In place of the Policy Advisory Council (PAC) update, the county team is using a newsletter in the style of County Connections to communicate critical information.
The content is designed for county human services directors and leadership.
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Letter from the Executive Director
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Right Care, Right Place, Right Time, Right Price
Thank you for your continued partnership to help ensure the 1 in 4 Coloradans we serve receive the care they need - that it is readily accessible, high-quality, equitable and affordable. We appreciate your partnership in achieving this vision. Thank you to the more than 90,000 providers across the state who share a passion to serve Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members. And thank you to the 17,165 providers, 30 pharmacies and 887 pharmacists who joined our network in the 18 months leading up to Dec. 31, 2021.
This month, the Lt. Gov. and state agency leaders are discussing several timely policy priorities at our virtual Health Cabinet Policy Summit Mar. 24 and 31, from 3-4:50 p.m. Topics include affordability, behavioral health transformation, pandemic to endemic & future readiness, and keeping Coloradans covered after the Public Health Emergency. At the summit, you’ll also hear more about our work to improve quality care and health equity for our members. As part of that, we are expanding our value-based payment models that reward providers for better patient outcomes, closing health disparities and driving affordability. This work spans the Hospital Transformation Program, maternity bundled payments, the Prescriber Tool, primary care and an exciting partnership to design the emerging Providers of Distinction program. At the summit, the Department will also release and review a Hospital Insights Report that synthesizes emerging hospital financial insights with key findings from several recent legislative reports while providing related policy considerations to address opportunities - register now.
March is developmental disabilities awareness month. We invite you to join Department staff and leadership in celebrating the tremendous strides made in the last 35 years for those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly the improvements in access to important services that help people live a life that is meaningful and fulfilling to them. But we still have more work to do. The Department remains dedicated to partnering with members, their families, providers and the advocacy community to make A Colorado for All while advancing community services for Health First Colorado members living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Thank you again for all that you do to help provide the right care, that drives the right patient outcomes, for the right price. I look forward to seeing you virtually at the Health Cabinet Policy Summit.
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Register now for March Health Cabinet Policy Summit
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Please register to join Lt. Governor Primavera, Health Cabinet executive directors and industry leaders for the Health Cabinet Policy Summit hosted by the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing – March 24, 3-4:50 and March 31, 3-4:50.
This FREE virtual event is designed for policymakers, advocates, payers, care providers, health care leaders and other industry stakeholders. Presentations, topics and panels will include:
- Health care affordability for Coloradans
- Behavioral health transformation
- Hospital Insights Report findings
- COVID-19 pandemic to endemic, future readiness
- Keeping Coloradans covered after the public health emergency
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New Redetermination Process
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In March 2022 a new redetermination process for all Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members will be implemented. The new process will be called “renewal” because member feedback shows “renewal” was more understandable than “redetermination” for most members surveyed.
Renewal is a case review that happens at least every 12 months to determine whether Health First Colorado and CHP+ members will continue to qualify for benefits. The new process and packet were created to make it easier for members to navigate and complete, and to make sure the process and packet adhere to federal regulations.
Many different stakeholders and Health First Colorado and CHP+ members helped the Department create the new language and layout for the new renewal forms and process. In the new process, the head of household must sign a signature page as part of the renewal paperwork they complete. This is a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirement.
County workers and other assisters will have training opportunities to help guide them through the new packet and processes.
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Medical Assistance Renewal Process
Training and Resource Materials
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Summary
The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) implemented a new redetermination process for all Health First Colorado and (CHP+) members in the 2022 February CBMS build. The first step of the new renewal process will begin in March 2022. The new renewal process consists of several steps and includes new renewal packets a member may receive and will be required to sign and return for the renewal process to be considered complete.
Eligibility workers, supervisors and anyone who has direct member contact are required to take the webinar or web-based Renewal Revamp project training by March 31, 2022.
Details
It is time to “Register” and “Save the Date” for one of the instructor-led webinar sessions that will provide an overview of the new renewal packet and process. Once a session is selected in COLearn, you will find the Zoom link listed in the “View Training Details” for each Session.
If you are unable to attend an instructor-led webinar training session, a self-guided online session (Web-Based Training) is available for registration in COLearn.
Instructor-led Webinars will be offered
- March 14, 2022, 9-11:30 a.m.
Supplemental Resource Materials
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Help Spread the Word about Tax Credits
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Nearly a quarter of Coloradans miss out on valuable tax credits that can help them take care of themselves and the people they love. The Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) were expanded in 2021, making more Colorado families eligible. Filers can receive up to $3,600 for each child ages 6-17 living in their household, and do not need any earnings to qualify.
Help us reach individuals and families across the state, informing them about these and other tax credits and helping them access free tax preparation services. Learn more and get access to our free campaign resources including brochures, social media content, and newsletter messages to help spread the word.
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County Admin Rules Technical Assistance Meetings
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Hello County Partners,
Technical Assistance meetings are scheduled to review new guidance based on the new county administration rules. During these meetings, the memo authors and other staff will be available to answer questions.
Below are the links to join. Any and all county staff are encouraged to attend.
Monday, March 14, 12-1:30 p.m.
Or dial: (US) +1 347-380-8578 PIN: 483 038 525#
Monday, March 28, 12-1:30 p.m.
Or dial: (US) +1 347-380-8578 PIN: 483 038 525#
Monday, April 11, 12-1:30 p.m.
Or dial: (US) +1 347-380-8578 PIN: 483 038 525#
Monday, April 25, 12-1:30 p.m.
Or dial: (US) +1 347-380-8578 PIN: 483 038 525#
Monday, May 9, 12-1:30 p.m.
Or dial: (US) +1 347-380-8578 PIN: 483 038 525#
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Mental Health Parity Request for Public Comment
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The Department has begun work on the annual Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) Report to assess the compliance of the Medicaid benefit with mental health parity laws.
The Department is gathering stakeholder thoughts and experiences related to mental health parity. These insights will be used to design the mental health parity analyses
and inform an annual report.
Individuals interested in submitting written comments can do so using this form. The form has been extended to be open until March 29. The purpose is to collect feedback from stakeholders; the Department will not be responding to submitted comments.
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Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) began paying for at-home COVID-19 tests for members in January. Each enrolled Health First Colorado member can get up to 15 free at-home tests per month from pharmacies that serve Health First Colorado. Each enrolled CHP+ member can receive up to eight tests per month. There is no out of pocket cost or co-pays for Health First Colorado or CHP+ members. Health First Colorado and CHP+ will reimburse the pharmacies after members receive the free tests.
Due to the high demand, at-home tests have been in short supply and pharmacies are having a difficult time getting them from their suppliers. We encourage members to call the pharmacy ahead of time to see if they have the at-home tests in stock.
The federal government recently launched an online program where each household address can receive a maximum of four tests. This program is limited to a one-time order of four tests per household and they will arrive by U.S. mail usually within seven to 10 days.
The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) also has an online program where Coloradans can order two tests per week. If you are interested in receiving multiple tests, you will need to reorder tests. Tests do not automatically ship on a recurring basis. Because of high demand, tests will usually arrive in two weeks. Health First Colorado does not manage the federal program or the CDPHE program.
Please visit the Health First Colorado webpage for more information on its coverage of the at-home test program, a list of enrolled pharmacies and FAQs that will be updated as new questions and information arise.
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NEMT and COVID-19 Testing
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Driving to a COVID-19 test site is covered under the Non-Emergent Medical Transportation benefit. To request a ride or submit the mileage reimbursement form visit gointelliride.com/colorado.
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Disaster Relief Special Enrollment Period
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Connect for Health Colorado is offering a Special Enrollment Period now through March 16 to those who have been impacted by the Marshall Fire or the current surge of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Coloradans can still sign up for a health insurance plan and apply for financial help through Connect for Health Colorado for 2022 if they:
- Are impacted by Colorado wildfires, including the Marshall Fire
- Are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
- Experience a qualifying life event
Free, virtual and in-person help signing up is available from our certified Connect for Health Colorado enrollment experts located throughout the state. If anyone in the community you assist needs help, you can refer them to one of our experts to ensure they get the right health insurance coverage and financial help. Visit https://connectforhealthco.com/enrollment-center/ to find assistance in your area.
Thank you for being a great partner and helping keep Colorado covered. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time for anything at Jess Smith.
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Recent Memo Series Issued to Counties
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OM 22-009
The purpose of this memo is to advise County Departments of Human/Social services
and Medical Assistance sites of income changes to the Health First Colorado Buy–In Program for Children with Disabilities (CBwD). Please share this memo with
anyone who works with this program.
OM 22-008
The purpose of this operational memo is to advise county departments of human/social
services and Medical Assistance sites of income changes to the Health First Colorado
Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities (WAwD). Please share this
information with anyone who works with this program.
OM 22-003
The purpose of this Operational Memo is to inform stakeholders, members, providers,
and Case Management Agencies (CMAs) of a temporary rate increase or enhanced rate
using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the Home and Community-Based
Services (HCBS) waiver Respite benefits and to communicate additional guidance regarding billing procedures for the temporary enhanced respite rates. This temporary enhanced rate is available to Respite services on the Elderly, Blind and Disabled (EBD), Community Mental Health Supports (CMHS), Brain Injury (BI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Children’s Extensive Support (CES), Children with Life Limiting Illness (CLLI), Children’s Habilitation Residential Program (CHRP), and Supported Living Services (SLS) waivers, as indicated in the table below.
The funding for this temporary enhanced rate is provided by the federal ARPA funding
as part of the Department’s federally approved ARPA Spending Plan. The enhanced rate
is in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to provide relief to
primary caregivers to help members and their families as well as increase provider
capacity for the HCBS waivers’ Respite benefits.
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IM 22-007
The purpose of this Informational Memo is to inform county departments of
human/social services and eligibility sites of a series of meetings held by the
Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) to assist in the implementation
of new regulatory requirements promulgated in 10 CCR 2505-5 1.020. These sessions
will review newly issued sub-regulatory guidance that support the new regulations.
County and eligibility site staff who are responsible for implementing program
requirements are encouraged to attend.
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Department Contacts & Resources
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