S_HHS_2019A 01/30/2019 11:11:47 AM Committee Summary

Senator Moreno introduced the members of the Joint Budget Committee.

Senator Moreno directed the committee members' attention to page 23 of the Joint Budget Committee Staff Budget Briefing Summary (available online at http://leg.colorado.gov/publications/fy-2019-20-staff-budget-briefing-summary).  He reviewed the budget request for the the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF). Committee questions followed about the increase in funding for the department and the cost to the state for individuals who are signed up for Medicaid, but who do not access services.

JBC members continued to respond to questions about HCPF's budget request.

Representative Esgar directed the committees' attention to the Department of Human Services (DHS) budget request on page 39 of the Joint Budget Committee Staff Budget Briefing Summary (available online at http://leg.colorado.gov/publications/fy-2019-20-staff-budget-briefing-summary).  Committee questions followed about the department's budget request including increasing forensic psychiatric beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo, issues around civil psychiatric beds, and child welfare caseworkers.

Senator Rankin directed the committee members' attention to the Department of Public Health and Environment's (CDPHE) budget request detailed on page 83 of the Joint Budget Committee Staff Budget Briefing Summary (available online at http://leg.colorado.gov/publications/fy-2019-20-staff-budget-briefing-summary).  Committee questions followed about equitable training, the state's regional centers, and family planning funding.

Representative Esgar made closing comments.

Bonnie Silvia, HCPF, presented on the House Bill 14-1051 Update: Developmental Disabilities Strategic Plan and distributed a handout (Attachment A).  Ms. Silva discussed the long term services and support programs administered by HCPF.

Ms. Silvia discussed the current enrollment data for the following waivers: Children's Extensive Support, Adult Supported Living Services, and Persons with Developmental Disabilities.  She discussed the waiting list for the Persons With Developmental Disabilities (DD) waiver.  She spoke about the progress made during FY 2017-18 and increases in system capacity.  She highlighted the progress made by the department in the system design and service delivery under the waiver.

Cheryl Wicks, Mosaic, presented on the progress service providers have made in capacity building to serve individuals receiving DD waiver services.

Randy Brodersen, North Metro Community Services, presented on issues regarding funding for waiver services, the system sustainability, and challenges individuals receiving services under a Medicaid waiver face due to workforce issues, including low reimbursement rates for providers. He requested that service providers receive a three percent rate increase.

Ms. Wicks and Mr. Brodersen responded to questions.