Medicaid

The Waiting Period

13 Mar
by AdvocacyDenver, posted in Adults, Health Care, Individual Advocacy, Medicaid, Parent/Family Support   |  3 Comments

“How much of human life is lost in waiting.”  — Ralph Waldo Emerson

In order to enroll in Medicaid waiver programs in Colorado, adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) must meet certain criteria in determining their eligibility.  This criterion, determined by the Colorado Division of Disability, is also used to determine the level of support needed by the individual in order for him or her to lead an active, quality life in our Colorado communities.  
    Medicaid waiver programs enrollment for individuals with I/DD in Colorado are in great demand.  Advocates at AdvocacyDenver oftentimes support clients with enrolling in these programs.  Once applied and approved as eligible, clients can anticipate varying wait periods for actual enrollment..  If an individual with I/DD does not apply for enrollment at age 14 –and this can be the case for a plethora of reasons- he or she will end up experiencing a waiting period where access to Medicaid services and supports is limited.  
    During this waiting period, individuals with I/DD oftentimes refer to natural supports such as friends or family to help them participate within their communities.  Community organizations can play a role in helping individuals waiting for Medicaid enrollment too.  AdvocacyDenver has a long track record of supporting such individuals with I/DD in locating safe and affordable housing, access to health care, and accommodations in employment.  Mission Supports, a new non-profit organization in Denver, is also working to specifically alleviate the barriers experienced by those waiting for Medicaid program enrollment.  The organization provides on-going monthly check-ins with adults to identify areas in daily life that they may need support.  It also is working towards providing educational opportunities to improve skills such as money management.  
    While there may not be any imminent decreases in waiting list periods in the near future we, as a community, can continue to be aware of the waiting list for Medicaid disability waiver program and provide our friends, neighbors, and family with support they need while they are waiting.
    

Approaching: Medicaid Buy-in Program for Working Adults with Disabilities

20 Jan
by AdvocacyDenver, posted in Employment, Health Care Advocacy Program, Medicaid   |  No Comments

Coloradans with disabilities have long faced the complex issue of accessing Medicaid benefits while not crossing the fine line of generating too much income as to render them ineligible. They’ve also found themselves in instances where they’ve fallen through the cracks coverage-wise while transitioning from Medicaid to Medicare during long wait periods or where they wish to retain Medicaid coverage as a back up to Medicare coverage.  Luckily, a new Medicaid Buy-in Program for Working Adults with Disabilities is on the brink of release and will hopefully provide a solution for these situations.

                Beginning in March 1, 2012, working Coloradans ages 16 through 64 who have a disability will be able to apply for the Medicaid Buy-in Program for Working Adults by completing an application through their local regional county office, online at Colorado.gov/PEAK (or call 1-800-221-3943 for information).  Accepted applicants will be offered the chance to pay monthly premiums based on their income for Medicaid benefits such as office visits, hospitalizations, x-rays, home health services, durable medical equipment and prescription medications.  There is, however, a cap on how much working adults with disabilities may generate in income.  Applicants may earn up to 450% of the federal poverty line (roughly $45,009).  Income disregards will be applied prior to determining an applicant’s income for the purposes of this program.

                To learn more about this program and how it may benefit you please check out this Fact Sheet and, if you have questions, please contact Kimberley Smith with the Colorado Department of Health Care and Financing Policy (303-866-3991/800-659-2656 TTY/TDD).

 

Note: This blog was written/edited by AdvocacyDenver with resource and editing assistance from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.