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Page Updated: October 3, 2023
Where can the most recent regulations be found for the Family Support Services Program (FSSP)?
- The most recent regulations can be found at 10 CCR 2505-10 8.613
How can families apply for FSSP funding?
- Families will need to contact their local case management agency (CMA) in their designated service area to apply for FSSP.
How is funding determined? How much funding is each family eligible for?
- CMA’s must ensure that families with the highest assessed needs shall be prioritized for FSSP State funding. Each CMA has a Most In Need assessment the family will complete to determine their prioritization for funding. The amount of funding available varies depending on the allocation the Department receives as part of the State budget each year as well as the identified needs of the family.
Is lawful presence in the United States required to receive FSSP funds?
- As of July 1, 2022, lawful presence in the United States is not required to be eligible for FSSP.
Can an individual receiving waiver services be eligible for FSSP?
- Members enrolled in a waiver are eligible for FSSP funding however, some CMA’s have a policy in place to only serve members that are not eligible for a HCBS Medicaid waiver. Also, FSSP funds shall not supplant third-party funding sources available to the family including but not limited to HCBS Medicaid waivers, public funding, private insurance, or trust funds.
Can FSSP funds be used to purchase age-appropriate toys, outdoor equipment, bicycles, etc.?
- FSSP funds cannot be used to purchase age-appropriate everyday items and services that any child would reasonably use or need. All services must be needed because of the individual’s Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) or Developmental Delay and shall not be approved if the need is a typical age-related need. The correlation between the need and the disability must be documented in the Family Support Plan (FSP).
Can FSSP funds be used toward tutoring services or education-related items?
- FSSP funds cannot supplant other public funding and programs. Education support is the responsibility of the Colorado Department of Education.
Can FSSP funds be used to pay for GPS/location monitoring/alarms/cameras for a child? (10/3/2023)
- Supervision and knowledge of location is a typical parental responsibility. FSSP would generally consider age 12 the earliest age a child would be expected to be unsupervised for short periods of time, so FSSP funding can be used for a GPS device for children age 12 and older if the need is directly related to the child's disability and is beyond what is typically considered age appropriate.
What is the FSSP Emergency Fund? Who is eligible for this funding?
- Each CMA has an emergency fund that may be accessed by any individual eligible for the FSSP when needed due to an unexpected event that has a significant impact on the individual or family’s health or safety and impacts the family’s daily activities. Any individual with an IDD or Developmental Delay determined by the CMA and living with family shall be eligible to receive emergency funds regardless of the enrollment status of the family. This includes families that are currently on a waiting list for FSSP.
What does cost-effectiveness mean in relation to items being requested?
- All services must be provided in the most cost-effective manner, meaning the least expensive manner to meet the need. A case manager will work with the family to review the identified need and help the family determine the least expensive service or item to meet that need.
Can over-the-counter vitamins and supplements be covered under FSSP?
- Over-the-counter medications and vitamins are not allowable under FSSP with the exceptions indicated in Section 8.800.4.D, when prescribed by a licensed medical professional qualified to write such prescriptions.
Can FSSP funds be used for private insurance deductibles and copays?
- FSSP funding can be used for private insurance deductibles for the individual active in FSSP such as an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor visit or cardiology appointments not covered by insurance.
Can FSSP funds be used for a family recreation center pass?
- When the individual with an IDD or developmental delay has recreation needs that go above and beyond the typical need for the disability, the cost of a family recreation pass shall be limited to $650 or one family pass, whichever is less per fiscal year.
Can FSSP funds be used for Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products when prescribed or recommended by a licensed medical professional?
- FSSP funds may not be used for CBD and THC products as these would fall under the “vitamins and supplements” exclusion.
Can FSSP funds be used to purchase groceries for medically recommended diets such as keto, gluten-free, paleo, etc.?
- Groceries are considered a typical expense for any family. FSSP funds can be used for a family to work with a dietician or for parent education materials related to the recommended diet.
Can FSSP fund or FSSP emergency funds be used to help cover the cost of rent, mortgage, home repairs, utilities, car payments, car maintenance/repairs, or other unexpected expenses a family may experience?
- FSSP funds may not be used for any everyday expenses any family would experience. FSSP funds can only be used for expenses directly related to the eligible child’s IDD/ Developmental delay diagnosis.
Can FSSP funds be used after a family has met the $10,000 cap for Assistive Technology, Home Modifications, or Vehicle Modifications?
- No, the family will need to make an over-the-cap request through the waiver before FSSP funds can be considered.
If a family was denied a home or vehicle modification through the waiver, can it be done using FSSP?
- No, waiver and FSSP home and vehicle modifications have the same criteria that need to be met. If it is not allowable under the waiver it cannot be completed with FSSP funds.
Contact Us
Maria Klickna, HCBS Benefits Specialist