Conflicting Medicaid Guidance Leaves Parents Uncertain About Children's Care

Proposed cuts to services for Coloradans with disabilities have been paused, but confusion over changes has frustrated families.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Last week, the Colorado Joint Budget Committee voted to deny some proposed Medicaid program reductions for the current fiscal year, including a 56-hour weekly caregiver cap and changes to the Individual Residential Services and Supports (IRSS) rate. However, conflicting guidance from state agencies has left parents uncertain about the status of other service cuts, such as the age limit for Community Connector services. Parents say the back-and-forth has taken an emotional toll as they try to plan for their children's care.

Why it matters

The proposed Medicaid cuts would have significantly impacted services for Coloradans with disabilities, many of whom rely on these programs for essential care. The confusion and uncertainty around which changes are actually being implemented is causing distress for families who are already navigating a complex system.

The details

The state initially said the age limit for Community Connector services would be eliminated, but later clarified that the limit is still expected to take effect on April 1. The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) said the language used in a message sent to parents by the Rocky Mountain Human Services agency did not come from them. The agency apologized and said it was following guidance from the state.

  • Last week, the Colorado Joint Budget Committee voted to deny some proposed Medicaid program reductions for the current fiscal year.
  • The age limit for Community Connector services is still expected to take effect on April 1, 2026.

The players

Colorado Joint Budget Committee

The state legislative committee that voted to deny some proposed Medicaid program reductions for the current fiscal year.

Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF)

The state agency responsible for Medicaid programs in Colorado, which provided guidance to service providers about the proposed changes.

Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS)

The agency that sent a message to parents saying their children would continue qualifying for Community Connector services, which was later clarified to be inaccurate.

Jordan Feckovic

A parent who received the message from RMHS about Community Connector services and was later told the information was incorrect.

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What’s next

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) said it is working to provide clearer guidance to service providers and families about the status of the proposed Medicaid changes.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the challenges families face when navigating the complex Medicaid system, especially when there is conflicting information and uncertainty around service changes. It underscores the need for greater transparency and communication from state agencies to ensure families can plan for their children's care with confidence.