C3BD80952301D5B287258506007A7B74 Hearing Summary

Senator Tate, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 20-033 and distributed a handout (Attachment A).  The bill authorizes working adults with disabilities who are over 65 years of age to continue participating in the existing Medical Buy-in Program if, in part, the working adult:

• is enrolled in or has applied for Medicare;
• is eligible for and receiving long-term care home-and community-based services or durable medical equipment as part of complex rehabilitative services or has extraordinary medical expenses as determined by rule of the Medical Services Board that are not covered by Medicare;
• except as specified in the bill, was continuously enrolled in and receiving services through the Medicaid Buy-in Program for at least one year immediately prior to attaining 65 years of age; and
• continues to meet the work requirements for the Medicaid Buy-in Program.

Julie Reiskin, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Christina Johnson, Colorado Senior Lobby, testified in support of the bill.

Kelsey Lesco, Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

 Curt Wolft, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

The witness panel responded to questions from the committee.

Moe Keller, Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Colin Laughlin and Marivel Klueckman, HCPF, responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Tate made closing comments.

Senator Ginal laid Senate Bill 20-033 over until Wednesday, February 12 for action only.