As White House Focuses on Home-Based Care Funding, Polis Highlights what Colorado has Done

CPR News | By Caitlyn Kim

…  Attending virtually, Polis is expected to highlight how Colorado used its American Rescue Plan funding to raise base wages for thousands of home health care workers. In 2022, the wage went up to $15 per hour from $12.56.

“With historic federal funding thanks to the work of the Biden Administration and the majority of our federal delegation, Colorado has increased wages to help fill open care positions and help train for the direct care workforce improving home-care services for people with disabilities,” said Shelby Wieman, a Polis spokesperson.

She added on helping people with disabilities and aging Coloradans get needed  long-term care service has been a priority for state leaders.

“It means more Americans getting quality care in their home and community. It means care workers getting the respect and pay they deserve, and it means more family caregivers giving relief or the chance to return to work if they desire,” Sperling said. “We're excited to have Governor Polis's participation in the White House convening because he has been one of the leaders in using these funds to raise wages.”

Other speakers will be Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Maine Gov. Janet Mills. 

The money has also been used for a training program for home healthcare workers and to provide more specialized training, as well as for technical improvements to upgrade or start electronic healthcare record systems.

In total, Colorado received about $510 million more in funding for home and community-based services through the ARP, with $37 billion used across all 50 states for home-based and community-based health care.

However, Sperling said, despite the large infusion of funds, it’s still just a downpayment. But one that is working, he said. He hopes the meeting will also spur some action on a longer-term solution from the government to address “the need for care and care workers across our country.”