In This Issue:
- Important Message for Colorado Medicaid Members: Reinstatement of LTSS Members Who Lost Eligibility Effective March 31, 2024
- Integrating Horses For Youth With Autism Research Study
- Join A Focus Group About Host Homes - Have Your Opinions Heard
- National Park Service Offers Free Accessibility Passes
- News Update - Stop The Shock
- Check Your Voter Registration Status
- See You At People First Today
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Colorado Medicaid Members:
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Although the Department of Healthcare Policy and Financing (HCPF) has been working to resolve issues with inappropriate terminations, they have let us know that some Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) members of Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) received notices that their services had been terminated effective March 31.
Members who received this notice in error have been reinstated as of April 1.
If you have not received notification that your benefits have been reinstated, please use the escalations form, as it’s our understanding that cases that are escalated receive the quickest response.
The full message The Arc received from HCPF follows.
We know how frustrating these things are for your and your family members. If you need assistance, please let us know. As always, we are here for you!
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Dear Members, Family Members, Advocates, Case Management Agencies, County Leaders and other community members:
As previously communicated, the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) is working towards temporarily pausing terminations for Long-Term Services and Support (LTSS) members. However, a number of LTSS members received a termination for various reasons effective March 31, 2024. We have reinstated these members as of April 1, 2024.
Impacted members who received a termination notice for March 31, 2024 will be receiving or have already received a new notice of action letter indicating an approval effective as of April 1, 2024. Electronic messages to impacted members were sent between Saturday, March 23rd and Friday, March 29th. Mailed notices were sent between Monday, March 25th and Monday, April 1st.
If an LTSS member reaches out to you because they received a termination effective March 31, 2024, please share this information with them, as those not receiving their communications electronically may be delayed in receiving a communication via USPS mail.
Please know that keeping LTSS members connected to vital services is our number one priority. We are working through both short, mid, and long-term solutions to remedy eligibility issues and other system transformation challenges as quickly as possible. Thank you for your continued partnership and for using our escalations form when needed so we can help members stay connected to services.
Bonnie Silva
Director
Office of Community Living
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Research Study Integrating Horses for Youth with Autism
An occupational research study integrating horses for youth with autism is being conducted by Colorado State University’s Temple Grandin Equine Center.
Participants will receive ten weeks of occupational therapy in either a clinic or equine setting for free. Youth who meet the following criteria may be eligible to participate:
- 6 to 11 years old
- Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
- Experience irritability
- Verbally fluent
To view the research study flyer and for specific details and eligibility, click here.
The study is scheduled to take place at the CSU Denver Spur Campus located about 10 miles northwest of Lakewood. Directions can be found by clicking here.
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Host Home Program Focus Group Survey
HCPF Seeking Feedback – Join In On Zoom
Would you be interested in participating in a virtual focus group to share your views about how to address the challenges to ensure the health and safety of individuals living in Host Homes while preserving the availability and inclusiveness of the model?
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) wants to hear from you about Host Homes. Mission Analytics Group will be facilitating focus group meetings on Zoom for representatives of the following Host Home constituent groups: Individuals and/or Families, Host Home Providers, Provider Agencies, Case Management Agencies, and Advocacy Groups.
HCPF is specifically looking for feedback from members and family members about Host Homes - including answers to these questions:
- Matching of HHP/PASA to member - how support levels play a role?
- Increased monitoring from the PASA/CMA - how members would feel about this, since mixed feedback has been provided?
- Database/additional information for family members and members to access prior to making a decision on a HHP/PASA - how this would be useful for decision making?
- What are the biggest concerns about HHPs?
- What are the positives about the current system?
Mision Analytics Group is exploring scheduling the meetings at the following dates/times:
April 16: 10-11:00 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; 2 - 3 p.m.
April 17: 10 -11 a.m.; 1 - 2 p.m.
April 18: 1 - 2 p.m.
April 19: 10 - 11 a.m.; 11 - 12 p.m.; 1 - 2 p.m.
Interested in participating in the Host Home Program Focus Group Survey?
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National Park Service Accessibility Pass
Did you know that people with disabilities are eligible to receive free National Park Service Accessibility passes?
National Park websites offer information about accessible features, programs, and services. Discover accessible features in parks and learn more about is done to provide accessibility. Pick your park on a map and plan your visit by clicking here.
The Interagency Access Pass is part of the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series and it may be issued to U.S. citizens of any age that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability that severely limits one or more major life activities.
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News Update - Stop The Shock
You may recall that The Arc U.S. helped spearhead legislation that moved through Congress in 2022 that was intended to stop the abuse of people with disabilities.
For decades, people with disabilities have been tortured by shock devices at the Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC), an institution in Massachusetts for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Arc had been fighting for years to stop this practice, because people with disabilities deserve to live free from torture and fear. Unfortunately, the bill was blocked in court in 2022.
JRC still forces residents to wear a shock device, and staff members use remote controls to administer a shock for perceived misbehavior. JRC is the only place in the country does this, despite substantial evidence that the shocks are painful and traumatizing to residents.
Now there is new hope that this barbaric and inhumane practice may end.
According to Disability Scoop, federal regulators are now seeking to stop the use of devices that administer electric shocks to address behavior issues in people with developmental disabilities. The Food and Drug Administration said it has determined that the devices “present an unreasonable and substantial risk of illness or injury.”
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Check Your Voter Registration Status
Did you know that if you are not registered to vote, you can register online?
The Arc U.S. recently launched a non-partisan voter registration website.
Not only does the website make it easy to register to vote, but it also provides access to find your elected officials who represent you at the federal, state, and local levels; to find your candidates – and see and learn more about who is running for office where you live; and to help you find your voter information – including voter registration status, polling place, absentee ballots, election rules, and official state website.
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Join Us at People First Today
Q: Is it true or false that you can learn something from every person you meet?
A: Find out by attending People First! Join us at today's meeting and:
- connect with a group of friendly people
- build valuable self-advocacy skills
- have your voice heard in a supportive and inclusive environment where every opinion matters
People First is a group of self-advocates and advisors from The Arc that focus on making positive changes in our community, becoming stronger self-advocates, and supporting each other.
Date: Wednesday, April 3
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: In person at The Arc's Office, 13949 W. Colfax Ave, #102, Lakewood
For more information on People First and how you can be a part of this incredible community: click here
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
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