The 2026 Guide
Colorado Medicaid DCSC Unit Limits & Task Standards
Key Takeaways: TL;DR
- Soft Caps Implementation: Starting April 1, 2026, HCPF will enforce annual unit limits for HMA, Personal Care, and Homemaker services.
- Unit Totals: HMA (Health Maintenance Activities) is capped at 19,000 units (~13 hrs/day); Personal Care at 10,000 units (~6.5 hrs/day).
- Extraordinary Care: For children, the DCSC defaults to "0 minutes" for many tasks unless you prove the care is substantially greater than typical parenting.
- LRP (Legally Responsible Persons) Limits: Paid Homemaker services for parents and spouses are strictly capped at 5 hours per week.
What are the Colorado Medicaid DCSC unit limits?
The Colorado Medicaid DCSC (Direct Care Services Calculator) unit limits are "Soft Caps" designed to standardize authorized care across the state. While these caps flag high-utilization plans for extra review, they are not hard denials. If a member's medical necessity justifies it, an Exception Request can be submitted to authorize hours beyond these standard thresholds.
| Service Category | Annual Unit Limit | Required Review Level |
|---|---|---|
| Health Maintenance (HMA) | 19,000 Units (~13 hrs/day) | Red Cell: Department Review |
| Personal Care | 10,000 Units (~6.5 hrs/day) | Yellow Cell: Supervisor Review |
| Homemaker | 4,500 Units (~3 hrs/day) | Yellow Cell: Supervisor Review |
How DCSC Task Standards Affect Children
For parents, the DCSC is built on Age-Appropriate Task Standards. This is the state’s way of saying: "Parents usually do this for free, so we won't pay for it unless the disability makes it much harder."
Age-Based "Standard" Times
If your child is in these age brackets, the DCSC defaults to "0 Minutes" for many tasks. You only get paid hours once you prove Extraordinary Care.
| Task Category | Ages 0–5 Standard | Ages 6–17 Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Bathing | 0 Min (Expected Parent Task) | 25 Min / Day |
| Dressing | 0 Min (Expected Parent Task) | 15 Min / Day |
| Meal Prep | 0 Min (Expected Parent Task) | 45–75 Min / Day |
| Laundry | 0 Min (Expected Parent Task) | 30–60 Min / Week |
LRP Rules:
The 5-Hour Homemaker Cap
A Legally Responsible Person (LRP)—a parent of a minor or a spouse, faces a specific "Hard Cap" on Homemaker services (cleaning, laundry, meal prep).
- The Limit: No more than 5 hours per week, per LRP.
- The Exception: This cap does not apply to Personal Care or Health Maintenance Activities. You can be paid for 40+ hours of HMA as an LRP, but only 5 hours of Homemaker.
Common Questions from Families
Can I hire my spouse or parent under IHSS?
Yes. Spouses and parents can be hired as attendants. The key is that the person signing the timesheets (the Authorized Representative) must be different from the person providing the care.
Do I need a CNA license to be an IHSS caregiver?
No. You do not need to be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Under the IHSS model, you are trained specifically on your loved one's needs by our Registered Nurse. This specific training allows you to perform skilled tasks legally without a full nursing license.
Can I care for my child under IHSS?
Yes. Parents of children on the CHRP Waiver (Children's Home & Community Based Services) or other eligible waivers can be paid caregivers. This is especially helpful for children with complex medical needs requiring G-tubes or ventilators.
