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Jeremy’s One-Year Work Anniversary

Colorado Springs Support, Inc. individual in services, Jeremy, has been at his job for one year doing custodial work! Jeremy has come so far in the past two years. He still is quiet and reserved at times, but once you get to know Jeremy, he has a very friendly personality. When we first discussed the opportunity of getting out of the house and starting to work Jeremy was reluctant but with job coaching, he has amazed everyone with his hard work ethic and his dependability.

Jeremy has done a great job saving his money and using it for things that matter to him. This year he was really excited about purchasing Christmas gifts! Jeremy is super thoughtful and a joy to interact with. A ton of credit goes to his Family Caregiver for raising such a kind, responsible man. Jeremy did respite with one of our staff for six days and was so patient with their dog that continuously barked no matter how many times he tried to befriend her! It was a pleasure to have Jeremy with us for those days even though he kicked our butts in bowling! We are proud to be a part of Jeremy’s life and watch him grow! Congratulations, Jeremy, on your employment accomplishment!! We look forward to seeing what you can do over the next year.

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Medicaid Sustainability Updates

Medicaid Sustainability & CO LTSS System Update- 4.27.2026

On April 1st, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) made their last decisions to finalize the long bill. The long bill is the state’s operating budget. The long bill is then considered in the House (which passed) and the Seante (which also passed). In these phases, there are usually no changes made; however, amendments could be made during this process. Those amendments could change what was in the long bill on April 1st. The long bill is now in conference committee to review the amendments. The final step is when the long bill is signed into law by the Governor in May. This is then when things are finalized. Until the Governor has signed the long bill into law, there could be changes and nothing is concrete until that time.

Below are the items that the JBC heard related to HCBS-DD waiver services. These are not all the Medicaid sustainability efforts; these are the ones impacting the HCBS-DD waiver.

  1. Across the board decrease
    1. The JBC approved a 2% across-the-board rate reduction. This rate reduction would go into effect July 1st 2026.
    2. The state continues to try to explore the sale of Pinnacol (Colorado’s Worker’s Compensation Insurance) which could reduce the amount of decrease we have this year. This is contingent on the passing of the bill to sell Pinnacol.
  2. IRSS rate alignment
    1. IRSS alignment would clarify the types of individual residential settings in HCBS services. Specifically defining these settings as settings in which there are rotating staff who come into a waiver members home but do not live in the home. This setting would be billed at the higher rate. The second setting would be defined as a setting where the caregiver(host homes and family caregivers) lives in the same home as the member. This setting would be billed at the lower rate.
    2. IRSS rate alignment failed to pass with the JBC and is not expected to be put into effect on July 1st.
    3. The state however is concerned about having different rates between settings where the only difference is the type of caregiver. This concern comes from increased federal scrutiny in this area as the Feds are focused on fraud waste and abuse.
  1. PETI applied to the DD waiver
    1. The JBC approved implementing post-eligibility treatment of income (PETI) in the DD waiver.
    2. PETI requires people on the DD waiver who have income (including social security) to pay for a portion of their residential services.
    3. Waiver members who are working and are enrolled in the Medicaid Buy-In program are exempt from PETI.
  1. DD Waiver enrollment changes
    1. The JBC approved ending the automatic youth (age 18) to DD waiver enrollment except under specific circumstances.
    2. The JBC approved to reduce the churn by half. The churn is the process in which when someone leaves the DD waiver, a new person can be added. Currently, the churn is 1:1 meaning for every one person who leaves the waiver, one more person can get onto the waiver. The approved churn rate will now be 2:1 where for every two people to leave the waiver, one can be added.

Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) and Office of Community Living (OCL) hosted a long-term budget and sustainability webinar on Monday April 13th. You can watch the webinar recording by following this link or review the slide deck using this link.

 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to info@supportinc.com

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Family Caregiver of the Month!

The Colorado Springs Team would like to nominate Lauren Hug for Family Caregiver of the Month! Her unwavering support and her ability to continually challenge and expand our understanding of independence is truly inspiring.

As a family caregiver, she brings forward thoughtful questions that push us to reconsider what independence truly looks like. She consistently advocates for a perspective where disability is not seen as a limitation, but rather as an opportunity to empower the voice of her son, Xander, and others.

Xander lives a full, rewarding, and active life—recently returning from an overseas trip and continuing to stay constantly engaged. This reflects the strong support system Lauren has built around him. As his primary caregiver, she not only ensures his day-to-day needs are met, but also takes on more complex and sometimes difficult conversations, such as planning for a transition into an apartment setting. She approaches these moments with determination and openness, actively seeking out the best information, exploring creative alternatives, and never becoming discouraged.

Lauren is also highly diligent in her responsibilities, consistently maintaining thorough documentation and following through on all required paperwork. She works tirelessly to ensure that everything is in place for Xander to succeed and achieve his goals. He is always her top priority, and the positive, supportive environment she creates is evident in everything she does.

Lauren challenges us at Support Inc. to think outside the box. Her questions often push us to dig deeper, and we find ourselves going the extra mile because of her influence. She is one of the key reasons why we truly love the work that we do. Thank you, Lauren, for being an amazing IDD Advocate and Caregiver, and congratulations on being named our April Family Caregiver of the Month!!!

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Nursing Team News & Updates

We have an amazing Nursing Team here at Support, Inc.! Below you will find important news and updates they would like to share with everyone:

                                                       Colorado Warm Weather Has Begun

Staying hydrated and ensuring proper skin care is essential. Below are some tips to stay safe and have all the fun in the sun!

Hydration:

  • Double Your Intake: Aim for at least 3-4 liters of water per day, particularly if active, as the dry air causes faster dehydration. Increase fluid intake if you’re out hiking, boating, fishing or just sitting outside in the sun.
  • Use Electrolytes: Drink sports drinks or use electrolyte packets, especially after sweating, to replenish salt and minerals. Anyone like Gatorade?
  • Monitor Urine Color: A pale yellow color indicates proper hydration; dark yellow/amber means you need more water.
  • Limit Diuretics: Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake, which can accelerate dehydration.
  • Eat Water-Rich Foods: Consume foods like cucumbers, melons, strawberries, and celery to support hydration. Fruit can be fun!
  • Carry a Bottle Everywhere: Do you have a favorite water bottle or cup? Keep it handy to drink fluids throughout the day.

     Sunscreen:

  • High Altitude = High Risk: UV radiation increases by 2% for every 1,000 feet of elevation.
  • Year-Round Protection: Snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, making sun protection critical, even when skiing.
  • Protection Beyond Lotion: Use SPF lip balm, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing.
  • Dry Climate Factor: Colorado’s dry air can make skin more sensitive, requiring consistent, thick coverage.
  • Certain medications: can cause photosensitivity a reaction where skin becomes highly sensitive to UV rays, causing rapid sunburns, rashes, or blistering.

How should I apply it:

  1. When to Apply: Apply 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the protective barrier to form.
  1. Amount Needed: Use enough to cover all exposed skin. A general rule is 1 ounce (a shot glass full) for the entire body, and about a half-teaspoon for the face and neck.
  1. Coverage: Apply to all exposed areas, including commonly missed spots like the tops of the ears, back of the neck, feet, and hands.
  1. Technique: Rub the sunscreen thoroughly into the skin. For lotions, apply evenly, and for sprays, ensure thorough coverage (do not just spray and leave it).
  1. Reapplication: Reapply at least every two hours, or immediately after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
  1. Protection Type: Choose a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.