Understanding Colorado’s Long-Term Care System: A Five-Part Series
August 14, 2026
Colorado’s long-term care system helps people with disabilities, older adults and others get the support they need to live in their homes and communities. But the system can be hard to understand. Many different government agencies, community organizations, case management agencies and service providers play a role.
This series breaks the system into clear, easy-to-understand topics. Written by Amy Becerra, Chief Strategy Officer at Rocky Mountain Human Services, the articles explain who makes decisions, how services have changed over time, where funding comes from, what happens when policies change and how case management agencies help.
Explore the full series below.
Who Makes Decisions—and How the Pieces Fit Together
Who makes decisions about long-term care services? This article explains the roles of the federal government, the State of Colorado, counties, case management agencies and service providers. It also shows how these different parts work together to support individuals and families.
From Institutions to Community: How Long-Term Services Evolved
Long-term care once took place mostly in institutions, often far from people’s families and communities. Learn how advocacy and changing ideas about independence and inclusion helped create more options for people to receive support at home and in their communities.
How Medicaid Funding and Appropriations Work
Where does the money for long-term care services come from? This article explains how the federal government and the State of Colorado share Medicaid costs. It also explores how state budget decisions can affect programs, services and the people who rely on them.
What Happens When Policy Changes?
A policy change may move through many steps before individuals and families hear about it. This article explains where changes can begin, how they move through the system and why they may sometimes feel sudden. It also looks at how organizations put new policies into practice.
Understanding the Role of Case Management Agencies
Case Management Agencies help people access and navigate long-term services and supports. Learn how case managers help with eligibility, person-centered planning, service coordination and changing needs—and why they are often a key source of guidance for individuals and families.
How RMHS Can Help
Rocky Mountain Human Services provides Case Management Agency services in Denver and Adams counties. Our case managers help people understand their options, plan for their needs and connect with services and supports.
Learn more about RMHS Case Management Agency services
