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Overview of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities System in Colorado
Within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  The mission of HHS is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health and social services. CMS is in partnership with state governments to administer Medicaid programs.  CMS administers the Medicare program and works with state governments to administer Medicaid.  CMS provides health coverage to more than 160 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Health Insurance Market Place.  As it pertains to serving people with IDD in our Colorado Community, we have the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance (HCPF).   CDHS collaborates with partners in Colorado and county governments, non-profits and advocacy, community residents and others to empower Coloradans to thrive through bold and innovative health and human services. They state, “we are the people that help the people”.  HCPF oversees Health First Colorado’s Medicaid Program.  They are the state program responsible for administering Medicaid.  Within HCPF is the Office of Community Living (OCL).  OCL works to meet the growing need for long-term services and support for people with disabilities and aging adults.  OCL is an Office within the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF). OCL has guiding principles that include making sure services in Colorado are provided in a timely manner with respect and dignity; strengthening consumer choice in service provision; incorporating best practices in service deliver; encouraging integrated home and community-based service (HCBS) delivery; involving stakeholders in planning and processes. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is also involved with OCL.  The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is responsible for health facilities licensure and certifications. The Department of Local Affairs, Division of Housing is involved with OCL.  The Department of Local Affairs, Division of Housing is responsible for annual safety reviews of settings where people receiving services reside.  

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Case Management Agencies (CMAs) assist individuals and families with accessing necessary services and supports to meet their needs.
Services include:
Intake
Eligibility determination
Service plan development
Arrangement for services
Delivery of services
Service and support coordination
Monitoring
Termination and discharge from services

 

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Overview of the Community Centered Board System

​Community Center Boards (CCBs) are agencies designated by the department responsible for leveraging available local or regional funding, to address unmet needs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Counties without a designated CCB should consult their county Case Management Agency (CMA) for potential resources.
For more details regarding CMA/CCB’s, select the link below.
CMA and CCB Agency Directory | Department of Health Care Policy and Financing

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Overview of Service Agencies

​Service Agencies (such as Community Support Services, Inc.) are called Program Approved Service Agencies (PASA) in Colorado.  Our responsibility is to provide the desired services and support to the person with intellectual or developmental disabilities.  PASA’s can provide a variety of services, such as Residential Services (Host Homes, Family Caregiver, Apartments, Group Homes, etc.), Day Program Services, SLS Services, etc.  At Community Support Services, Inc., we provide Comprehensive Services (see below) in a variety of settings under the Home and Community Based Services waiver.  These settings include Host Home Settings, Family Caregiver Settings and Apartment Settings.

 

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Understanding the Placement Process 

The first step in the placement process is eligibility determination. You will contact your assigned Case Management Agency/Community Center Board (follow the link above to determine which CMA/CCB you are assigned to) to begin the eligibility process. Specific information about this process is available through your assigned Case Management Agency/Community Center Board. Once eligibility is determined, you will be placed on a waiting list until funding is available for your needs. When funding is available for you, you will be contacted by your Case Management Agency/Community Center Board. Your Case Management Agency/Community Center Board will explain the type of services that are now available for you. Service examples include but are not limited to: Comprehensive Services; Supported Living Services; Community Integrated Employment, etc. Now that funding is available for you and you understand the type of services that you are eligible for, your next step is to choose a ‘Service Agency’ to provide your services. Your Case Management Agency/Community Center Board is responsible to make you aware of all of the Service Agencies that are available. You have the right to review and visit agencies (PASA) until you find one that you believe will meet your needs.

 

 

How to Select an Agency
It is very important to choose your service agency carefully. You should come to a service agency screening (a meeting to meet the potential service agency) with the expectation of learning about the service agency and getting answers to any of your questions.
 
At a minimum, the service agency should give you a history of their agency and a description of how their agency operates. The history and description may include:
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      ~the agency's philosophy
      ~how long the agency has been in business
      ~longevity and experience of the administrative/management personnel
      ~ longevity and experience of direct care providers
      ~ internal systems to ensure quality services and support
      ~ the types of services offered
      ~the roles of different positions
      ~CDPHE Survey Results and Plan of Correction
                (Note: State survey results are public record.)
      ~references from people receiving support and their family members, etc.  

 

 

Take your time, ask questions and research the agencies in which you are interested.

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