New Law Expands Support for Medically Complex Children in Colorado

Governor Jared Polis has officially signed HB25-1003 into law, a bipartisan measure I was proud to co-sponsor alongside Representative Rebekah Stewart of Lakewood. This legislation represents a meaningful step forward in how Colorado supports children with complex medical needs and their families.

HB25-1003 consolidates and simplifies two existing Medicaid waiver programs - the Children with Life-Limiting Illness (CLLI) Waiver and the Children’s Extensive Support (CES) Waiver - into a single streamlined waiver for children with complex health needs. This new waiver will provide continuous, coordinated care to children facing significant medical challenges while also reducing bureaucratic overlap and easing the burden on families navigating the system.

Why It Matters

Families caring for medically complex children already face a heavy emotional and financial load. Between juggling doctor visits, specialized therapies, medications, and in-home support, they often spend more time fighting the system than focusing on their child's wellbeing. This bill ensures they won’t have to navigate multiple waivers with conflicting requirements. Instead, they will have one consistent path to critical services.

Importantly, this law:

• Improves access to home- and community-based services for children who would otherwise require institutional care

• Allows families to receive services that are more tailored to their needs, including in-home nursing, therapies, and case management

• Reduces redundant paperwork, delays in care, and confusing eligibility hurdles

• Maximizes federal Medicaid matching funds by consolidating services efficiently

Bipartisan, Compassionate Policy

HB25-1003 was the product of extensive input from family advocates, pediatric health providers, and Medicaid experts. I co-sponsored this bill because these families don’t need more red tape - they need help. And they need it in a way that respects their time, their dignity, and the reality of raising a child with complex health needs.

This bill is proof that bipartisan, compassionate policymaking is still possible. It’s about doing the right thing for those who are often overlooked - families who give everything they have to care for children who require round-the-clock attention and care.

With HB25-1003 now law, Colorado is sending a clear message: We see you, we support you, and we’re committed to making this system work better for you and your child.

As always, I remain committed to bringing thoughtful, family-centered legislation forward that makes a difference in people’s daily lives. If you are a family who may benefit from this new law, or if you have questions about how the implementation will work, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.