Nonprofits: Submit Your Proposals for Impact Denver Class Projects by Dec. 18

“Would your organization like the volunteer help of a group of energetic young professionals to add expertise and energy to your programs or projects? The Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation and the Impact Denver Class of 2016 are inviting proposals from community organizations for ideas on specific, short-term projects that could help your organization enhance its current work. Impact Denver is designed for Denver metro area professionals who are interested in developing their leadership skills, learning about the region and beginning or expanding their civic involvement.

Projects must be appropriate for implementation within the timeframe of January through June 2016. Please review project guidelines. If you wish to submit a proposal, please return the “Community Partner Project Proposal” form and all attachments electronically by Friday, Dec. 18, in order to be considered by the project teams. If you are aware of a different nonprofit that might be interested in submitting a proposal, feel free to forward this information on to them.  If you have any questions about this project proposal, please contact Denise King at 303-620-8055 or denise.king@denverleadership.org.” [Source: Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation]

Application is open for the Colorado Family Leadership Training Institute

"Colorado Family Leadership Training Institute is taking applications for the Class of 2016! The FLTI curriculum is a proven curriculum (free of charge) that inspires trains and empowers individuals to become effective leaders and change agents on behalf of children, youth, and families. This opportunity is only offered to 25 participants per site. Applications are at: www.coloradofamilyleadership.com. Deadline to apply is Dec. 18, 2015. Classes start Jan. 16, 2016." [Source: FLTI]

The Colorado Health Foundation: Healthy Schools Funding Opportunities Webinar

“The Colorado Health Foundation invites you to join the Creating Healthy Schools webinar, which will provide an overview of new funding opportunities that include:

• Creating Healthy Schools: Local planning and assessment aims to support local planning, capacity-building and community collaboration efforts.         
• Creating Healthy Schools: Local implementation intends to assist strategy execution in specifics areas related to building or increasing healthy schools work. 
• Creating Healthy Schools: Statewide systems building supports systems-level and infrastructure work.

In addition, Foundation staff will discuss how to apply for funding and who to contact with questions. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. The webinar will be recorded and available online.

Register today for the webinar, scheduled from noon–1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Advance registration is required. For questions or assistance, please contact Samantha Travelstead, communications assistant, at stravelstead@ColoradoHealth.org or 303.953.3673.” [Source: TCHF]

Colorado PEAK Updates

"November Updates:

• Medical Assistance Disability Application: The State's disability determination application for Medical Assistance programs was incorporated into PEAK in June 2015; however, it was removed from PEAK on November 22 for review and reformatting. Applicants who require a disability determination will be prompted to print the disability application, which was the process prior to June.
• Error message on Job Income page in PEAK: Some applicants reported receiving an error message on the Job Income page in PEAK that indicated, "Your session has ended because of an error." This issue was resolved by Friday morning of last week. Those who experienced this issue should now be able to complete their application.

Community Partner Support Call: Support calls are scheduled to follow PEAK updates to discuss system performance and known issues. The next support call is Thursday, December 17, 3:00 - 3:45pm.  Phone: 877-820-7831; Access code: 349141#.

Submit a Request for PEAK Outreach Materials or Training: PEAK Outreach Materials including brochures, client business cards, and posters are available! Request materials printed in English/Spanish at peakoutreach.com/outreach-materials. Request training for your organization and access existing user guides, presentations, and webinars at peakoutreach.com/training." [Source: Colorado PEAK]

ClinicNET Health Equity Webinar December 2nd, REGISTER TODAY!

ClinicNET is hosting a webinar on December 2nd, noon-1pm, featuring Aditi Ramaswami from the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved. Join us on your lunch break for a presentation and discussion about health equity and social determinants of health and why this information is important in a clinical setting.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Please contact JoJo Gelderman at johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org with any questions.

Colorado Medicaid and CHP+ Provider Revalidation & Enrollment - available tools

"Colorado Medicaid and CHP+ Provider Revalidation & Enrollment Began September 15, 2015! New federal regulations established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require enhanced screening and revalidation for all Medicare, Medicaid, and CHP+ providers. All Colorado providers who want to continue, or begin, providing services to Medicaid and CHP+ members after March 31, 2016, are required to be validated and enrolled under new federal enrollment screening criteria. To meet these new requirements, as well as to ensure enrollment in the new claims processing system, Colorado providers must revalidate using the new Online Provider Enrollment (OPE) tool. Colorado Medicaid asks that providers complete your revalidation during your assigned revalidation and enrollment wave. The enrollment application is the same whether you are newly enrolling or revalidating.

• Click here for application instructions.
• Click here for an introduction to the application process" [Source: HCPF]

Contribute to ClinicNET on Colorado Gives Day, December 8th

Please consider supporting ClinicNET on Colorado Gives Day! On Tuesday, December 8, 2015, Coloradans will come together again to raise millions of dollars for nonprofits like ours.  Your donation will help ClinicNET continue to strengthen Colorado’s health care safety net for people in need by advancing health equity, health care access and innovative care delivery!

ClinicNET is grateful for the support we receive from our current funders, affiliates, and friends. Please consider making a contribution to ClinicNET at any time during the 24 hour period of December 8th or pre-schedule your donation now!

Thank you for your support!

ACC Phase II Concept Paper & ACC Reattribution update

ACC Phase II Concept Paper: HCPF published an Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) Phase II concept paper that describes the proposed program structure and HCPF’s goals for the next iteration of the ACC. It is meant to initiate conversations between HCPF, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the wide variety of stakeholders who deliver and receive services through Colorado Medicaid. Learn more about upcoming stakeholder opportunities on the ACC Phase II website.

ACC Member Reattribution:  Beginning in November 2015, and ongoing on a quarterly basis, HCPF will reattribute a subset of ACC members who have already been assigned to a Primary Care Medical Provider (PCMP). While most ACC clients are attributed to the correct PCMP, this change will re-assign ACC clients who have changed their utilization patterns (perhaps because of a move or other life event) and whose recent claims data indicates that they are seeing a new provider for most of their primary care. This change will not impact any clients who made an active choice of their PCMP by calling HealthColorado. Affected clients will be notified of the change to their PCMP assignment by mail. [Source: HCPF]

New Patient Navigator training opportunities available in December and January

“The Patient Navigator Training Collaborative has added new training opportunities. For the most up-to-date information on workshops and trainings visit the PNTC event calendar.

Level 1: Patient Navigator Fundamentals: Dec. 7-9, 8:30 am - 5 pm, in South Denver (Parker). Patient Navigator Fundamentals is a three-day in-person course with an online course component designed to improve your patient navigation skills. Course content includes: patient communication strategies, patient resources, introduction to motivational interviewing, and more.

Level 2: Advanced Health Behavior Change: Dec. 11, 9 am - 5 pm, at Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. This course focuses on chronic disease, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention and control. It is hybrid course which includes an online component and a one day skills practice workshop designed for patient navigators, care coordinators, clinical and non-clinical practice staff.

For supervisors: Using Evaluation for Program Improvement and Capacity Building for Patient Navigation: Jan. 13-14, 2016, 9 am - 5 pm, in Arvada. This two-day course offered by the Denver Prevention Training Center is designed to meet the needs of Patient Navigator Supervisors who want to increase basic evaluation skills.” [Source: PNTC]

Colorado Medical Home Community Forum Dec. 8: Integrated Care

“RSVP today for the next Colorado Medical Home Community Forum about Supporting Integrated Care Through SIM and ACC 2.0 on December 8th 4:30-6:30pm. Presenters include Kathryn Jantz, ACC 2.0 (Dept. of Health Care Policy and Financing); Kyle Knierim, MD, SIM (University of Colorado Health Sciences Center); and Nicole King, SIM (Dept. of Health Care Policy and Financing).

The event will be held at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, DOC Room, Building A, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. RSVP by clicking here. You can also attend the meeting via the webinar link and call-in 1-877-820-7831 - Participant passcode: 300218#. Contact Anne Jones at anne.jones@state.co.us with questions.” [Source: Colorado Medical Home Initiative]

Outreach and Enrollment Materials and Resources

Webinar: Increase Coverage and Health Insurance Literacy Among Minority Groups: This free recorded webinar from the National Institute for Health Care Management explores ways to increase coverage among minority populations and to improve understanding of how to use health insurance to access care.

Updated Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Health Care Reform FAQs:  The KFF updated and expanded its searchable collection of nearly 300 Health Reform Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Designed to help consumers and the HCGs, brokers, and others who assist them, the FAQs cover eligibility for subsidies, the individual mandate to maintain health coverage, situations affecting young adults, women, early retirees, immigrants, and people with job-based health plans, standards for affordable health plans, tax forms, and tips for the self-employed and other consumers with variable incomes.

Updated Outreach Materials Now Available from the Piton Foundation: The Piton Foundation updated its health coverage outreach materials from 2014 for the 2015-16 open enrollment period.

HCPF Open Enrollment Resources for Medicaid and CHP+:  Because there is no open enrollment period for Medicaid or CHP+, and individuals who qualify can apply and enroll at any time, HCPF is focusing its communication efforts on connecting consumers and assisters with the resources they need to smoothly navigate the health coverage application process during this busy time. Resources for assisters include:  Open Enrollment Year 3 Guide  and Where to Go for More Information.

Outreach Materials in Other Languages Available: The Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign offers a variety of materials – posters and palm cards – in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Portuguese, and Tagalog. These materials provide an easy-to-understand overview of Medicaid and CHIP – and direct families to enrollment resources. You can also customize these pieces with your organization’s logo and contact information at no cost.

Cardiovascular Population Management and Diabetes Management webinar featuring Kaiser Permanente

“On December 8, 2015 at 11:45am-1:00pm, providers from Kaiser Permanente will present on cardiovascular disease management and diabetes management (more information to come next week). See the meeting details below. If you have difficulty logging in, please contact Ryan Flach, at rflach@cchn.org.

To Join the Meeting:
In your web browser, go to: https://kponline.webex.com/kponline/j.php?MTID=m585b0b9533175146445e4ca4a17c8bf9

Meeting number: 578 723 641
Meeting password: CPMG1234
(707) 256-2401
Access code: 578 723 641" [Source: CCHN]

    

Connect for Health Colorado Updates - new tools available

• "More than 2,325 appointments have been made through the Connector, the Enroll-America-developed tool that lets anyone make their own appointment at a Community-Based Assistance site. And more than 2,100 people have submitted contact information to our broker lead generator so that they will be contacted by a broker to assist with enrollment.
• With open enrollment underway, it’s critical that consumers are aware of the impact that health coverage can have on their lives. The Colorado Consumer Health Initiative CCHI has created Care Matters, Colorado, a series that combines stories of real Coloradans getting covered with interactive graphics.
• Families whose children receive social security benefits, including Social Security disability income, survivors’ benefits, or retirement income and who applied for health coverage assistance before March 1, 2015, and were rejected — should reapply now. They may qualify for Medicaid or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) or for financial assistance through us. Read this notice.
• To find in-person help at an assistance site, including Certified Application Councelors (CACs), Health Coverage Guides (HCGs), and certified broker you can: schedule an appointment online; find a certified assister by county; visit a walk-in enrollment center; have a broker contact a clinent.
• Current Connect for Health Colorado customers will soon receive notices outlining their 2016 coverage renewal options. Customers may be eligible for auto-renewal if: their plan is being offered in 2016; their address, household income, and household size has not changed; and they want to keep the same plan. To auto-renew coverage, customers need to make their first 2016 premium payment by Dec. 25, 2015, for coverage to start on Jan. 1, 2016.
 " [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

Free online resource now available for individuals with chronic health conditions

"Individuals with chronic health conditions are invited to enroll in a free six-week online workshop to learn ways to take better control of their health and their lives. Supported by federal grant funds from the Administration for Community Living, the six-week computer-based class is being offered to a limited number of Colorado residents on a first-come, first-served basis through February 2016.

Called Better Choices, Better Health, the online workshop was designed by Stanford University for adults with conditions including diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disorders, liver disease, multiple sclerosis, bipolar disorder, depression and many others. Participants log on at their convenience each week for about two hours per week. Leaders and participants use e-mail and message boards to interact with each other, share their experiences and offer suggestions and support.

Register at Better Health, Better Choices, or contact Connie Young at connie.young@state.co.us at the Colorado Department of Human Services Division of Aging and Adult Services for more information." [Source: COPrevent]

ClinicNET Health Equity Webinar December 2nd, REGISTER TODAY!

ClinicNET is hosting a webinar on December 2nd, noon-1pm, featuring Aditi Ramaswami from the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved. Join us on your lunch break for a presentation and discussion about health equity and social determinants of health and why this information is important in a clinical setting.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Please contact JoJo Gelderman at johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org with any questions.

November 13 Affiliate Convening

Thank you to those who joined us for our Affiliate Convening on November 13th! We had wonderful presenters and discussions on topics including policy and advocacy, practice transformation, access to care and coverage data, Medicaid and more. Be sure to check out the convening materials if you missed it - all PowerPoint slides and handouts are available on our Affiliate Only webpage.

If you attended the convening and did not complete the evaluation, please click here to do so. We greatly appreciate your feedback!

Save the date for the following 2016 ClinicNET events!

• Kaiser Permanente Educational Loan Repayment for Safety Net Clinical Support Staff - application cycle January 1-31, 2016 (more information to come)
• Safety Net Clinic Week 2016 - August 15-19
• 2016 Affiliate Convenings (tentative) - June 9th and November 10th

Next ClinicNET Practice Administrator and IT Cohorts December 3

The next ClinicNET affiliate Practice Administrator Cohort is scheduled for December 3, 11:00am-1:00pm and the next IT Cohort is scheduled for December 3, 1:00-3:00pm. Both cohorts will be hosted at Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics, 9197 Grant Street, Suite 100, Thornton, CO 80229.  Please RSVP to Brooke Powers at brooke.powers@clinicnet.org. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Contribute to ClinicNET on Colorado Gives Day, December 8th

Please consider supporting ClinicNET on Colorado Gives Day! On Tuesday, December 8, 2015, Coloradans will come together again to raise millions of dollars for nonprofits like ours.  Your donation will help ClinicNET continue to strengthen Colorado’s health care safety net for people in need by advancing health equity, health care access and innovative care delivery!

ClinicNET is grateful for the support we receive from our current funders, affiliates, and friends. Please consider making a contribution to ClinicNET at any time during the 24 hour period of December 8th or pre-schedule your donation now!

Thank you for your support!

CICP Newsletter - November 2015

"The CICP newsletter is for CICP providers. The information contained in the newsletter is to provide clarification on CICP policies and procedures, and updates on Departmental news.

The November 2015 newsletter includes information on:

• CICP Stakeholder Forum
• Department Updates
• Department Communication Policy
• CICP Providers in the News
• Open Enrollment
• Breaking Medicaid News
• Frequently Asked Questions"  [Source: HCPF]

Patient Navigation Resources

Patient Navigation Training Collaborative: http://patientnavigatortraining.org/courses/
The Patient Navigator Training Collaborative offers a full curriculum designed to prepare new patient navigators or improve patient navigation knowledge and skills. The curricula have been developed by content experts including patient navigators, healthcare providers, educators and trainers. Expert trainers lead interactive and engaging courses. Courses vary in length and some are available online. All courses offer a certificate of completion.

PN and CHW Portal Powered by United Way 2-1-1 Portal Link (Under construction): https://chwpn.communityos.org/cms/
Through the PN and CHW Portal, navigators can connect with peers within their community and statewide to ensure seamless transition of care throughout the continuum linking to resources.  2-1-1 is in place as a support mechanism and ‘powers’ the PN CHW portal  that helps as a  backdrop of over 13,000 resources-in addition to the several hundred programs that have CHW and PNs connected within the portal. If you have a service or program to be included in the portal, click here to enter your program information.

Colorado PN and CHW Collaborative: https://sites.google.com/site/copnchwcollaborative/home
The Community Health Worker and Patient Navigator Work Group is a statewide coalition comprised of local and state agencies, advocacy groups, philanthropic organizations and public & private health plan representatives.  This group coalesced in an effort to align all of the various patient navigator/community health worker/promotoras groups in our state and identify and develop a sustainable model for this important work.

CDPHE policy for providing information about Medicaid or Connect for Health Colorado

“Please see the memo creating a standard policy that all Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) contractors that provide direct clinical services provide Colorado Medicaid and Connect for Health Colorado information to clients presenting for services at their agencies.” [Source: CDPHE]

Colorado Health Institute Webinar: Making Sense of New Numbers, Access to Care

“The Colorado Health Institute is hosting a webinar on Thursday, December 3, 12:00-1:00pm : Making Access Accessible – How Do We Paint the Picture of Access To Care In Colorado? Arguably, access to health care is a much more complicated concept to measure than insurance coverage. A patient must have a medical provider in his or her community, transportation to get there and funds to afford whatever out-of-pocket costs are involved. In addition, the chances that a person will get the care that they need are improved when they have adequate health insurance that is accepted by their provider. Jeff Bontrager and Nina Roumell will help you understand what the tools on access to care are really saying – including the hot-off-the-press 2015 Colorado Access to Care Index. Click here to register.” [Source: CHI]

Colorado Medical Home Community Forum Dec. 8: Integrated Care

“RSVP today for the next Colorado Medical Home Community Forum about Supporting Integrated Care Through SIM and ACC 2.0 on December 8th 4:30-6:30pm. Presenters include Kathryn Jantz, ACC 2.0 (Dept. of Health Care Policy and Financing); Kyle Knierim, MD, SIM (University of Colorado Health Sciences Center); and Nicole King, SIM (Dept. of Health Care Policy and Financing).

The event will be held at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, DOC Room, Building A, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. RSVP by clicking here. You can also attend the meeting via the webinar link and call-in 1-877-820-7831 - Participant passcode: 300218#. Contact Anne Jones at anne.jones@state.co.us with questions.” [Source: Colorado Medical Home Initiative]

Applications Being Accepted for New eHealth Office Commission

“Gov. John Hickenlooper is calling for applications to serve on the eHealth Commission, a newly formed group that will provide advice and guidance to Office of eHealth. The eHealth Innovation Office will promote and advance the secure, efficient, and effective use of health information, and help to inform future health information technology initiatives. The eHealth Commission will provide advice and guidance to the Office of eHealth Innovation. Hickenlooper created the Office of eHealth Innovation and eHealth Commission following extensive discussions with stakeholders in the health information technology community.

The eHealth Commission will consist of up to 15 members appointed by the governor. The Individuals with experience and knowledge in primary health and behavioral health care delivery, health insurance, non-profit health IT-related community organizing, interoperability and data exchange, consumer engagement in health care and health care quality measures are encouraged to apply. Applications for the eHealth Commission are being accepted by the Governor's Office of Boards and Commissions at:  https://www.tfaforms.com/290254.” [Source: Office of Governor Hickenlooper]

DORA works to streamline mental health licensing process

“The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is complementing the important efforts by the State Innovation Model to improve access to mental health providers.  DORA's Division of Professions and Occupations is working to streamline the licensing process to more quickly release qualified mental health providers into the community and to minimize regulatory burden.  The Division houses 6 licensing and regulatory boards for mental health professionals including Addiction Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychologists, Registered Psychotherapists and Social Workers.

The Division's initiative focuses on three key components of the licensing process:

1. Improved inter-state mobility through streamlined endorsement: The Division is seeking stakeholder input concerning endorsement rules at a meeting on November 30, 2015 from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Mental health providers, patients, family members, employers and other members of the public are encouraged to attend.
2. Expedited education equivalency reviews: The Division is researching resources to speed reviews of education equivalency, a cumbersome set-back in the licensing process for international candidates.
3. Enhanced resources and assistance for the state jurisprudence exam: The Division released new study materials for the jurisprudence exam.  The new study guide "Test Outline, Specifications and Resources" is available online.” [Source: DORA]

Medicaid Updates: Governor’s budget proposal, ACC Phase II updates, reattribution of ACC patients

“Medicaid Proposed Budget for 2016-2017 and Provider Rate Impact: Last Monday, November 2nd, Governor John Hickenlooper released his 2016-17 state budget proposal. Because of TABOR amendment limits on state spending growth, the legislature will be forced to cut more than $370 million from the state’s budget for the next state fiscal year. While the Governor’s proposal calls for cuts across all budget categories, there are particularly deep cuts called for in the Medicaid program, including cuts to the primary care reimbursement rates.

Accountable Care Collaborative Phase II Concept Paper: The Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) is the core delivery system for Colorado Medicaid, with more than 940,000 members enrolled as of August 2015. Since its inception, the ACC has been intended to be an iterative program, driving a steady and sustainable shift in the delivery system from one that incentivizes volume to one that incentivizes value. The Regional Care Collaborative Organization (RCCO) contracts expire in July 2017, creating an opportunity to evolve the program during Phase II of the ACC. In mid-October, HCPF released the ACC Phase II Concept Paper, inviting dialogue with the community. HCPF has organized numerous opportunities to solicit public feedback. Click here to read the Concept Paper, stakeholder forum schedule and more information about the development of ACC Phase II.

Reattribution of Medicaid ACC Patients is Happening Now: Beginning in October 2015, Medicaid has begun to run the attribution algorithm on all systematically-attributed ACC clients on a quarterly basis and allow the system to assign those clients to PCMPs based on claims history over the most recent 12-month period. Clients will be notified of the change to their PCMP assignment via normal notification processes (a letter to the client informing them of the assignment which is sent before the effective date).

This process will initially result in the reassignment of about 78,000 clients. Recognizing the potential financial impact of these reassignments on some providers, Medicaid will be providing the RCCOs with lists of the approximate total number of reassignments by each provider ID. It is anticipated that in subsequent quarters the number of clients reassigned will be significantly lower. Read the entire Policy Statement here for more details.

Read the full Colorado Children’s Heathcare Access Program’s Practice Manager Newsletter for more information on:

• Medicaid Provider Revalidation & Enrollment Update
• Psychiatric Consultation for Children
• Cavity Free at Three Training Opportunity
• ECHO Colorado Learning Series Opportunities” [Source: CCHAP]

National Diabetes Month: New Tools to Help Providers and Patients

“November is National Diabetes Month, a time dedicated to spreading awareness about diabetes and the countless people impacted by it. The American Diabetes Association has partnered with the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to publish a joint position statement about the importance of self-management, education, and support for patients living with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

The National Diabetes Education Program is also promoting new tools for providers. They’ve highlighted 10 guiding principles designed to help providers deliver high-quality care to patients with or at risk for diabetes. For more information and resources for people with diabetes, family and caregivers, health care professionals, and the community, visit NDEP’s website here.

Colorado has also been greatly impacted by type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Nearly half a million Coloradans suffer from the disease, and more than 1 in 3 Coloradans has prediabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program is aimed at providing those Coloradans with the education and support they need to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes. Click here to learn more about the DPP in Colorado. For a list of CDC-recognized DPP programs in Colorado, click here.” [Source: COPrevent]

The Colorado Health Foundation – Creating Healthy Schools funding opportunities

“The Colorado Health Foundation would like to hear from school districts, charter schools, nonprofit organizations and government agencies that are interested in future Creating Healthy Schools funding opportunities which includes:

Creating Healthy Schools: Local Planning and Assessment, aims to support local planning, capacity-building and community collaboration efforts.

Creating Healthy Schools: Local Implementation, intends to assist strategy execution in specifics areas related to building or increasing healthy schools work.

Creating Healthy Schools: Statewide Systems Building, supports systems-level and infrastructure work.

Intent to Participate forms are requested by Nov. 30, 2015. Following the November deadline, organizations interested in this work are invited to submit a grant proposal to the Foundation in February 2016. Submitting the Intent to Participate form does not guarantee future funding.

We are eager to hear both from existing partners and those we have not worked with before. Based on feedback in the Intent to Participate forms, the Foundation will provide information and guidance to support local organizations in developing their applications. Please see additional details in the Intent to Participate forms and funding opportunities. We welcome your feedback on what would be most helpful as you consider applying.

Please contact Tiffany Perrin, program officer, Healthy Living, at TPerrin@ColoradoHealth.org ot 303.953.3617 with questions.” [Source: TCHF]

Gates Family Foundation: Grants for Capital Projects in Colorado

“The Gates Family Foundation provides support to Colorado nonprofit organizations that have meaningful impact and enhance the quality of life for those visiting, working, and living in the state. The Foundation supports capital projects that fall within the following categories: Arts and Culture; Parks, Conservation, and Recreation; Education; Well-Being of Children, Youth, and Families; and Community Development and Revitalization. Applicant organizations should incorporate green building and sustainable development practices into their projects whenever possible. In addition, applicant organizations must be based in Colorado. Proposals are reviewed quarterly; the first application deadline of 2016 is January 15th. Visit the Foundation’s website to review the application guidelines.” [Source: Gates Family Foundation]

CO Commission on Affordable Health Care - Nov. 16th Meeting

“The next meeting of the Colorado Commission on Affordable Health Care will take place Monday, November 16th from 1:30 – 4:00pm at COPIC in the Mile High Room, 7351 E. Lowry Blvd. The meeting materials can be found on the Commission website at: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cocostcommission/commission-meetings” [Source: CDPHE]

Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee Positions Open

“The Department’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee is an advisory board established to perform clinical reviews of drug classes and to help the Department develop and maintain the Medicaid Preferred Drug List (PDL).  The P&T Committee is required to consider clinical criteria such as drug safety and efficacy when making recommendations.  The committee also considers public comments and testimony related to drug classes being reviewed or other PDL-related agenda items.  The committee meets quarterly in January, April, July and October from 1:00-5:00pm at the Department’s offices in Denver.

The Department is currently accepting applications for the following positions on the P&T Committee: four (4) openings for physicians; three (3) openings for pharmacists; and one (1) opening for a Medicaid member representative.

Interested individuals are invited to submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) along with a completed Conflict of Interest form by December 1, 2015 to:

Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
Attn: Kelli Metz
1570 Grant Street
Denver, CO 80203
Or fax to 303-866-3590, Attn: Kelli Metz” [Source: HCPF]

Colorado Medicaid Implements New Benefit for Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME)

“The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is providing an opportunity for Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics and safety net clinics to acquire accreditation of their Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program through either the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) to ensure that DSME programs meet national standards.

The toolkit and scholarship application are available on CDPHE’s Diabetes Partner Resources. All applications should be received by Nov. 30, 2015 to be considered.” [Source: CDPHE]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates – open enrollment and health insurance literacy resources

• “Open Enrollment got off to a smooth start. Hope you have seen the new look and feel of our website. Research and users were telling us a page more oriented to tasks – “Compare Plans, Renew for 2016, etc. -- would improve the user experience. If you haven’t already, check it out now.
• In health insurance, we speak a language a lot of people don’t understand. It puts off consumers and can be confusing. We have a series of plain language videos with some very young experts that we hope will help you in your conversations with healthcare consumers. Find them here.
• The Colorado Health Foundation has updated some resources from the Building Better Health conference and posted the full collection on their website.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

Changes to rule 8.960 for the Senior Dental Program

“This is to notify stakeholders that there will be technical changes to Rule 8.960 for the Colorado Dental Health Care Program for Low-Income Seniors (Senior Dental Program).  Click here to view the changes. This change ONLY clarifies covered dental care services under the Senior Dental Program and makes no changes to the existing program policy, covered services, or eligible seniors.  The clarification includes diagnostic imaging, emergency services, endodontic services, evaluation, oral and maxillofacial surgery, palliative treatment, periodontal treatment, preventive services, prophylaxis, removable prosthesis, and restorative services.

The Public Rule Review Meeting is scheduled for November 23, 2015, the Medical Services Board initial approval is December 11, 2015, and the MSB final adoption date is January 8, 2016.  If you should have any questions or comments please send those to chandra.vital@state.co.us or by phone at 303-866-5506.” [Source: HCPF]

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! November 13th ClinicNET affiliate convening

ClinicNET Affiliate Convening

November 13, 2015

8:00am - 3:00pm

Mile High Room at COPIC

7351 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO

ClinicNET Affiliates! Please join us for a day of education and networking! Light breakfast and lunch will be served and there will be time to connect with your peers in the Community Safety Net Clinic world! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

We have a full agenda, including:

• What to anticipate in the 2016 legislative session
• Insights into the state budget
• Discussion with the Medicaid Director
• Colorado's numerous practice transformation initiatives
• Access to Care Index and how data can support your work
• ECHO Colorado and the benefits of participating in this new program
• Screening opportunities through patient navigation

The ClinicNET Affiliate Leadership Cohort will meet immediately after the convening at COPIC in Mile High Room at 3:15-5:15pm. RSVP to brooke.powers@clinicnet.org if you plan to attend.

Contact johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org with questions. 

Women’s Wellness Connection request for applications (RFA) now open!

“The Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC) program is currently accepting Request for Applications (RFA) for both clinical services and care coordination funds as part of an Open RFA. The intention is to increase the number of women screened for breast and cervical cancer in the state of Colorado. For more information about the two funding opportunities, please see below:

Clinical Services Program: This program provides financial support to clinical services organizations to provide breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services for uninsured and under insured women who meet WWC’s age, income, and lawful presence criteria as outline in the WWC Provider Toolkit.

Care Coordination Grant Program: This program provides financial support to clinical services organizations to increase care coordination related to breast and cervical cancer screening for insured women who otherwise meet WWC’s age, income, and lawful presence criteria as outlined in the WWC Provider Toolkit.

Applications are due by November 16, 2015 and March 14, 2016. Application documents and information can be found at www.colorado.gov/cdphe/wwc-funding. If you have any questions, please email them to the WWC program staff at cdphe_wwc@state.co.us.” [Source: Women’s Wellness Connection]

Mile High United Way Accepting Grant Proposals through Nov. 20

"Mile High United Way is now accepting proposals for their Strategic Investment Grants through November 20, 2015. They are very excited to provide this opportunity for nonprofits serving children, families and individuals in the Metro Denver area. They invest in proven programs that work to achieve lasting, measurable results focused on ensuring:

• Children enter school ready to succeed  
• Children are reading at or above grade level by the end of third grade 
• Youth graduate from high school ready for post-secondary education and entry into the workforce 
• Individuals and families have their basic needs met and are afforded every opportunity to move toward economic success

Proposals are due to Mile High United Way on November 20, 2015 by 4 p.m. Click here for more information." [Source: Mile High United Way]

Diabetes Self-Management Education Policy and Accreditation Scholarship Application

“The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is currently providing an opportunity primarily for Safety Net Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Centers (though others with billing ability and high need will be considered) to acquire accreditation of their Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program through either the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) to ensure that DSME programs meet national standards.

• Consideration of applicants will be based on a number of factors (listed in the application) and the number of requests received.
• CDPHE support will cover the cost of accreditation only. 
• Please note all applications should be received by November 30, 2015 to be considered.

A DSME toolkit and the scholarship application are available on CDPHE's website at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/diabetes-partner-resources.” [Source: CDPHE]

What You Need to Know on Final Meaningful Use Rulings – summary from CORHIO and additional materials

“Earlier this month, the final Meaningful Use rulings from CMS were published, which affect all stages of the program. Click here to view a summary of those changes along with informative slides from CORHIO’s recent educational event, including more details on new Meaningful Use objectives.” [Source: CORHIO]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates – Open Enrollment is here

• “Open Enrollment is finally here and we’re ready to enroll. We’ve got some exciting new tools, including a tool to schedule an appointment with a Health Coverage Guide online. Check it out.
• The legislative committee who oversees us voted unanimously this week to approve Kevin Patterson as the permanent Chief Executive Officer, making final the action earlier this month by our Board of directors. Read more.
• The Colorado HealthOP’s departure from the 2016 Marketplace affects a large number of our customers. We are contacting all of them by email and by telephone to help them with their 2016 enrollment. There’s no reason for anyone to wait now. There are 188 individual plans from eight carriers offered through us for next year, up from 176. Start shopping here.
• Who still doesn’t have health insurance? The New York Times has teamed up with Enroll America and Civis to map who has health insurance and who doesn’t on a national basis. Colorado looks better than most states. Have a look.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

Access to FREE online learning module on motivational interviewing

“The SBIRT Colorado initiative at Peer Assistance Services promotes prevention and early intervention services for risky substance use. They are partnering with Kognito to offer online learning modules to help Colorado health professionals (physicians, nurses, behavioral health specialists, health educators, patient navigators, etc.) build their motivational interviewing skills.

The simulations allow health professionals to assess their ability to practice conversations about substance use, trauma, mental health, chronic pain, suicide risk assessment and related issues with virtual patients in a primary care or emergency room setting. Through December 2015, Peer Assistance Services is offering the option to use one of the following simulation modules for FREE: At Risk in Primary Care or At Risk in the ED. It takes about one hour to complete a module and it is possible to complete it in more than one sitting. Click here for more information.

Organizations or individuals who would like to access this free learning module may contact Erin Sharp at esharp@peerassist.org.  Erin will send you the log-in information. Physicians and nurses are eligible to receive 1.5 CME or CNE contact hours. This free opportunity ends December 31, 2015.” [Source: Peer Assistance Services]