Important Changes to Services
Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado) is making updates to how your child’s services are assessed and approved.
These changes affect services like Personal Care, Homemaker, Health Maintenance Activities (HMA), and Community Connector. These are statewide decisions made by Colorado Medicaid as part of an effort to ensure services are used appropriately and remain available for people who need them.
Not everyone will be affected in the same way. Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS) is responsible for carrying out these updates and will support you through the process. Your RMHS case manager will work with you to explain how these changes apply to you or your family member.
What’s Changing
Colorado Medicaid is making several updates as part of a broader effort to promote consistency in how services are approved and to ensure services remain available and sustainable for the future.
1. Community Connector – How the service is used
Community Connector is intended for children who need a higher level of support to participate in community activities. Colorado Medicaid has updated how this service is approved to better define when it can be used.
- Services must be based on an assessed need that goes beyond what is typical for a child of the same age
- Services are only approved when a child’s needs are considered exceptional or extraordinary
- For children under age 6, approval is expected to be rare and limited to exceptional circumstances
The service is not intended to replace typical parenting, supervision, or childcare
2. Community Connector – Annual unit limits
Community Connector supports children in building skills and participating in community activities. There will be updated limits on how many units can be authorized each year. The new annual limit is 1,040.
If a child’s needs appear to exceed these limits, the case manager can review the situation and request additional services from the state when appropriate.
3. Personal Care, Homemaker, and HMA – Annual service limits
New annual service limits are being introduced for:
- Personal Care
- Homemaker
- Health Maintenance Activities (HMA)
These limits are based on typical service use across the program and are intended to help ensure services are used appropriately and remain available to those who need them.
If a member’s needs exceed these limits, the case manager can review the situation and request additional services when appropriate.
4. Caregiving and service delivery updates
Some updates related to caregiving and how services are provided are still being finalized by Colorado Medicaid.
This includes updates to how services like Homemaker may be provided when a parent or guardian is the caregiver.
More information is still being finalized. RMHS will share additional details as guidance becomes available. Your case manager will work with you to explain any updates that may apply to your situation.
These updates are part of statewide changes made by Colorado Medicaid. RMHS’s role is to help you understand and navigate them.
What Happens Next
Your RMHS case manager will review your services and talk with you about what these changes mean for you.
Not everyone will be affected the same way, and no changes will happen without a conversation.
During this process, your case manager will:
- Review your current services and needs
- Explain any changes in plain language
- Answer your questions
- Talk with you about options if services change
- Help request an exception when appropriate
If you have questions or concerns, you don’t have to wait. Please reach out to your case manager. They will work with you to explain how these changes apply to you.
CMA Contact Center: 844-790-6747
Email: CMAQuestions@rmhumanservices.org
Additional Information: http://hcpf.colorado.gov/medicaid-sustainability-and-ltss
Member & Family FAQs
Do I need to do anything now?
No. At this time, no action is required from you. Your case manager will talk with you about these updates.
Does this mean my services are being taken away?
Not necessarily. These are statewide updates, and not everyone will be affected. If any changes apply to your services, your RMHS case manager will explain what that means for you.
How will this affect my caregiver or family?
Changes to in-home care services may affect how services are provided or how caregiving is arranged. This will look different for each person. Your case manager will help you understand how any updates apply to your situation and talk through next steps if needed.
What if I need more support than what is approved?
In some situations, additional review may be available based on medical or safety needs. Your case manager will talk with you about available options and next steps.
What if I disagree with a change?
If you have questions or concerns about a change, your case manager can explain the decision and talk with you about your options, including review or appeal processes when applicable.
What is RMHS doing to help?
RMHS is committed to supporting you, and will be sure to:
- Explain changes in plain language
- Talk with you before services change
- Answer your questions
- Help you understand your options
- Share updates as more information becomes available
Who do I call if I have questions about this?
Your RMHS case manager is your main point of contact. They will review your services and talk with you about what these changes mean for you.
CMA Contact Center: 844-790-6747
Email: CMAQuestions@rmhumanservices.org
Additional Information: http://hcpf.colorado.gov/medicaid-sustainability-and-ltss
We know this is a lot to take in. Please know that you don’t have to navigate these changes alone. RMHS is here to support you.
