Date: 08/18/2009
Final
Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY POVERTY REDUCTION TASK FORCE
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10:46 AM -- Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
Ms. Joan Henneberry, Director, and Ms. Nancy Dolson, manager of safety net programs, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, briefed the committee on the economic opportunity and poverty reduction programs administered by the department. Committee members received a packet providing background on the department and its activities (Attachment B), an update on health care reform (Attachment C), and two documents providing information on certain state programs and how to apply for them (Attachments D and E). Ms. Henneberry provided background on the nexus between the department's functions and poverty reduction, and the department's functions overall. Ms. Henneberry also discussed departmental efforts to streamline its operations and assist clients in navigating its provider systems. Ms. Henneberry responded to questions regarding the department's plans for responding to potential state budget cuts, and the impact of the cuts on the populations served by the department.
10:58 AM
Discussion continued regarding the potential impact of state budget cuts on departmental programs, including Medicaid. Ms. Henneberry responded to questions regarding collaboration between the departments of Health Care Policy and Financing and Human Services, and waivers granted by the federal government for the Medicaid program. Discussion followed regarding the federal waiver process.
11:09 AM
Discussion ensued regarding the Colorado Benefits Management System, and the ability of multiple agencies and clients to interface with the system. Discussion followed regarding the impact of potential state budget cuts on the programs administered by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, and the department's plan to mitigate these cuts.
11:19 AM
Discussion continued regarding departmental efforts to mitigate potential state budget cuts, and budgeting for certain programs that provide health care coverage such as Medicaid and Children Health Plan Plus (CHP+). The discussion included efforts to provide coverage for additional members of the uninsured population. Ms. Henneberry responded to questions regarding the populations covered by the Medicaid and CHP+ programs. Discussion followed regarding efforts to improve program efficiencies, and the importance of the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing in combatting poverty.