2025 Waiver Updates
We are writing to provide some direction on the upcoming waiver changes proposed in 2025, specifically the CHCBS and CLLI Merge. The information below is TRE’s understanding, based on stakeholder meetings, HCPF meeting recordings, Q/A, and website information. Please note that this information has not be finalized and it may change, based on the direction from the state. We encourage you to visit the links below for additional updates and information.
Here is what we know so far:
- CLLI and CHCBS waivers will merge.
- The new name of this merged waiver will be Children with Complex Health Needs.
- Additional Services will be offered under the new waiver.
- As Annuals/CSR’s are completed between July 2025 and June 2026, the new program name will be reflected, and families will have access to the new services.
- This transition period will be from July 2025 through June 2026 and your Case Manager will facilitate this change during your Continued Stay Review within that period.
- Eligible Medicaid Waiver Members will remain with their current CMA’s.
- Families will have access to these potential services on the new waiver:
- Wellness Education Benefit
- Respite
- Counseling
- Massage
- Therapeutic Life Limiting Illness Support
- Palliative Support
- Expressive Therapy
- Families will need to have one service, each month, in order to remain enrolled in the waiver.
- Additionally, the waiver members may be able to access IHSS through the benefit. See below.
- IHSS will move from CHCBS/CLLI to Community First Choice.
- Members enrolled in Children with Complex Health Needs waiver will still continue to have access to IHSS, since CFC benefits are a part of their Medicaid Waiver benefits.
- CMA’s will continue to manage the overall case, but provider agencies will be responsible for completing the IHSS assessment.
We acknowledge this is information with many complexities. Please know that TRE is participating in stakeholder groups and working closely with HCPF to understand changes, implementation, and providing advocacy for our families. We will continue to share information as it becomes available.
How will this impact you and your family?
- Children enrolled in CLLI or CHCBS waiver will automatically be enrolled in the new CCHN (Children with Complex Health Needs) waiver (as long as eligibility is maintained.
- Your child will have access to more services than are currently available. These services will not be available to everyone at the same time, as they will be implemented as the annual meeting occurs.
- There will be significant changes to IHSS through the Community First Choice Program. This service will still be available to those enrolled in CHCCBS or the CCHN waiver.
- Sources:
beginning May 2024
Families will gradually transition to TRE using a phased approach and all CHCBS families should anticipate being fully transitioned to TRE by July 1, 2024. During this transition, a new service coordinator will be assigned to your family.
as of July 2024
We are excited to serve incoming CHCBS members. Emails were sent out to transitioning families July 1. If you did not receive an email, please send an email to chcbswaiver@tre.org with the following information:
Child’s name:
Child’s DOB:
Your name:
Your email address:
What This Means
Q: Will my child’s current services be affected?
A: No. Any needed changes will continue to be made through the traditional review process.
Q: Who will provide Case Management for children enrolled in the CHCBS Program?
A: If your child is enrolled in CHCBS, your child will receive a new Service Coordinator. TRE has employed and contracted Service Coordinators who are familiar with the CHCBS program.
Q: My child’s current Private Case Management Agency will no longer be providing Case Management Services. How will my child be impacted?
A: If your child’s current agency is no longer providing Case Management Services/Service Coordination, your child will be assigned a new Service Coordinator TRE.
Q: How can I find out who my CHCBS Service Coordinator is?
Q: If our child is currently receiving IHSS, will that service be impacted?
A: No, the service will remain the same, unless a revision is warranted.
Q: How can I refer my child for the CHCBS Waiver?
A: Beginning July 1, 2024, TRE will process all referrals and intake for the CHCBS waiver, along with all other waivers within El Paso, Park, Teller, and Pueblo Counties.
Q: Who determines if my child is eligible for CHCBS?
A: Although TRE is the central referral and intake entity for all waivers, other entities are involved in determining eligibility and it is a multi-step process. After the assessment is completed, information is evaluated by the third-party reviewer. Additionally, financial eligibility is reviewed by outside entities. This information is sent back to TRE and your Case Manager schedules an enrollment meeting. Depending on your child’s needs, you may also enroll into IHSS services. This initial process can take several months due to the various entities involved.
