Home Care Costs in Denver and Surrounding Areas: Medicaid vs. Private Pay

Overview

Home care services in Denver and its surrounding areas, such as Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Lakewood, Aurora, Golden, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, provide essential support for seniors and individuals with disabilities, enabling them to remain in their homes. These services include non-medical care (e.g., assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation) and medical home health care (e.g., skilled nursing, physical therapy). Costs vary significantly based on location, level of care, and whether payment is through private funds or Medicaid. Below is a detailed comparison of private pay and Medicaid-covered home care costs in Denver and surrounding areas, based on the most recent data available.

Private Pay Home Care Costs

Private pay refers to individuals or families covering the full cost of home care without public assistance. Costs are influenced by the type of care, frequency, and geographic location, with urban areas like Denver typically having higher rates due to demand and higher cost of living.

Denver

• Non-Medical Home Care: Hourly rates range from $25 to $36, with a median of $33 per hour in 2025. For a 44-hour week, monthly costs average $5,720 to $6,387.
• Home Health Care (Medical): Provided by skilled professionals like nurses or therapists, costs average $36 per hour, equating to approximately $6,336 per month for a 44-hour week.
• 24/7 Care: For round-the-clock non-medical care, costs range from $6,630 to $7,650 per week, or approximately $26,520 to $30,600 per month. Medical 24/7 care is significantly higher, often exceeding $30,000 per month due to skilled care requirements.
• Examples of Care Plans:
  • Light Care (e.g., 14 hours/week): For seniors needing minimal assistance (e.g., companionship, light housekeeping), costs range from $1,820 to $2,520 per month.
  • Moderate Care (e.g., 20 hours/week): For assistance with daily activities, costs range from $2,000 to $2,800 per month.
  • Intensive Care (e.g., 24/7 for hospice): For conditions like dementia or cancer, costs can reach $26,520–$30,600 per month.

Surrounding Areas

• Boulder: Non-medical home care costs average $35.50 per hour, slightly higher than Denver due to its affluent demographic and high demand. Monthly costs for a 44-hour week are approximately $6,248. Home health care is similarly priced at $35.50 per hour.
• Fort Collins: Costs are lower, with home health care averaging $32 per hour, or about $5,632 per month for a 44-hour week.
• Colorado Springs: Home health care costs average $30.25 per hour, or $5,324 per month for a 44-hour week. Non-medical care is slightly less, around $28–$30 per hour.
• Pueblo: The most affordable nearby area, with home health care at $27.50 per hour, or $4,840 per month for a 44-hour week.
• Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Lakewood, Aurora, Golden: Costs are comparable to Denver, ranging from $30 to $35 per hour for non-medical care and $35 to $40 for home health care, depending on proximity to urban centers and agency rates.

Factors Affecting Private Pay Costs

• Cost of Living: Denver’s higher cost of living compared to the national average drives up care costs. Surrounding areas like Pueblo are more affordable due to lower living expenses.
• Care Type: Medical care (e.g., wound care, injections) is pricier than non-medical care (e.g., companionship, meal prep).
• Agency vs. Independent Caregivers: Agencies like Visiting Angels charge $30–$36 per hour but provide benefits like background checks, training, and insurance. Independent caregivers may charge $20–$25 per hour but lack these assurances.
• Care Intensity: Costs increase with the number of hours and complexity of care (e.g., 24/7 care for dementia patients).

Comparison to Other Care Options

• Assisted Living: In Denver, assisted living costs average $4,850 per month, often less than intensive home care but includes room and board.
• Nursing Homes: Semi-private rooms cost $9,064 per month, while private rooms average $10,646, making 24/7 home care potentially more expensive.
• Adult Day Care: The most affordable option at $1,950 per month statewide, though costs rise with frequent use.

Medicaid-Covered Home Care Costs

Health First Colorado, Colorado’s Medicaid program, covers certain home care services for eligible seniors, focusing on cost-efficient alternatives to nursing homes. Coverage includes medical and non-medical services but not room and board (e.g., housing, utilities).

Eligibility

To qualify for Medicaid home care in Colorado (2025):

• Income Limits: $2,901/month for a single applicant; $5,802/month for married couples (both applying). Income includes wages, pensions, Social Security, etc.
• Asset Limits: $2,000 for a single person; $3,000–$4,000 for couples, depending on shared or separate living arrangements. Assets include bank accounts, IRAs, and property (excluding primary residence).
• Level of Care: Must require a nursing facility level of care but be able to live safely at home with support.
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Consumer-Directed Care: Programs like Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) allow beneficiaries to hire caregivers, including relatives, for greater flexibility.

Covered Services

Medicaid covers:

• Non-Medical Care: Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, and Instrumental ADLs (IADLs) like shopping and housekeeping.
• Home Health Care: Skilled nursing, physical/occupational therapy, and medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs).
• Other Services: Home modifications (e.g., grab bars, ramps), personal emergency response systems, respite care, and non-medical transportation.
• Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE): Combines Medicaid and Medicare benefits for comprehensive care, available in select Denver-area locations.
• Community First Choice (CFC) Program: Starting July 1, 2025, offers expanded home care services statewide.

Costs Under Medicaid

• Patient Liability: Beneficiaries must contribute most of their income toward care costs, retaining only a $108.73/month Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) for personal expenses (e.g., clothes, snacks). For dual-eligible individuals (Medicaid and Medicare), Medicare