s_hhs_2016a_2016-04-28t13:34:39z4 Hearing Summary

Date: 04/28/2016

03:57 PM -- HB 16-1277



Senators Kefalas and Roberts, co-prime bill sponsors, presented House Bill 16-1277. The bill requires HCPF to give Medicaid clients at least ten days advanced notice prior to suspending, terminating, or modifying a client's medical assistance benefits (intended action). The bill also extends the deadline to appeal for a client to appeal the intended action to 60 days after the date of notice, up from 30 days under current law. For clients filing an appeal prior to the date of the intended action, medical benefits must be provided until the appeal is complete. For clients filing an appeal after the date of intended action, HCPF may make an exception and continue to provide medical benefits. HCPF must promulgate rules for these continuing benefits that are consistent with federal law, which permits continuing medical coverage following late appeals in limited circumstances. Under current law, dispute resolution through a county department of human services or a Medicaid service agency is only available to clients prior to filing an appeal with HCPF. The bill allows clients to request county dispute or service agency resolution both before and after an appeal has been filed with HCPF at the state level. The bill outlines deadlines and procedures concerning the expansion of access to the dispute resolution process.



04:00 PM -- Julie Reiskin, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified on the bill.



04:07 PM -- Peter Komlos-Hrobsky, Colorado Legal Services, testified on the bill.



04:12 PM -- Elisabeth Arenales, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, spoke in support of the bill.



04:17 PM -- Emma Hudson, Alliance, spoke in support of the bill.



04:18 PM -- Marivel Klueckman and Zach Lynkiewicz, HCPF, came to the table. Mr. Lynkiewicz testified in a neutral position on the bill.



04:21 PM



Ms. Klueckman responded to questions from the committee. Committee discussion to followed.



04:27 PM



Senators Kefalas and Roberts made closing comments.

04:28 PM



Senator Newell withdrew her motion and Senator Martinez Humenik laid the bill over.