SB 25-226

Senate Bill 25-226 extends a pilot program that provides complementary and integrative health treatments for people with specific disabilities, such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy, which severely limit their ability to walk independently. The bill changes the name of this program from a pilot to an ongoing initiative and funds it through September 1, 2030. It also allocates $66,637 in state money for administrative costs and an additional $1,214,019 for medical services, with the expectation that federal funding will match these amounts. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now active and providing support to eligible individuals.

Official Summary

Current law includes a pilot program for complementary and alternative medicine in the department of health care policy and financing (department) for an eligible person with a disability. The act converts the pilot program into an ongoing program and changes the name of the program to the "complementary and integrative health program" (program). The act extends the program to September 1, 2030, and clarifies that the program covers persons with a primary condition of multiple sclerosis, a brain injury, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy when one of these diagnoses directly results in a total inability for independent ambulation. For the 2025-26 state fiscal year, the act appropriates $66,637 to the department from the general fund. The department may use $65,487 for personal services and $1,150 for operating expenses. This appropriation is based on the assumption that the department will receive $66,637 in federal funds for these services. For the 2025-26 state fiscal year, the act appropriates an additional $1,214,019 to the department from the general fund. The department may use the appropriation for medical and long-term care services for medicaid eligible individuals. This appropriation is based on the assumption that the department will receive $1,214,019 in federal funds for these services. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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