“It’s not only for the autism services that I’m concerned about, it’s for all behavioral health services,” Lopez said. “For many in the autism field, (including) the paraprofessionals, it often acts as a gateway into the behavioral health profession. Unfortunately, as those jobs decrease, then it could have a bigger impact on the service of those who need a whole host of behavioral health services.”

While overall funding is the bottom line, Lopez also lays blame on the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

The agency, known as HCPF, administers Medicaid in the state and sets reimbursement policy and billing codes. Lopez said he would be reimbursed less than half the dollar amount in Colorado as he’d get for similar work in New Mexico, even as the cost of living and the cost of doing business were higher here.

Providers end up taking the brunt of the increased costs, which then affects families, he said.

“My opinion is that this is a choice HCPF has made,” Lopez said. “Over and over and over. Restrict practice, and reduce overall costs. That has a significant impact on families. Their story just isn’t ever told, so it’s just hidden.”

State agency disputes impact of departures

The Denver Post made multiple requests for an interview with HCPF officials over several weeks. A scheduled interview was canceled, and HCPF did not respond to an attempt to reschedule.

Zenzinger, the senator on the powerful budget-writing committee, said lawmakers had also asked HCPF to bring a request to address funding for pediatric behavioral therapy, which covers autism therapy for children. But HCPF did not, instead offering a plan to expand who qualifies for services — which Zenzinger saw as only further burdening providers who were struggling to stay in the state.

She saw the proposal as “adding more people to the mix that are seeking services, without actually funding the services or the providers,” Zenzinger said. “It’s like you just gave us syrup when what we needed are pancakes.

“It’s very sweet, thank you very much — but it’s not nutrition. It’s not substantive.”

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