If you provide care for a loved one through Health First Colorado (Medicaid), the ground beneath your feet has shifted. Between a $1.2 billion state budget shortfall and the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), the "business of caregiving" in Colorado is facing its most significant transformation in a decade.
At Caregivers First Choice (CFC), we believe you shouldn't need to be a policy expert to protect your family’s income. Our mission is built on a decade of specialized experience in Colorado’s home care industry—specifically advocating for the family caregiver model. We utilize lean, tech-enabled operations to ensure CFC families receive the highest wages in the state while remaining compliant with rapidly changing state and federal regulations.
The Federal Catalyst: What is H.R. 1?
On July 4, 2025, the federal government signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). While the name sounds optimistic, it introduced a systemic shock to Colorado’s Medicaid funding. The bill mandates stricter eligibility rules and reduces the federal "match" for state spending.
For Colorado, a state that has historically led the way in Medicaid expansion, this resulted in an immediate revenue loss. To balance the books, Governor Jared Polis issued Executive Orders D 2025 014 and D 2025 020, tasking the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) with finding hundreds of millions in savings through a new "Sustainability Framework."
The Victory: Why the 56-Hour Cap Was Rejected
In late 2025, HCPF proposed a "soft cap" of 56 hours per week for paid family caregivers. Previously, and currently, families can be paid for up to 112 hours per week for high-needs care.
The state argued this reduction would prevent "caregiver burnout." However, families across the Front Range, from the high-density neighborhoods of Denver to the rural communities of Weld County, know that caring for a loved one with severe disabilities is a 24/7 commitment involving transfers, medical care, and crisis management.
The Role of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC)
The defense of your hours happened at the state capitol. The Joint Budget Committee (JBC), a six-member legislative panel, acts as the ultimate "check and balance" on the Governor's spending proposals.
Thanks to an outpouring of testimony from families and the fiscal leadership of Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, the JBC officially rejected the 56-hour cap in February 2026. Senator Kirkmeyer noted that cutting caregiver pay while expanding state bureaucracy was a "blow to families who are already fighting to get care."
The Result: The 112-hour limit remains protected. However, the state is still looking for ways to "align rates," meaning your agency must be more efficient than ever to keep your wages high.
What’s Next: Two Deadlines Every Colorado Caregiver Needs to Know
While the hour cap was defeated, two major administrative shifts are approaching that will require your attention to avoid a loss of benefits:
- 6-Month Redeterminations (Starting December 31, 2026): Historically, Medicaid eligibility was checked annually. Now, many members must prove eligibility every six months. This "administrative churn" is designed to reduce costs, but it places a heavy paperwork burden on families.
- Work Requirements (Starting January 1, 2027): Certain adults (ages 19-64) without disabilities will soon be required to document 80 hours of monthly "qualifying activities" (such as work, education, or volunteering) to maintain coverage.
Why Caregivers First Choice (CFC) is Different
CFC was designed to withstand these budget shifts. By moving away from the traditional, high-overhead home care model, we prioritize the family unit.
- High-Wage Focus: We believe the person providing the care should receive the lion's share of the reimbursement. Our experience-based tier system ensures your dedication is rewarded.
- Tech-Enabled Advocacy: Our platform simplifies the 6-month redetermination process, helping you avoid the paperwork traps that lead to a loss of coverage.
- Regulatory Expertise: Our leadership team has been at the center of Colorado’s home care evolution for over 10 years, having helped scale organizations by focusing on compliance and family-led care.
- Local Knowledge: Whether you are near Red Rocks in Morrison, or Old Town in Arvada, or in a Highlands Ranch neighborhood, we understand the local case management landscape.
Our Commitment to Transparency
Caregivers First Choice adheres to the highest standards of regulatory compliance (6 CCR 1011-1 Chapter 26). While we strive to offer the state's highest wages through our lean operating model, all pay rates are based on current Health First Colorado fee schedules. Eligibility and authorized hours are determined by HCPF and your Case Management Agency (CMA).
How to Protect Your Care Hours
The best way to protect your hours is through clinical accuracy. Don't wait for a redetermination letter to arrive. We can help you review your current "Plan of Care" to ensure your documentation accurately reflects the level of care you provide every day.
Contact Caregivers First Choice today to ensure your family remains protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the 56-hour cap still being considered?
As of February 2026, the Joint Budget Committee has rejected the cap. However, the state's "Sustainability Framework" is ongoing, so it is vital to stay with an agency that actively monitors JBC hearings.
What is the "Family Caregiver" model?
This model allows family members (including parents of minors in some programs and spouses) to be hired, trained, and paid as the primary care provider for their loved ones, ensuring the most consistent and compassionate care possible.
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