Figure setting at Joint Budget Committee 3/12 summary

March 12 figure setting at Joint Budget committee

A very difficult day for people living with disabilities in Colorado.

Next week on 19 March, the economic forecast may even demand deeper cut. Yet Colorado continues to be a destination state for Medicaid, with people moving here from all over the country.

Please read and share this newsletter to stay informed!

Full JBC committee packet (THIS is where you can read about the proposed costs savings details) and Audio buttons are below

Summary from Family Voices Colorado ​
Kudos for this great March 12 informational caregiver conversation video, link button below.

Minutes 1-44 CFC Deep dive into actual live demonstration/use the direct care calculator!

Minutes 44-58 Community Connector details

-Community Connector restrictions based only children under 6 was amended to be considered by request and judgement of case manager and should be "rare". Can be escalated to case manager supervisor and then HCPF (but this process has not be formally communicated, maybe a form)

Minutes 58:00- 1:06 Limits on Legally Responsible Persons

Minutes 1:07 Covered JBC from March 12 meeting including

- 56 hour cap with modifications gradual step down with exceptions process with 5 criteria (this is for LTHH CNA, CFC. NOT included community connector or extraordinary cleaning or Private Duty Nursing PDN)

-Reduction of DD enrollments by half, only filling one new slot for every two that become available via natural attrition or churn.

-End of youth CHRP/CES transition to DD waiver (foster care youth are exempted from this).

-Permanent rule changes are expected to take effect May 30, 2026, following an April rule hearing.

Colorado Public Radio Article 3/12

By John Daley, Colorado Public Radio

A must read! Strong quotes from families who attended the JBC Figure setting committee meeting on Thursday March 12th.

EXCERPTS:

The vote to cap payments for caregiver hours to 56 hours per week passed 4-2. Budget committee member Republican Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer from Weld County voted against it and several other proposed cuts.

Democratic budget committee member Sen. Judy Amabile of Boulder also voted against that change. And said she had real concerns about it.

Community First Choice March 4 meeting

Key Takeaways from the March 4 CFC Council Meeting

Again thanks to Family voices for updates, this is from their posts

Colorado shared updates on Community First Choice (CFC), HCBS waivers, and LTSS sustainability efforts. Here are a few important highlights:

Why changes are happening: The state reports increased service use, rising costs, and budget pressures in Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), prompting a review of policies to maintain long-term sustainability.

Proposed rule updates: The state is working on a “clean up” rule revision to align regulations with how HCBS waivers and CFC are currently operating. Public feedback is open.

Extraordinary cleaning clarification (HCBS service for CES & SLS only:

– The Legally Responsible Person (LRP) limit does NOT apply to extraordinary cleaning.

– Parents/spouses can be reimbursed for providing this service through a provider agency.

– This service is only available under CES and SLS waivers, not CFC, and must be for ongoing disability-related cleaning, not one-time projects.

-Maureen adds that a parent or guardian of an adult member is not considered a LRP.

PMIP requirement: A Person-Centered Member Implementation Plan (PMIP) is required for all CFC members.

LTSS sustainability discussions: The state is exploring potential soft caps on services like Personal Care, Homemaker, and Health Maintenance, with an exceptions process if additional hours are medically necessary.

What happens next with the budget?

On March 12th, the JBC gave approval to most of the proposed cost reductions. Next week still have the economic forecast next week on 19 March. Most likely there will be additional cuts for this budget bill after that shocking number will necessicate additional cuts across many departments. Many are saying it will show deeper deficit numbers requiring deeper cost savings for the balanced budget.

What is next? The budget bill (aka Long Bill) is created by the joint budget committee and it goes to the full legislature for consideration, debate and amendments then must pass via vote. Then the governor signs it.

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