Senate Bill 15-011 Summary

• Authorizes a pilot program allowing eligible persons with spinal cord injuries to receive complementary and alternative medicine services (chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture) under Medicaid waiver authority.

• Requires the state department to utilize a volunteer outreach coordinator throughout the pilot program to facilitate participant and provider enrollment and serve as liaison between stakeholders.

• Extends the pilot program duration and evaluation deadline to no later than January 1, 2020, with a report to legislative health and human services committees including participation numbers, cost-effectiveness, consumer feedback, and health outcomes.

• Directs enrollment of all eligible applicants without waiting lists subject to available funds and authorizes the state department to seek federal waivers necessary for implementation.

• Appropriates $179,347 from the general fund and anticipates $183,302 in federal funds for the 2015-16 fiscal year to support program administration, professional services, and medical services premiums.