Colorado pauses enrollment of new IHSS and Class B provider agencies

Colorado has stopped enrolling new In-Home Support Services (IHSS) and Class B provider agencies into Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid). The pause started November 1, 2026. Agencies already enrolled can keep serving families, and members' services do not change.

What's changing

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) put out Informational Memo IM 26-009 on November 2, 2026. It puts a temporary pause (a moratorium) on enrolling new:

• Class B agencies (Personal Care, Homemaker, and Health Maintenance Activities).
• IHSS agencies.

HCPF says the pause gives it time to strengthen how it enrolls and oversees providers. The memo says:

"The temporary moratorium is effective November 1, 2026 and will last at least 6-months."

That is from HCPF's IM 26-009. The memo lists an expiration date of May 1, 2027.

Some agencies that are partway through may still be allowed to finish enrolling. These are agencies that already had their first survey from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and have, or are getting, a certification recommendation.

Who it affects (and who it doesn't)

This affects new Class B and IHSS agencies that want to enroll. It also matters if your family is looking for a new IHSS or Class B agency. During the pause, the list of enrolled agencies will not grow.

It does not affect agencies that are already enrolled, or the members they serve. The memo says:

"There is no impact to existing Class B and IHSS providers, who can continue providing services during the moratorium."

"The moratorium does not change Members' Medicaid eligibility or currently authorized services."

Key dates

• November 1, 2026: The pause took effect.
• May 1, 2027: The expiration date listed in the memo.

What you can do

1. If you already use an IHSS or Class B agency, nothing changes. Your family member's authorized services stay the same.
2. If you are looking for a new agency, ask your case manager which enrolled agencies serve your area.
3. Keep a copy of any notice you get from your agency or HCPF.

For questions about the pause, call the Health First Colorado Provider Services Call Center at 1-833-468-0362.

For Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) questions by email, write to hcpf_hcbs_questions@state.co.us.