HB09-1103: Presumptive Eligibility
By: Aubrey Hill
Mar. 17, 2009
The approval process for Medicaid eligibility is a lengthy process, sometimes up to 24 months. While awaiting approval for long-term care, those who are in need of such services could see deterioration in health. House bill 1103 would allow for those in need of services to be presumed eligible for long-term care services such as home- or community-based services or in a nursing facility.
The Medicaid approval process would still occur, but the person’s health would be best maintained. This could cut down on overall costs in public health spending since it would reduce the unnecessary deterioration of a person’s health status, which contributes to higher costs.
The bill would also authorize the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to seek federal approval to presume a person’s eligibility for long-term care services. Giving this authorization to HCPF could decrease enrollment time for reviewing and approving the person’s Medicaid eligibility.