July 20, 2020
I hope everyone is staying safe and having a good summer. Pending approval of the waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, we are targeting October 1, 2020 as the start date for the Hospital Transformation Program (HTP) application period. As always, we will continue to keep you updated through this newsletter on program developments.
 
Additionally, we are requesting feedback on the Rural Support Fund Application and Agreement by July 31, 2020 . Updates about the Rural Support Fund can be found in this newsletter.


Thank you,

Matt Haynes
Special Finance Projects Manager
HTP Contractor update
This notice is to inform stakeholders that the State of Colorado’s contract with Public Consulting Group (PCG) for services related to HTP has ended. As such, PCG will no longer be providing services relative to the HTP. Please direct any HTP-related questions to the HTP inbox .
Rural Support Fund Update: Provider Application and Agreement 
The Rural Support Fund is an integral part of HTP. The purpose of this fund is to assist rural hospitals in their transition towards a sustainable delivery model, with $12 million available annually for each of the five years of the HTP waiver. This dedicated funding will help rural hospitals prepare for future value-based payment environments. 

The Provider Application and Agreement has been posted to the HTP Rural Health Fund website . The Department is requesting feedback on the application by Friday, July 31 . Feedback should be sent to the dedicated Rural Support Fund inbox . In the future, the Department will host policy guidance and workshops, with the Rural Health Fund application timeline aligning with HTP hospital application.
 
Hospital Quality Incentive Payment (HQIP) program update
The proposed measures for the 2021 HQIP program have been updated and can be found on the HQIP website . These measures have been reviewed and recommended with consensus by the HQIP subcommittee and HTP Community Advisory Council. However, final approval from the Colorado Healthcare Affordability and Sustainability Enterprise Board (CHASE) is still pending. Once approved, the full measure details will be published on the Department’s website.
Community Advisory Council
A Community Advisory Council meeting was held on Friday, June 26. The agenda and previous meeting notes can be found on the  Community Advisory Council website   next week. 
Colorado Healthcare Affordability and Sustainability Enterprise (CHASE) Board meeting
 The next CHASE Board meeting will take place via webinar  on Tuesday, August 25 at 3 p.m. Additional information about the board, as well as meeting materials, which will be posted before the meeting date, can be found on the  CHASE Board website . 
Helpful Links & Program Contact
CHASE Board website