HB 24-1229

HB 24-1229, which has been approved and signed by the governor, changes how Colorado handles long-term care eligibility for its medical assistance program. Starting January 1, 2026, people who need long-term services won't have to go through a full assessment before being presumed eligible for help. This means they can get assistance sooner. The bill affects individuals seeking long-term care and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, which will make necessary adjustments to comply with federal requirements. Some parts of the law are already in effect as of August 7, 2024, while others will start on January 1, 2026.

Official Summary

Beginning January 1, 2026, the act removes the requirement that the department of health care policy and financing (department) fully assess a person in need of long-term services and supports for the appropriate level of care before the person is presumed eligible for the medical assistance program. The act authorizes the department to make any necessary changes to any other federal authorizations that are authorized by the federal centers for medicare and medicaid services in order to implement the presumptive eligibility requirements for persons in need of long-term services and supports. APPROVED by Governor June 3, 2024 PORTIONS EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024 PORTIONS EFFECTIVE January 1, 2026(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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