HB 20-1221 Summary

• Expands the complementary or alternative medicine pilot program to include persons with multiple sclerosis, brain injury, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy who have a secondary condition of paralysis, in addition to the existing spinal cord injury eligibility.

• Changes Medicaid eligibility criteria from the specific income threshold and program references to a broader standard requiring applicants to meet functional level of care and financial criteria for long-term care services as defined by state board rules.

• Restricts program participation to residents of 11 specified counties and county/city combinations: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Pueblo, and Weld counties.

• Requires eligible persons to demonstrate a current need for complementary or alternative medicine and be willing to participate in the pilot program.

• Takes effect August 5, 2020, or if subject to a referendum petition, upon approval by voters at the November 2020 general election.