Colorado update
At 12:45 EST, I received a call from Colorado ADAPT members regarding the hearings before the state Medicaid Services Board. The disabilty community had been invited totestify before this board regarding home health issues. Foremost on the minds of Colorado ADAPT members was the decision by HCPF Director Steve Tool not to apply for the MFP grant from the Centers for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS). These grants would allow more people with disabilities and seniors living in institutions to transition into the community. Eligible states that receive the grants would get the funds via a federal match on varying levels. Colorado’s match would be 75 cents for every dollar spent on community-based services, one of the higher matches among the states. That is, if Colorado applied.
Apparently, Steve Tool, and certain members of the Medicaid Services Board got tired of the MFP-related questions posed during the testimonies because the hearing was abruptly terminated, citing the Board’s inability (or perhaps, unwillingness) to answer the questions. That was not a smart decision, as ADAPT members quickly took over the meeting room, and have now blocked all of the doors. This has been going on for about an hour. I will keep you abreast of the happenings as I am updated by ADAPT.
In the interest of full disclosure, I must report that one of the ADAPTers blocking doors is my mum, Alice Bozeman. She was one of those slated to testify before the Board, and intended to share the story of my Popz, Rick Bozeman. She is no stranger to local ADAPT actions, and was arrested during one action a couple of years ago. Obviously, I am very proud of her!