Colorado’s health and human service system has been making news. The state is eliminating the minimum payment guarantee for most outpatient behavioral health services delivered by its safety net provider organizations in October 2026. This allows the Medicaid Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) to negotiate reimbursement rates directly with provider organizations – see Colorado Medicaid Cuts Rates By 2%, Changes Behavioral Health Safety Net Reimbursement Model. In addition, behavioral health services are included in the 2% reduction of Medicaid reimbursement rates. These changes are just one part of the state’s new budget, addressing its $1.5 billion shortfall.

Colorado is not alone. In Maryland, the General Assembly cut $126 million in state funds to the Development Disabilities Administration (DDA). The funding cuts,…