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November 2022
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Artistic rendition of the Coronavirus
NEWS UPDATE: Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has formally extended the Public Health Emergency (PHE). The PHE can be extended for up to 90 days at a time. This extension started on Oct. 13, 2022, and will next be evaluated by Jan. 11, 2023. The Biden administration has indicated there will be a 60-day notice period before any end to the PHE.

When we get that 60-day notice, we will send a special edition of this newsletter.

Public Health Emergency (PHE) Overview

In January 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. Congress subsequently passed legislation that ensured anyone enrolled in Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) was guaranteed to keep their health coverage during the PHE. This applies to kids and pregnant people covered by Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) too.

Even though Health First Colorado and CHP+ members will not lose coverage during the PHE, they still receive regular renewal notices each year in the mail and their PEAK inbox. It will be critical for members to complete renewals when the PHE ends. 

Once the PHE ends, the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) will take 12 months (14 months including noticing) to complete the renewal process for each of the approximately 1.6 million people currently enrolled. It’s essential that members pay attention to renewal notices and fill out the necessary forms to make sure they keep their Health First Colorado and CHP+ coverage if they are still eligible. For the latest information on PHE Planning, visit our webpage: hcpf.colorado.gov/phe-planning.
Preparing for the end of the Public Health Emergency:
Resources
New Tools - Preparing for Renewals Partner Toolkit

The Department has launched a partner communications toolkit to aid in preparing for the end of the PHE - Preparing for Renewals. This new toolkit includes a section on renewal process education that explains key terms and provides sample notices so partners can see exactly what the member will see when they go through the renewal process. In addition, both partners and members can view short videos in English and Spanish on key actions: updating an address, completing the renewal process, and transitioning to other coverage if a member no longer qualifies.

Update Your Address Campaign


Please continue to help us spread the word to Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members to update their contact information. 

We know that many members have moved over the past few years. It is crucial that we have correct addresses so that members get the information they need to keep or change their coverage. Thank you to all of the partners who helped develop this campaign, particularly Covering Kids and Families and Colorado Health Policy Coalition! Please use the following resources to spread the word.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will members know when their renewal is due?

The Department will send a renewal packet either in the mail or to their email directing them to their PEAK inbox several weeks before their renewal due date. Members who use the Health First Colorado app will receive a push notification letting them know when it's time to take action.   

Members can find out their renewal date on CO.gov/PEAK at any time.
 
What is the renewal process?

The renewal process (sometimes called redetermination or RRR) for Health First Colorado and CHP+ members occurs annually. Some members will be automatically renewed (ex-parte) based on information we have for them from other data sources. 

If we are not able to verify a member’s eligibility based on most recent information already on file (reported information from members and/or information from other data sources), they will have to go through the renewal process to see if they still qualify for coverage. These members will receive a renewal packet several weeks in advance of their renewal month. The packet will ask them if anything about their situation has changed, a signature to acknowledge review of the information, and may request verification to determine whether they still qualify to receive Medical Assistance. This is a new ask! During the PHE, members have received renewals but haven’t needed to return them to keep their coverage. This packet can be completed electronically through CO.gov/PEAK, the Health First Colorado App or by mail.


What should members do to prepare for the end of the PHE? 

Update their contact info in CO.gov/PEAK.
Watch for and respond timely to notices.
We will post more information, resources and tools online:
For members at HealthFirstColorado.com and 
Coming Soon
More communication tools!

The HCPF Communications & Design team has been working with stakeholders to develop a communications toolkit to help partners and members get ready for renewals once the PHE ends. Additional materials will launch soon after the 60-day notice is received.

Upcoming Webinar

The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) will be hosting an informational session on preparing for the end of the Public Health Emergency. This webinar is geared toward community partners such as advocacy organizations, providers, and community organizations who may provide other assistance to Health First Colorado or CHP+ members (housing, social services, etc). The content includes an overview of communication resources for partners to assist members in preparing for and taking part in the renewal process. We’ll also discuss transitions in coverage for members who may no longer qualify for state-administered programs.

When: Nov. 17, 2022 12:30 - 2 p.m. Mountain Time
Topic: PHE Unwind Webinar | Community Partners & Advocates
Register in advance for this webinar: Zoom Registration

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

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2023 PHE Unwind Community Partner Webinars
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