3F9B935E794214F78725827C00722021 Hearing Summary

Representative Danielson called the meeting back to order.  Representative Young and Representative Rankin, bill sponsors, presented House Bill 18-1407 to the committee.  The bill requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to seek federal approval for a 6.5 percent increase to the reimbursement rate for specific services that are delivered through home- and community-based services waivers.  All of the increased funding must be used to increase compensation for direct support professionals.  In addition, HCPF must offer enrollment to certain individuals on the waiting list for waiver services.  A handout was distributed (Attachment D).  

Amendments L.001 and L.002 were distributed to the committee (Attachments E and F).

Representative Young responded to committee questions.

Representative Singer proceeded with witness testimony on the bill.

Cheryl Wicks, Mosaic Colorado Springs, testified in support of the bill.

Tim Grove, Mosaic Colorado Springs, testified in support of the bill.

Christiano Sosa, The Arc of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Carol Meredith, The Arc of Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, testified in support of the bill.

Emma Hudson, Alliance, and Dave DeNovellis, HCPF, came to the table to respond to questions on the bill and amendments.

Representatives Rankin and Young gave concluding remarks on the bill.