Medicaid Cuts on Hold, But Confusion Reigns in Colorado
Last week, the state’s Joint Budget Committee chose not to approve certain cuts to Medicaid for this fiscal year.
DENVER — Colorado families who have children with disabilities are relieved, as some Medicaid cuts have been put on pause. However, the lack of clarity around what exactly is being suspended has sparked frustration and concern among parents regarding their children’s care.
The Joint Budget Committee decided to reject some proposed Medicaid cuts and is considering revisiting them next year. Among the changes suspended are a cap limiting caregivers to 56 hours a week, along with rate adjustments for Individual Residential Services and Supports (IRSS).
This decision initially brought relief to families relying on these services. Yet, some parents feel misled about which cuts are fully on hold and which are not.
One parent, Jordan Fekovic, recalls receiving a note from his case manager, stating that his young son would maintain eligibility for Community Connector Services. This service had previously been set to end on April 1st.
A Rocky Mountain Human Services case manager relayed, “After a recent meeting between the state and HCPF, it was determined that children under 6 will again be eligible for Community Connector Services.”
However, state officials later clarified that the age restrictions for these services are still in place.
State leaders mentioned that case managers have been instructed to pause any discussions regarding the age limit while they seek clearer language that aligns with federal guidelines. As of now, the age restriction is still set to take effect on April 1st. The Department for Health Policy and Finance (HCPF) noted that the wording in the message sent to parents did not come from them directly.
“I feel like I got hit in the knee,” Fekovic expressed during a Zoom call. “When such statements are made, how can you expect parents to just brush it off? They’re thrilled to receive some support.”
Fekovic added that this back-and-forth is emotionally draining for families planning care for their children.
“There were a lot of hurt feelings, sadness, definitely betrayal,” he continued. “You’re trying to stay informed with all the complex terminology, and when you learn that some of it is inaccurate, it leaves you confused.”
Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS), the agency that originally contacted Fekovic, issued an apology and stated that it was following the guidance from the state.
In a statement, RMHS indicated it has been collaborating closely with HCPF and making adjustments per the instruction received. The agency began implementing changes on January 15 to exclude Community Connector Services for children aged six and under, believing it was acting in “good faith.”
Since then, RMHS received updated instructions from HCPF that put a pause on enforcing these changes.
“We apologize for any confusion caused by the information some families received that did not accurately reflect the latest guidance,” the statement read. “We’re working diligently to adapt efficiently in light of the recent guidance while still meeting state requirements.”
The agency acknowledged that the shift in direction has resulted in confusion and encouraged families with questions to reach out to their case managers or email them directly.
