Colorado's 56-hour weekly limit for one paid caregiver is phasing in

Colorado now limits how many paid caregiving hours one caregiver can work in a week. It is called the 56-hour rule. It phases in through July 2027, and your family member's total authorized hours stay the same.

What's changing

Colorado's Medical Services Board gave the rule final adoption on August 14, 2026. It sets a weekly limit on how many paid caregiving hours one caregiver can work. The limit phases in through July 2027.

The member's total authorized hours do not go down. But hours above the cap must, in time, be:

• Covered by another caregiver, or
• Granted an exception.

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) grants exceptions in four circumstances. Every exception request needs detailed documentation about that member and a staffing plan.

Who it affects (and who it doesn't)

This affects parents and family members who are paid for more than 56 hours a week of one member's care. It also affects the agencies that employ them.

It does not change the member's authorized hours. It does not change anything for caregivers working at or under the weekly limit.

Key dates

• August 14, 2026: Final rule adoption.
• Through July 2027: The limit phases in.

What you can do

1. Start planning before each phase-in step. Ask your agency when each step applies to your family.
2. Talk with your agency about who could cover the hours above the cap.
3. If your situation fits the exception criteria, begin an exception request. Gather detailed records about your family member's needs and a staffing plan.
4. Keep a copy of every notice and every request you send.

You can read HCPF's page on Medicaid Sustainability and LTSS.