Date: 02/16/2009
Final
JBC Briefing
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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01:34 PM -- Joint Budget Committee Briefing
Representative Ferrandino presented information to the committee regarding supplementals request for the FY 2008-09 budget. He stated that he will provide an overview on the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Public Health and Environment.
Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. Representative Ferrandino detailed the proposed budget cuts for the Department of Health Care Policy Financing. Representative Ferrandino spoke to the potential increase in the Federal Medicaid Assistance Payment (FMAP) which describes the percentage of funding between the state and the federal government. There was some discussion regarding the potential FMAP increase and its effect on the Medicaid program in Colorado. There was discussion regarding the timing of the federal stimulus package and when the state may receive federal funds.
01:51 PM
Representative Ferrandino stated that Senate Bill 08-160 expanded the eligibility level for participants in the Children's Basic Health Plan (CHP+) up to 225 percent of the federal poverty level. He stated that the expansion was contingent upon funding. Due to the economic situation in the state, he state that the eligibility level will be decreased back to the original percentage of 205 percent of the federal poverty level. He also noted that more people will qualify for Medicaid given the state financial situation. There was some discussion regarding the reduction in payments to Medicaid providers. Representative McGihon expressed that the Joint Budget Committee needs to find a different solution than cutting reimbursement rates. Representative Ferrandino stated that the committee will have the opportunity to weigh in on the topic and should speak up when the supplemental requests come through.
02:10 PM
Department of Human Services. Representative Ferrandino explained the proposed budget cuts to the Department of Human Services. There was some discussion regarding the cuts to various divisions within the department.
02:26 PM
Department of Public Health and Environment. Representative Ferrandino explained the proposed budget cuts to the Department of Public Health and Environment.
02:32 PM
Representative Ferrandino spoke to bills that will be introduced by the Joint Budget Committee with regard to supplemental request for the budget for FY 2008-09. These include the following:
Department of Health Care Policy and Financing:
SB 132 - This bill repeals the Colorado Cares Rx program.
SB 209 - This bill allows for inmates to stay on Medicaid, but temporarily halts benefits received by inmates.
SB 210 - This bill moves some of the tobacco settlement dollars ($1.5 million) to the General Fund to fund medical programs.
SB 211 - This bill repeals the bill that increased the eligibility for the CHP+ program.
Department of Human Services
SB 207 - This bill delays the implementation of the Child Welfare Pilot Program.
SB 206 - This bill repeals the Wait List Navigator Program.
Representative Ferrandino spoke to the bill that will encompass all the supplemental changes and transfers. There was some discussion regarding whether the state is legally required to pay back any funds that are pulled from cash funds accounts.
02:42 PM
The committee took a brief recess.