Class A vs Class B Home Health Agencies in Colorado: A Complete Guide
If you have started searching for home health care in the Denver metro area, you have probably noticed that agencies are labeled either Class A or Class B. This is not just a bureaucratic detail. Colorado is one of a handful of states that divides home health agency licenses into two separate categories, and the distinction determines exactly what kind of care an agency is legally allowed to provide.
In the Denver metro area alone, there are over 1,100 CDPHE-licensed home health agencies. Roughly 250 of those hold Class A licenses, while the remaining 850-plus operate under Class B licenses. Knowing what each class means will save you time, help you avoid agencies that cannot meet your needs, and ensure your loved one gets the right level of care from day one.
What Is a Class A Home Health Agency?
A Class A home health agency is licensed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to provide skilled nursing and therapeutic services. These are clinical services that must be delivered by or under the direct supervision of a licensed healthcare professional such as a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist.
Services Provided by Class A Agencies
Skilled nursing assessments and care planning
Wound care, including surgical wound management and pressure ulcer treatment
Class A agencies are also the only type eligible for Medicare certification. If your loved one qualifies for Medicare home health benefits, the agency providing that care must hold a Class A license and be Medicare-certified. In the Denver metro area, approximately 55 agencies carry both a Class A license and active Medicare certification.
When You Need a Class A Agency
You should look for a Class A agency if your family member has recently been discharged from the hospital and has a recovery care plan that includes skilled nursing, needs wound care or IV medication at home, has a chronic condition that requires regular monitoring by a nurse, needs physical or occupational therapy at home, requires ventilator or tracheostomy care, or has been referred for home health by their physician. A doctor's order is typically required to initiate Class A services, especially when Medicare or Medicaid is covering the cost.
What Is a Class B Home Health Agency?
A Class B home health agency is licensed to provide non-medical personal care and homemaker services. These agencies employ caregivers, home health aides, and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who help clients with activities of daily living. Class B agencies do not provide clinical or skilled nursing services.
Services Provided by Class B Agencies
Personal care including bathing, grooming, and hygiene assistance
Dressing and mobility support
Meal planning and preparation
Light housekeeping and laundry
Medication reminders (but not medication administration)
IDD (intellectual and developmental disability) support
Behavioral health support
Class B agencies make up the majority of home health providers in the Denver area. With over 850 licensed Class B agencies across Arapahoe, Denver, Jefferson, Adams, Douglas, and Broomfield counties, families have a wide range of options for non-medical home care.
When You Need a Class B Agency
A Class B agency is the right choice when your loved one is medically stable but needs help with everyday tasks, when the primary goal is maintaining independence and safety at home, when a family caregiver needs respite or supplemental help, when your loved one has dementia or memory issues and needs supervised care, or when you need overnight or live-in companion care. No doctor's order is required to start Class B services. Families can contact agencies directly and arrange care privately.
Key Differences at a Glance
The most important differences come down to the type of staff, the services they can provide, and how they are paid for. Class A agencies employ RNs, LPNs, and therapists who deliver clinical care. Class B agencies employ caregivers and aides who provide personal care. Class A agencies can bill Medicare and Medicaid for skilled services. Class B agencies are typically paid through Medicaid HCBS waivers, long-term care insurance, or private pay. Class A services usually require a physician referral. Class B services can be arranged directly by the family.
Cost Comparison in the Denver Metro Area
Class B personal care services in Denver typically range from $25 to $38 per hour depending on the level of care, the time of day, and whether you need weekend or holiday coverage. Most agencies have a minimum visit length of 2 to 4 hours.
Class A skilled nursing visits are more expensive, generally ranging from $45 to $75 per visit for a standard nursing assessment, and higher for specialized services like IV therapy or wound care. However, many Class A services are partially or fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Can One Agency Provide Both?
Some agencies hold both Class A and Class B licenses, allowing them to offer a full continuum of care under one roof. This can be convenient if your loved one's needs change over time. For example, a patient recovering from hip surgery might start with Class A skilled nursing and physical therapy, then transition to Class B personal care assistance as they regain independence.
However, most agencies specialize in one class or the other. In many cases, working with an agency that focuses on the specific type of care you need means you get staff with deeper experience in that area.
How to Verify an Agency's License
Every home health agency operating in Colorado must be licensed by the CDPHE Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division. You can verify any agency's license status, class, and inspection history through the CDPHE online facility search portal.
Our directory displays the license class for every listed agency, so you can quickly filter for Class A or Class B providers when browsing. Look for the green Class A badge or the blue Class B badge on each agency listing.
Finding the Right Agency in Denver
With over 1,100 agencies in the Denver metro area, narrowing down your options starts with knowing whether you need Class A or Class B care. From there, you can filter by neighborhood, specialty, insurance accepted, and patient reviews to find the best fit.
