In a recent government meeting, representatives from The Arc and The Resource Exchange discussed the ongoing challenges and changes in Colorado's case management services for individuals with disabilities. Stephanie Garcia, Executive Director of The Arc, and Colleen Batchelder, CEO of The Resource Exchange, highlighted the transition to conflict-free case management, a significant shift aimed at eliminating potential conflicts of interest in service delivery.

The Resource Exchange, which has served the community for over 60 years, now manages case management for approximately 13,000 individuals across several counties. This transition follows a broader redesign of Colorado's case management system, which aims to streamline access to services and ensure that individuals can receive the support they need without navigating a confusing array of options.

However, the meeting revealed that the implementation of these changes has not been without difficulties. The representatives noted a depleted workforce, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made it challenging to recruit and retain care workers. Additionally, the recent unwinding of pandemic-related Medicaid policies has led to many individuals losing their coverage, often without their knowledge, creating further disruptions in service access.

The speakers emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration with state officials to address these issues, including a recent agreement to suspend terminations of Medicaid coverage while families navigate the reapplication process. They also reported progress in hiring temporary staff to manage the backlog of applications and challenges posed by a new statewide care management system that has faced technical issues.

Despite these hurdles, the representatives expressed optimism about the future, citing nearly $1 million in funding aimed at developing automated systems to improve service access and transparency for both members and providers. The meeting underscored the critical need for continued advocacy and support for individuals with disabilities as Colorado navigates these systemic changes.