CES Waiver Colorado: Everything Parents Should Know

Discover vital support for your child in Colorado. This Abby Care guide simplifies the CES Waiver process, making it easy for parents seeking assistance.

The Children’s Extensive Services (CES) Waiver is helpful for families like yours who need extra support and resources to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your child with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). It offers a thorough approach to ensure your child’s well-being, providing many benefits to help them be a part of the community.

If you’re a Coloradan parent seeking a helping hand, we understand how navigating the CES Waiver can be tricky. That's why our dedicated team here at Abby Care created this guide, especially for you, to make the process a breeze and to offer support every step of the way.

What Is a CES Waiver?

The CES Waiver program helps children with intellectual or developmental disabilities live well at home or in the community. It goes beyond regular health care, giving extra support to kids with qualifying medical conditions. The program offers various services to support these children in their homes or other places like apartments or group homes.

Key Features of CES Waiver

• Tailored Support: The CES Waiver matches your child’s special needs, providing personalized home support services.
• Comprehensive Care: The waiver program covers everything from health and safety to daily activities, personal care, and being part of the community.
• Flexibility for Families: Life doesn’t always go as planned, and the CES Waiver understands that. It’s flexible, allowing you to choose services that suit you best.
• In-Home Support: Recognizing the family is important, the waiver gives support right at home. This helps create a stable and familiar environment for the kids.

When and Why Is a CES Waiver Needed?

This waiver program is especially useful for children who:

• Have cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, or similar conditions.
• Struggle in areas like taking care of themselves, learning, using language, making their own choices, or living independently.
• Need more care than what’s usual for their age.

Deciding not to get a CES Waiver when needed for home support services could mean your child won’t get important help, which affects how they grow and their daily living.

The CES Waiver Application Process

How to Apply for a CES Waiver

1. First, check if your child is eligible. They should be under 18, have a developmental issue, live at home with the family, and need a lot of supervision because of a health or behavioral condition.
2. Next, gather the necessary documents and relevant information that help paint a clear picture of your child’s unique situation (see the next section for a detailed list).
3. Contact the appropriate agencies or organizations that handle CES Waiver applications in Colorado, such as your local Community Centered Board (CCB) or the Member Contact Center.
4. Get the CES Waiver application and complete the form with accurate and up-to-date information about your child’s needs.
5. Attach the required documents and submit your application. Some may accept electronic submissions, while others may prefer paper copies.

After submitting your application for this family support services program, be patient while the review team looks at your child’s health records and makes a disability determination. If your child gets approved for the CES Waiver, talk to your CCB to plan services and choose the help and youth services that fit your child best.

If, for some reason, your child doesn’t qualify for the CES Waiver, don’t worry. Colorado has other waivers that can still support you and your child. You might consider:

• Children with Life Limiting Illness Waiver (CLLI)
• Children’s Habilitation Residential Program Waiver (CHRP)
• Children’s Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (CHCBS)

Documents and Info You Need to Get Ready

To apply for a CES Waiver, you need to provide some or all of the following papers and information:

• Detailed info about your child’s health, treatments, and personal care
• Notes from doctors or healthcare providers explaining your child’s specific needs
• Papers showing how much money your family gets
• Details about your family, where you live, and other important personal information
• A form to apply for long-term Medicaid benefits
• Completed CES Waiver application form
• Papers showing that your child has a developmental disability that could benefit from a family support services program

Tips for a Successful CES Waiver Application

• Be Thorough and Accurate. Take your time to double-check that all the information is correct and complete when you apply. Mistakes or forgetting things can slow down the review process.
• Speak Up for Your Child. Clearly say what your child needs and why the CES Waiver is super important for them. Don’t be afraid to be your child’s biggest supporter.
• Keep Copies of Everything. Make copies of your application and all supporting documents for your records. This can be useful in case any issues arise during the review process.

Common Challenges and Pitfalls

While the CES Waiver is a great resource, you might encounter some bumps in the road, including:

• Waitlist Woes: Many families sometimes need help, and there’s a waitlist. Waiting for services can take longer, leading to frustration and worry.
• Long Evaluation Times: Figuring out if you qualify can take a while. Delays happen, especially if getting the needed documents takes time or there are many applications.
• Health Care Coverage Gap: You might need health care coverage while waiting. The CES Waiver only looks at your child’s income to see if you qualify. This could leave a gap in health care coverage, meaning some aspects might not be fully covered while waiting.
• Complex Application Process: Applying for the CES Waiver can be a bit complicated and takes time in many cases.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges

The good news is that there are simple things you can do to handle these challenges and make your CES Waiver journey easier.

• Start discussing your child’s needs and seek early intervention. Don’t hesitate to regularly check in with the relevant agencies to show you really want help and inquire about your application.
• Talk to other families who’ve been through the CES waiver process. They can share their stories and experiences to make your journey easier.
• Keep all your papers in order, as being organized helps you track your progress and makes it easier to provide more information that may be requested during the evaluation process.
• While waiting, check if there are other ways to get help temporarily. For example, see if you can get Medicaid for your child with autism while waiting for an evaluation. It can make things easier until the CES Waiver comes through.

Remember, everyone’s journey is different, but with some preparation and a bit of patience, you can navigate the CES Waiver path more smoothly.

Closing Thoughts

Kids with developmental disabilities can get help from the CES Waiver, a program that ensures these kids are part of the community and thriving. For parents, knowing about the CES Waiver helps you get the right support for your child. No need to be shy ― ask questions, get advice, and speak up for your child’s needs.

Remember, you’re not alone if you’re considering the CES Waiver. Things might get tricky, but each step brings you closer to the support your child deserves.

Feeling a bit lost? Here at Abby Care, we help guide you through the CES Waiver application process. Our dedicated team knows the ins and outs of the process, and we’re committed to supporting families like yours. Reach out to us today, and let’s tackle this journey together.