Colorado Medicaid Resource
Complementary & Integrative Health Waiver
A clear guide to possible eligibility, enrollment, and receiving authorized massage therapy, acupuncture, or chiropractic care at NeuAbility.
What the Waiver Adds
Authorized services that support life in the community
Massage Therapy
Acupuncture
Chiropractic Care
Members may choose the services that fit their needs. You do not have to use all three.
What you Need to Know
Colorado’s Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) Waiver is an extra set of Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) benefits that you could qualify for in certain cases. These beenfits can help you remain in your home and community. Waivers have extra program rules and some programs may have waitlists.
Health First Colorado and waiver eligibility are not the same decision. The Home and Community-Based Services Complementary and Integrative Health waiver, usually called the HCBS-CIH or CIH Waiver, providies additional benefits for certain adults who need long-term services and supports to remain in their home or community.
Your local Case Management Agency completes the official waiver review. NeuAbility provides Integrative Health Services, but does not approve Medicaid or waiver eligibility.
Who May Qualify?
Eligibility is not based on diagnosis alone. An applicant must meet all applicable requirements.
Age: 18 or older.
Qualifying condition: spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy.
Mobility criteria: the state uses the phrase ‘inability for independent ambulation.’ This generally means requiring a wheelchair or scooter, a walker or cane, or touch or standby assistance to walk safely in all settings because of the qualifying condition.
Long-term support need: the applicant must meet the state long-term care level-of-care standard and need services to remain in the community.
Financial eligibility: the applicant must meet Health First Colordo long-term care financial rules.
DO NOT SELF-DISQUALIFY
Long-term care Medicaid rules differ from the standard adult Medicaid income chart. Income trusts, spousal rules, excluded resources, or the Working Adults with Disabilities Buy-In pathway may affect eligibility. Ask for an official review.
Getting Started: Enrollment Path
How to Apply & Receive Services
1. Check Basic Fit
Review age, condition, mobility, & long-term support criteria.
2. Apply/Confirm Medicaid
Apply through Colorado PEAK, if needed. Medicaid enrollment alone does not place you on the waiver. Apply for Health First Colorado
4. Complete Eligibility Reviews
The CMA coordinates diagnosis, mobility, level-of-care, and financial reviews. Medical verification may be needed.
3. contact local CMA
Ask your local Case Management Agency for an HCBS-CIH waiver intake. Find your Case Management Agency
5. Develop Service Plan
If eligible, identify needed services with your case manager and request NeuAbility for Integrative Health Services.
6. confirm authorization
NeuAbility’s provider recommends service and frequency. Waiver-funded care starts only after authorization is confirmed.
Financial and functional reviews may overlap. Keep copies of notices, forms, and the name of each person you speak with.
Receiving Integrative Health Services at NeuAbility
NeuAbility offers massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care in an accessible, community-based setting. We can explain services, coordinate with your case manager, and schedule care after authorization.
Transferring CIH Waiver Services Q&A
1. What if I am currently on the Home and Community-Based Services Elderly Blind and Disabled waiver? Can I transfer over to the CIH waiver?
Yes. Contact your case manager and let them know you are interested in the CIH waiver. If you meet the eligibility requirements, your case manager will discuss the specific transfer requirements for their case management agency.
2. What does the transfer process look like?
After you contact your case manager and express interest in enrolling on the CIH waiver, your case manager will mail you a Voluntary Withdrawal Form. This form states that you are requesting to withdraw from your current waiver and transfer to the CIH waiver. Sign and return the form as soon as possible. Your case manager will also send your physician a Physician Medical Information Page (PMIP) form to verify your qualifying condition.
3. Do I need to have another assessment done by my case manager?
After your case manager receives both the Voluntary Withdrawal Form and Physician Medical Information Page, they will contact you to discuss changes in your needs since your last assessment. If your last assessment was completed within the past six months, your case manager may be able to confirm this by phone. If you have not had an assessment in the last six months, your case manager will need to schedule a new face-to-face assessment to verify your needs.
Official Information
State oF COLORADO sources
Official eligibility, benefits, and program information.
Apply for Health First Colorado
Start or manage your Medicaid application through the official portal.
Case Management Agency Directory
Find the agency that serves your county or service area.
Read your notice immediately if eligibility or services are denied.
Adult Day Services
Home Modification
In-Home Support Services (IHSS)
Non-Medical Transportation
Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
Buy-In for Working Adults with Disabilities
Homemaker Services
Life Skills Training
Peer Mentorship
Respite Care
Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS)
Home Delivered Meals
Medication Reminder
Personal Care
Transition Set Up
Other CIH Waiver Benefits & Services