Colorado home health agencies are licensed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). There are two license classes that affect what services an agency can provide.

• Class A — Skilled Nursing Agency

  May provide skilled nursing and therapy services. Medicare billing requires separate CMS certification, and Medicaid participation must also be confirmed.

• Class B — Personal Care Agency

  Provides non-medical in-home care: bathing, dressing, meal prep, companionship, and light housekeeping. Typically private pay or long-term care insurance.

Home health care can be covered by several payer sources. Understanding your options is the first step to getting affordable care.

• Medicare Part A

  Covers skilled home health after a qualifying hospital or skilled nursing facility stay. Must be homebound and need skilled care.

• Medicare Part B

  Covers skilled nursing and therapy without a hospital stay requirement, as long as you are homebound and a physician orders the care.

• Medicaid / HCBS Waivers

  Colorado Medicaid and Home and Community Based Services waivers cover home health for eligible low-income residents. Check Colorado HCBS Waiver eligibility.

• Long-Term Care Insurance

  Policies vary widely. Review your policy for home health benefit triggers, elimination periods, and daily benefit amounts.

• Private Pay

  Rates in Denver typically range from $25–$65/hour for personal care and $65–$120/hour for skilled nursing. Most agencies provide free consultations.

Finding the right home health agency requires more than comparing prices. Here are the key factors to evaluate.

• Verify CDPHE Licensure

  All Colorado home health agencies must be licensed. Verify license status on the CDPHE website or look for the "Verified" badge on listings.

• Match License Class to Needs

  If your loved one needs IV therapy, wound care, or post-surgical recovery, you need a Class A agency. Personal care needs can be met by Class A or B.

• Check Reviews

  Read moderated reviews and consider them alongside licensing records, references, and an agency interview. Look for patterns in responsiveness, caregiver consistency, and communication.

• Ask About Staffing

  Ask if caregivers are employees (with background checks, insurance, and training) or independent contractors. Employees typically offer more protection.

• Confirm Insurance Accepted

  Not all agencies accept Medicare or Medicaid. Verify coverage before scheduling an assessment.