Supported Living Services Waiver Changes • July 7th, 2009
In 2005, the federal government’s Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) directed that changes occur in Colorado waiver service programs for people with developmental disabilities Statewide new requirements for individuals in comprehensive (24- hour) services took place January 1, 2009. These were largely unnoticed by families as most revisions affected service agencies and internal DDRC case management and accounting processes.
Revisions in the Supported Living Services waiver take place starting July 1, 2009 and have drawn even more attention, as 450 families in our service area will experience direct impacts from the required changes. DDRC estimates 69% of families will see reductions in levels of funding. Further, the popular Supported Living Consultant role has been eliminated. The Annual Service Plan funding amount will be based on a tool called the Supports Intensity Scale. Some of the services have been re-titled and some categories have been re-defined. New, self-directed service options will be available in the coming months.
At this writing, we are still awaiting significant detail on implementing the new waiver requirements. As we gain new information, it is being shared with the families involved. The best local source for developing news is our DDRC website where we have placed background and current material. One can also go directly to the Colorado Division for Developmental Disabilities website for answers to frequently asked questions.
