Coming July 1, there is a new Medicaid program in Colorado for kids with disabilities and complex health needs. The Children with Complex Health Needs program combines two current programs: Children with Life Limiting Illness and Children’s Home and Community Based Services.
I imagine this isn’t earth-shattering news to most people, who didn’t know about the existence of the current programs, much less any new iteration of them. In fact, I have a suspicion that a lot of readers aren’t even aware that we have programs for kids with disabilities through Community Connections.
CxCHN and its cousin the Children’s Extensive Support Waiver are Medicaid-funded programs for children with significant disabilities or medical conditions. These programs offer families important services such as respite, counseling, support with connecting in the community and help with things like skin, hair and tooth care; bathing; eating; and dressing.
Children who qualify for CxCHN or CES can receive Medicaid with their parents’ income excluded, and many of the services can be provided through an agency or by family members themselves. For parents who are unable to work and care for their child’s complex needs, this is a life-changer.
Early intervention is a program through the Individuals with Disability Education Act. It serves children birth to 3 who are experiencing delays in their development or who have been diagnosed with a condition that is associated with delays, such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy or autism.
Getting an evaluation for early intervention is free. Once a child is found eligible, the family is supported by a team of early intervention professionals, which may include occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, early childhood special educators, dietitians or other appropriate disciplines. These early intervention providers often perform home visits or virtual visits to work with the family and the child on ways to boost the child’s development.
Families with a family member with a developmental delay (under 5) or developmental disability (5 and older) can also access the family support program. This program reimburses families for expenses associated with caring for a family member with a disability. Families use the program for a wide variety of needs: respite care, developmental toys, therapies, medical expenses, specialized equipment (such as adaptive bikes) or parent educational opportunities.
Family support also maintains a lending library of equipment in collaboration with Adaptive Sports Association, allowing kids and families to borrow equipment or test options for future purchase.
The goal of each of these programs is similar. Through community programs, kids with disabilities have support to live in their family homes and remain integrated into the community. Families have reduced stress and financial burden. And investing in children at an early age can prevent more costly and less effective interventions later in life.
For more information about the programs for children at Community Connections, find visit communityconnectionsco.org or call 259-2464.
Tara Kiene is president/CEO of Community Connections.
