver here
Important note: There is a waiting list. Families may add their child to the waiting list as soon as age 14 if this is the right fit.
Community First Choice (CFC) Option
Offers ongoing support with daily activities such as personal care, homemaker, and health maintenance services. Unlike a waiver, CFC is a Medicaid benefit available without enrollment in a waiver. Many people use it alongside the SLS waiver.
*Additional support may be available. Your intake case manager will share additional support options if applicable.
Transitioning from Children’s to Adult Services
If your child is enrolled in Children’s Case Management at RMHS, the transition to adult services begins automatically.
Here’s what you can expect:
- 6 months before age 18: Your child’s case manager will schedule an Options Counseling meeting. Together, you’ll review available adult waivers and decide which options to pursue.
- 2 months before age 18: Once a waiver is chosen, your child’s case manager will send a referral to the RMHS adult intake team.
From there, the intake team will help complete assessments, confirm Medicaid eligibility, and assign your child an Adult Case Manager once requirements are met.
Steps to Enrolling in Adult Waiver Services and Supports
To access adult waiver services and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), individuals must apply for Medicaid and meet both financial and disability requirements. The steps below are required, but don’t need to be completed in a specific order. The RMHS intake team will guide you through the process.
Apply for Medicaid Financial Eligibility
To receive LTSS, you must first qualify for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) by meeting financial criteria.
For help, contact AMES with Colorado Access or your county’s Department of Human Services (DHS) office in person or by phone.
Apply for Medicaid Disability Determination
Colorado requires individuals to meet disability criteria for LTSS. Applications must be submitted through your county’s Department of Human Services and take 30–90 days to process.
Note: If enrolled in a children’s waiver and not receiving SSI, a disability determination may already exist (valid for 7 years). Check with your county DHS office to verify.
Tips & Tricks
- Do not leave anything blank on the application.
- Include supporting documentation including recent psychological evaluations or medication records.
- Unless the individual has a court appointed guardian, they need to sign the application.
- Medicaid does not accept electronic signatures. You must sign using a pen.
Obtain the Professional Medical Information Page (PMIP)
The PMIP confirms a person’s need for LTSS. Submitting it before you complete your intake assessment can speed up the enrollment process.
Explore Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Adults who qualify for LTSS may also qualify for SSI. Parental or household income is not considered, meaning only the income of the individual who qualifies for LTSS is a factor in eligibility.
- SSI provides automatic access to Medicaid.
- Apply directly with the Social Security Administration.
- Assistance is available from agencies such as Easterseals Colorado and Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Tips for Speeding Up the Enrollment Process
- Respond promptly to calls and emails
- Apply for your disability determination early (or provide documentation if already complete)
- Stay in contact with your county DHS about financial eligibility
- Submit a complete PMIP
Looking Beyond RMHS Services
This page explains how to get started with adult I/DD case management services at RMHS, including for individuals transitioning from children’s to adult services. But preparing for adulthood for youth with I/DD also includes important steps outside of RMHS, such as:
- Guardianship
- SSI and financial planning
- Employment and education planning
To support families with youth ages 14–21, we’ve created a companion guide with an overview of these areas and trusted resources.
Visit the Successful Transitions to Adulthood for Youth with I/DD Blog
