Senate passes Colorado Option
with CMS-supported amendment
|
|
HB21-1232: Standardized Health Benefit Plan Colorado Option (Public Option) was heard in the Colorado Senate yesterday.
Important amendments were made to the bill including:
-
All enforcement, fines and reporting to regulatory boards for health care providers were removed from the bill, eliminating the physician mandate and moving CMS to a neutral position on the bill; and
- The cumulative premium reduction target for the plan was further reduced to 15% from 18%.
The bill passed out of the Senate this morning on third and final reading. The bill now goes back to the House where at least one more vote will be necessary given that it had already passed that chamber; the Senate amendments will have to be considered.
Thank you to all physicians who took time to call, email and go to the Capitol over the course of the legislative session so far. Your voices are being heard as our main concerns are being addressed.
Looking forward, CMS has committed to working with the Division of Insurance to help physicians understand the Colorado Option program, how to utilize it, and how to make sure patients have access to it while ensuring your practices can remain strong and viable components of the community.
|
|
In memoriam: Jerry Appelbaum, MD
June 20, 1927 - May 24, 2020
Jerry Appelbaum, MD, a pioneer in occupational medicine, and longtime leader in organized medicine and admissions committee member at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, died May 24. A celebration of life will be held June 18. Contact jldappel@gmail.com for more information. View a brochure detailing his extensive contributions to medicine here.
|
|
Upcoming PIM Lunch and Learn sessions
Register today for the next Partners in Medicine Lunch and Learn events proudly hosted by the Colorado Medical Society.
-
June 9, 12-1:30 p.m., HIPAA Compliance with Abyde | Register
-
June 23, 12-1 p.m. Telemedicine with HippoHealth | Register
|
|
|
Continuing Education Opportunities |
|
 |
Northern Colorado Medical Society, with support from Colorado Medical Society, presents the next event in the NCMS Virtual Education Series:
"Opioid Management"
Learn about robust opioid oversight that has been implemented and work that still needs to be done, plus the expansion of medical assisted treatment (MAT).
Speaker: Lesley Brooks, MD
June 17, 12:30-2 p.m.
1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ available
Full accreditation information available on the registration page
|
|
|
|
Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention's:
"Lunch and Learn Series"
Topics:
- Methamphetamine-induced psychosis
- Vaccine-preventable diseases for people with SUD
- LGBTQ+ populations and SUDs
Didactic session followed by a Q&A
0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ available for each session
Full accreditation information available on each registration page
|
|
|
|
Accepting applications: CO Primary Care Payment Reform Collaborative |
|
The Colorado Division of Insurance is currently accepting applications for the Colorado Primary Care Payment Reform Collaborative. The Collaborative was created by House Bill 19-1233 to develop strategies for increasing investments in primary care that deliver the right care, in the right place, at the right time. The Collaborative also advises the Division in the development of affordability standards and targets for health insurer investments in primary care. Members selected through this open application process will serve a one-year term (July 2021 - June 2022) with the option of continuing for a second year, and will be asked to commit 4-6 hours per month. |
|
Vaccination toolkit for primary care physicians
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has created a communications toolkit for primary care physicians to help encourage their patients to get vaccinated. In this toolkit, you will find ready-to-use email, text, and social media messages encouraging patients to get vaccinated or to set up an appointment once you enroll as a COVID-19 vaccine provider. Messages have also been translated into Spanish. The toolkit also includes links to graphics and print resources.
|
|
Survey: The future of telehealth in Colorado
Help shape the future of telehealth in Colorado by completing a short survey from the Colorado Office of eHealth Innovation and Prime Health. It features all multiple choice responses and should take no more than 15-20 minutes to complete. Share information about telehealth in your practice as well as your own experiences. Three respondents will receive a $100 Visa gift card.
|
|
Webinar: Deconstructing bias forum hosted by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Motivo - June 9, 2021, 2-3:30 p.m.
Attendees of this webinar will hear from a diverse panel of experienced Motivo and Anthem professionals about racial equity and implicit bias. This forum will highlight how beliefs, words, and actions -- positive or negative -- impact racial justice work, including addressing inequities.
|
|
Upcoming CMS Committee Meetings |
|
All Colorado Medical Society committee meetings are open to all CMS members. Find a full list of events here: cms.org/events.
-
Committee on Value in Health Care - Tuesday, May 25, 6-7:30 p.m. Register here
-
Workers' Compensation & Personal Injury Committee - Wednesday, June 2, 7:30-8:30 a.m. Register here
-
Physician Mindfulness Group Meeting - Thursday, June 24, 6-7 p.m. Register here
-
*Save the date* - Colorado Medical Society Virtual Annual Meeting - Sept. 17-18
Registration is required for most meetings. Non-members or those unable to be identified at the time of the meeting will be removed from the meeting. Unsure if you are a CMS member? Email membership@cms.org.
|
|
Thanks to our Partners in Medicine |
|
|
Here are some ways to get the most out of your CMS membership:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
