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Upcoming events
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Update November 13th, 2026 ACTION ALERT: Help Protect Access to Medicaid Adult Home Health Therapy in Colorado Last week, Governor Jared Polis released his proposed FY 2027–28 budget, which includes approximately $600 million in Medicaid cuts. Of particular concern is the proposed elimination of Medicaid reimbursement for adult home health occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech-language pathology (SLP) services. These cuts are only proposed and have NOT been finalized. The Joint Budget Committee (JBC) and Colorado General Assembly will review the budget before making final decisions. This means we have an important opportunity to advocate for continued access to home health therapy. What Can You Do Right Now? 1. Contact Your State Legislators Find your Colorado representative and senator and urge them to oppose eliminating Medicaid reimbursement for home health therapy services. 2. Contact Key Decision-Makers: Joint Budget Committee Members The Joint Budget Committee plays a critical role in reviewing the governor's proposed budget. Please take a few minutes to email JBC members and share how these proposed cuts would affect your patients, practice, and community. House Members:
Senate Members:
What should you say? Ask JBC members to maintain Medicaid reimbursement for home health OT, PT, and SLP services. Share a personal story or specific example of how access to these services helps your patients maintain independence, remain safely in their homes, and avoid more costly healthcare interventions. 3. Provide Public Testimony Advocate before the Colorado Commission on Medicaid, which meets November 18th, and watch for additional opportunities to testify before the JBC. Personal stories and specific examples of patient impact are especially valuable. Sign up for testimony here: https://sites.coleg.gov/public-testimony/sign-up-to-testify/step-1 4. Engage Other Stakeholders Encourage patients, families, caregivers, employers, healthcare organizations, and fellow OT, PT, and SLP professionals to contact legislators and share their concerns. Why Does This Matter? Eliminating home health therapy reimbursement could jeopardize access to essential services, particularly for individuals who cannot easily receive care outside their homes. Home health therapy services:
OTAC Is Taking Action OTAC and our lobbying team, Balcerovich Coleman, are actively monitoring the proposal and advocating for continued access to occupational therapy. We will share additional updates, testimony opportunities, and advocacy resources as the budget process progresses. Your voice matters! Now is the time to engage, share your experiences, and help protect access to home health therapy in Colorado. Thank you for your advocacy and commitment to our profession and the patients and communities we serve! Together, we can make a difference. |
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OTAC Advocacy Updates OTAC will keep you updated as we learn new information from AOTA and local legislation. Immediate action items will be posted on our front page & sent via email. OTAC is dedicating more time and resources than ever to protecting our profession. Your support as a member is critical. Membership dues directly fund our lobbyists and state-level advocacy efforts. If you’re able to join a committee or volunteer in any capacity, we would truly appreciate your involvement. We need all hands on deck to defend our practice here in Colorado. July 2026: AOTA and OTAC are monitoring a proposed rewrite of Colorado Workers' Compensation Rule 18, which is currently open for public comment through August 27. Based on our preliminary review, many of the proposed changes appear intended to streamline the rule and align reimbursement methodologies more closely with Medicare payment frameworks. While we do not currently anticipate significant impact for most occupational therapy practitioners, members who regularly treat workers' compensation populations—particularly in outpatient, occupational health, industrial rehabilitation, and home health settings—may wish to review the proposal and share any concerns or feedback during the open public comment window regarding reimbursement, access to care, OTA services, or therapy utilization policies. Click here to read all 2026 advocacy efforts! How can you help?
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2026 Member Benefit: Free Webinar Series
We are so excited to announce a partnership with Aspire OT! We've been long term partners, but we're taking our relationship to the next level by offering a series of monthly webinars FREE for OTAC members! That's right, we're talking free contact hours in exchange for your continued support of the OT profession here in Colorado and beyond. We are just so thrilled and we can't wait to see you there! Aspire Webinar Series
The Aspire OT Elevate Webinar Series will be listed in our event calendar with instructions on how to register! OTAC Webinar Series |
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Take Action to Protect IDEA 6/27/26 Have you heard about the new executive action that proposes shifting day-to-day management of special education programs from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to the Department of Health and Human Services? Ask your Members of Congress to take action to preserve the vital role of ED in administering the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Here are eight reasons why. Take Action on Research Funding Changes 6/27/26 The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed significant changes to federal research grant funding. Submit personalized comments by July 13 and encourage your organization to do the same - here's how! The proposed regulations are scheduled to take effect October 1, 2026. RECOVER Act Would End Arbitrary Cut to Occupational Therapy Payments 5/4/26: In April, the Removing Excessive Cuts to Outpatient and Vital Essential Rehabilitation (RECOVER) Act (HR 8386) was introduced to repeal the multiple procedure payment reduction (MPPR) arbitrary cut to therapy payments. Last week, as Congress took several important steps towards fixing the flawed Medicare Part B Payment system, AOTA was working to make sure the RECOVER Act is included in these efforts. We need your voice. Ask Congress to support the RECOVER Act, which will increase payment for therapy services. AOTA advocacy leads to BCBS Michigan coverage of Ayres Sensory Integration® for autism 2/2/26: The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is pleased to announce a significant advocacy win for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs), clients, and their families in Michigan. Following outreach and engagement by AOTA, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) will begin covering Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) for individuals with an autism diagnosis, effective March 1, 2026. This important policy change expands access to evidence-based occupational therapy (OT) services and reflects the growing recognition of sensory integration's role in supporting meaningful participation and functional progress. Read more here! NEW! OTAC created a new webpage under our resources tab that you can check out for more information on AOTA's advocacy updates & upcoming events. Click here to read more! |
WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER! Join or renew your membership in OTAC and AOTA to support your associations in their efforts to advocate for the OT profession both locally and nationally! Want to see policy changes? Need help advocating with insurers and stakeholders? Need informational resources for education or to advocate for your practice? Have a practice issue question? OTAC and AOTA are your associations here to help! Your small investment makes a HUGE difference in our ability to continue to advocate for you and affect policy changes that will benefit your practice and the clients you serve. AOTA Annual Conference
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Conference Registration Discounts |
Apply for a board position, volunteer for a committee, attend an event, start a district or special interest group, share your ideas! |
OTAC Board members are volunteers dedicated to the support and advancement of occupational therapy practice in Colorado! |
Upcoming Events
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11/13/2026
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11/16/2026 6:00 PMVirtual through Aspire OT
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11/16/2026 6:30 PMVirtual
OTAC Job Board
Post a job or look for a job here!
Reach the right candidates, faster. Advertising on the Occupational Therapy Association Job Board puts your roles in front of a highly targeted audience of OT professionals - plus featured promotion in our weekly email reaching 2,000+ engaged subscribers. Hire smarter with visibility where it matters most.
Stay informedSubscribe to the otac email list to stay informed about OTAC news, events, Advocacy efforts, and important information You need to know about OT pRactice in Colorado!(OTAC will never share your email with others) |
Meet our Corporate Members |
ABOUT OTACOTAC is the Occupational Therapy Association of Colorado. It is a non-profit organization that strives to increase the quality of care and level of professionalism to the practice of OT in Colorado. The Occupational Therapy Association is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users. We are actively working to improve the user experience and comply with accessibility standards. If you encounter any issues or need assistance, please email us. We strive to address all concerns promptly.
Have a feedback or need more help? Email info@otacco.org |
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