Improvement in Colorado's Revenue Forecast Impact FY12-13 Budget

On March 19^th the Legislative Council (nonpartisan research staff of the CO General Assembly) released the latest economic and revenue forecast for Colorado.  Staff reported that the economy continues to gain strength.  The Fiscal Year 2011-12 General Fund budget is in balance, and an estimated $256 million left in the General Fund at the end of the year above the required reserve.  This is $108 million higher than the amount expected in December.  Click here to read the report. 

The budget-balancing package is expected to be introduced in the House next week.  Part of the proposed budget for FY 12-13 is the Senior Homestead Exemption, which exempts 50 percent of the first $200,000 of a home’s assessed value.  Voters approved the tax break in 2000, but the amendment allows the legislature to zero out the tax break if necessary.  Lawmakers have elected to zero out the tax break in all but four years since it was passed.   However, in light of the latest revenue forecast, the Joint Budget Committee said the state revenues are sufficient to restore the Exemption.  To get the benefit, a senior must be at least 65 years old and have lived in their home for the last 10 years. 

Ask Senators Udall and Bennet to Support the Rural Health Safety Net

Senators Kent Conrad and Chuck Grassley are currently gathering signatures for a letter to be sent to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.   Contact Senators Udall and Bennet today to voice your support for this letter (view here), and please ask them to cosign at this critical juncture.  The National Rural Health Association staff has contacted several offices but your voice is needed!

Webinar for Adults without Dependent Children Medicaid Expansion

Enrollment for the new Medicaid population begins soon.  The initial acceptance and processing of applications for Adults without Dependent Children (AwDC) begins April 1^st and runs through May 15^th.  There are 10,000 enrollment positions, and those determined eligible during that period will be assigned to one of the seven Accountable Care Collaborative regions.  The Connect Campaign is hosting a webinar for those who will be interacting with people interested in applying for AwDC Medicaid.  The webinar will help you direct patients to resources outside AwDC (such as the safety net, CICP and non-medical resources).  It will be held tomorrow (March 20^th) from 2:00 – 3:00 PM.  Click here to register.

Nominate Yourself to Participate in TBD Colorado

TBD Colorado is a nonpartisan, collaborative effort designed to generate informed and constructive conversations among Coloradans about some of the biggest issues facing the state.  Regional meetings will be held around the state beginning in April and will cover education, transportation, healthcare, state budget, state workforce/talent, higher education and P12 education.  In order to participate in these meetings, you need to have someone nominate you or nominate yourself.  Visit the website to learn more and to find the nomination form. 

Increase Seen in the Number of Preventable Dental Conditions as Primary Diagnosis in ERs

According to a recent report from the Pew Center on the States, preventable dental conditions were the primary diagnosis in 830,590 visits to ERs nationwide in 2009, a 16 percent increase from 2006.  Click here to read the report. 

Turning to hospitals to address oral health needs is costly and adds to the financial burdens on the state.  However, many times patients do not have a choice.    In Colorado, 22 counties have designations or are partially designated as geographic Dental Health Professional Shortage (based on dentist to population ratio), and 21 are designated as low income (below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level).  To see a map of Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (DHPSAs) in Colorado, click here. 

A bill has been introduced in the in Colorado which seeks to offer dental benefits to pregnant women on Medicaid.  You may view the bill here.