Young Invincibles? Why Young Adults Have Colorado’s Highest Insurance Rate

"Young adults aged 18-29 have the highest uninsured rate among any age group in Colorado. Despite the widespread perception that young adults do not buy insurance because they believe they are invulnerable, most cite cost as the true reason, according to a new report from The Colorado Trust’s 2011 Colorado Health Access Survey (CHAS).

Young Invincibles? Why Young Adults Have Colorado’s Highest Insurance Rate examines how many young adults in Colorado lack health insurance, the reasons they give for lacking insurance and the health insurance options young adults will have under the Affordable Care Act..."  [Source: The Colorado Trust]

Department of Health Care Policy and Financing Newsletters

The March At a Glance publication provides updates from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

Also, the third in the ACA Implementation Newsletter series of updates to keep eligibility partners and other stakeholders informed about Department of Health Care Policy and Financing activities and opportunities to participate in the implementation of the eligibility and enrollment provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is now available.

Your annual contribution to ClinicNET ensures you the member rate for The Forum!

The work and mission of our affiliate clinics and the strength of our partnerships give ClinicNET a trusted voice with public officials, policy professionals, and other stakeholders. ClinicNET will continue to draw from this strength as we further our mission and vision.

If you have not done so already, please make your annual contribution today to support ClinicNET. Your support will give you access to exclusive benefits. One of these benefits is the ability to register for The Forum 2013 at a member-only rate!

Application for Benefits Daunting

"According to an article in BenefitsPro, applying for benefits under President Barack Obama's healthcare overhaul could be as daunting as doing your taxes.  The draft of the application was released, and it runs 15 pages for a family of three.  Families USA Executive Director, Ron Pollack, expressed concern for the uninsured; he said they may be overwhelmed with the process and simply give up.  The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimates it will receive more than 4.3 million applications for financial assistance in 2014, with online applications accounting for about 80 percent of them.  Because families can apply together, the government estimates 16 million people will be served.

Read the full article here, which includes a list of pros and cons for how the reform is shaping up."  [Source: Colorado Rural Health Center]

Colorado Health Reports Released

"KIDS COUNT is a national and state-by-state project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation to track the status of children in the United States. The Colorado Children’s Campaign produces KIDS COUNT in Colorado! as part of that project. Ours is an annual data initiative to assess and share information about the well-being of Colorado's children and trends that are impacting their lives. The report is designed to provide user-friendly state and county data, helping decision makers and advocates understand the challenges and opportunities facing children statewide, and focus attention and resources on the most vulnerable children."  Click here to view the 2013 report.  [Source: Colorado Children's Campaign]

"The Colorado Health Foundation publishes annual updates on the current status of health, health care and health coverage in Colorado using data provided by various sources. The Colorado Health Report Card, which is produced in conjunction with the Colorado Health Institute, provides data on 38 key health indicators, such as prenatal care, access to health care and obesity, in five life stages..."  Click here to vie the report on 2012.  [Source: The Colorado Health Foundation]

Provide COHBE with feedback on the single streamlined application

Today the Merged Advisory Group Meeting discussed the application for financial assistance and affordability programs (single streamlined application).  Click here to view the agenda, presentation, and Online Federal SSAp Guidance.  If you are interested in providing feedback, please e-mailto Kyla Hoskins, Policy Analyst at COHBE, by Friday.

Update on Assistance Network Funding Opportunity

"This week, we announced that the deadline for submission of applications for the Connect for Health Assistance Network Funding Opportunity has been extended to April 19...We announced the grant funding opportunity on February 22 and have received a high level of interest statewide from organizations interested in providing local, in-person support to Coloradans. We’ve had two public stakeholder sessions and posted answers to more than 120 questions on our website. We have scheduled a third stakeholder webinar on April 1 to focus on assisting businesses. We are pleased to see that organizations are collaborating to build proposals for this new program and we look forward to seeing your ideas in a few weeks. Grant awards are expected to be announced in May. Learn more about the Connect for Health Assistance Network."  Click here to read full text.  [Source: COHBE]

Medicaid and Medicare Coding Available for Integrated Care

"As part of completing the Colorado (Promoting Integrated Care Sustainability (PICS) project recommendations, Medicaid and Medicare coding worksheets have been completed to assist in billing for integrated primary and behavioral care services.

A webinar and slides explaining the coding worksheets and their use can be found online. Scroll down to the billing/coding presentation called "Billing for Integrated Care Services — CO PICS" to access..."

Click the following links to access the documents:

• Medicaid Codes Available for Integrated Care 
• Medicare Codes Available for Integrated Care

For more information, contact Marilyn S. Gaipa with Care Solutions, LLC."

2013 National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program application cycle is now open!

"We are happy to report that effective March 21, 2013 (today), the 2013 National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program application cycle is now open! The application cycle will remain open through May 14, 2013.  The Application and Program Guidance can be found on the NHSC Website and contains all of the program requirements and details.

Highlights of 2013 NHSC Scholarship Program:

•     The NHSC Scholarship Program removes the burden of overwhelming educational debt, allowing health professions students to pursue their passion for primary care and serving the underserved.
•     For each year of financial support (up to four years) a Scholarship recipient serves one year (minimum two years) in an NHSC-approved site in high-need urban, rural, and frontier communities across the nation.
•     Scholarship support includes tax-free payment of tuition, required fees, other reasonable educational costs, and a monthly living stipend (taxable).
•     All students applying to the program must be a U.S. citizen or national and enrolled or accepted in an eligible degree program at a U.S. accredited school in Medicine: MD or DO; Dentistry:  DMD or DDS; Nurse Practitioner (Adult, Family, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Psychiatric, or Women’s health); Certified Nurse-Midwife; and Physician Assistant..."

[Source: National Health Service Corps]

Register for Celebrate Colorado! Moving Healthcare Forward Together

"Join the Colorado Foundation for Medical Care (CFMC), the Medicare quality improvement organization for Colorado, and healthcare professionals and partners from all facets in celebrating success, in learning and sharing best practices, identifying quality improvement strategies that build and strengthen our healthcare communities and improving the quality of care throughout Colorado.

The day will focus on four major themes:
- Using data to measure progress and success
- Leveraging partnerships to support local innovation
- Focusing on individualized care
- Creating value in healthcare
REGISTER NOW for the April 18 event (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the El Jebel Event Center in Denver or learn more."  [Source: COPrevent]

Advanced Leadership Training Program Now Accepting Applications for the Class of 2014

"The Advanced Leadership Training Program is designed to enhance the leadership skills of the individual participants, and to create an interdisciplinary network of leaders who are dedicated to the health and environment of our region.

The program is delivered to approximately 45 health and environment professionals in the Rocky Mountain region annually. As of May 2012, we have completed 14 classes and graduated over 550 fellows from Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming..."  Click here to learn more about the program and how to apply for the class of 2014.  Applications are due April 30th. [Source: RIHEL]

IHI Open School is available with special affiliate scholarships PLUS upcoming IHI Conferences!

Through a generous grant from Kaiser Permanente's Community BenefitProgram, ClinicNET is pleased to be able to once again offer access to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) offerings. This program, offers ClinicNET affiliates access to conference registration scholarships and travel support funding to participate in IHI activities.  This includes access to the IHI Open School.

The IHI Open School is an inter-professional on-line community for students, faculty, and professionals from all health disciplines that strives to advance and build skill in patient safety and quality improvement through education.  Students of the Open School are taking advantage of the school's virtual training and course work in quality improvement and patient safety. Although no prerequisites are required, individuals will participate in a rigorous, structured, web-based learning environment.  Click the following hyperlink text to view a flyer about the IHI Open School and course summaries.

ClinicNET affiliates will need to contact Program Manager Brooke Powers in order to receive the unique IHI Endowment scholarship code for completing the enrollment process.  Click here for further instructions once you have received the code.

Additionally, there are two upcoming IHI conferences that you may receive assistance to attend as a ClinicNET affiliate. Please contact us if you are interested.

• Improvement Skills for Tomorrow’s Health Care: The Experts’ Perspective: April 30-May 1, 2013, Cambridge, MA 
• Transforming Primary Care Practice: June 18-20, 2013, Denver, CO

Designing Consumer Assistance Programs: Resources from the Field

"This new NASHP brief, sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s State Health Reform Assistance Network, outlines major state decisions regarding consumer assistance strategies across four domains—outreach and engagement through marketing and advertising; enrollment assistance through navigators and in person assisters; engagement of insurance producers; and support through call centers and other communications. The brief provides examples of state decisions and lists valuable tools that state officials can use when determining how to meet the needs of new and existing consumers."  [Source: NASHP]

Leadership is for Everyone (LIFE) event

When: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on April 12, 2013
When: DoubleTree by Hilton, 83 East 120th Avenue, Thornton, Colorado

"The purpose of this educational event is to provide an annual leadership development and networking opportunity for the Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico region.

The goals for this event are to:

• Develop leadership skills & competence
• Stimulate dialog and reflection on leadership issues and concepts
• Encourage networkingBuild and strengthen the community of professionals connected to public and environmental health in our region..."  Click here to learn more and to register.  [Source: RIHEL]

HHS RFI: Advancing Interoperability and Health Information Exchange

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) "seeks input on a series of potential policy and programmatic changes to accelerate electronic health information exchange across providers, as well as new ideas that would be both effective and feasible to implement. To further accelerate and advance interoperability and health information exchange beyond what is currently being done through ONC programs and the EHR Incentive Program, HHS is considering a number of policy levers using existing authorities and programs." The complete RFI is available online.  Deadline for comments is April 21, 2013.   [Source: US Department of Health and Human Services]

[Webinars] Rural Health Virtual Training Gateway offer 3 HIT Webinars

"Establishing A Remote Telehealth Site with the VA: A "How To" Event
This is part of the Telehealth Resource Centers' national webinar series held the 3rd Thursday of each month.
1:00 p.m. Central Time
Cost: FREE
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2013
Format: Webinar

Things to Consider Before Signing a Health IT Agreement
The operational and financial role of health information technology ("HIT") is rapidly increasing. The provision of HIT services and products is generally governed by lengthy and complex agreements. Unless you are directly and actively involved in the negotiation process for each product or service, reviewing, understanding and evaluating these agreements can be a daunting task.
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Central Time
Cost: FREE
Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Format: Webinar

ACA's Opportunities for Improving Care Quality & Efficiency: A Three-Part Series
HIMSS has developed a three part series exploring how the healthcare reform bill will transform mandates into real world patient care. Each session builds on the content from past sessions, which are available on demand.
Part 2 Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Quality Measures Development: An Update
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Central Time
Part 3 Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Administrative Simplification and Operating Rules: An Update
10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Central Time
Gaining ROI By Implementing Federal Operating Rules
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Central Time
Consumer Access to Data and the State Insurance Exchanges: An Update
12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. Central Time
Cost: FREE
Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Format: Webinar"

[Source: Colorado Rural Health Center]

Second ACA Implementation Newsletter is out!

The second in the ACA Implementation Newsletter series of updates to keep eligibility partners and other stakeholders informed about Department of Health Care Policy and Financing activities and opportunities to participate in the implementation of the eligibility and enrollment provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is now available.  Click here to view it.

CO-OP Opportunity for Insurance Coverage

"When policy-makers decided not to include a public health insurance option in the Affordable Care Act, they compromised by adding the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) program to the law. Sponsored by consumer groups and other nonprofits, CO-OPs aim to offer consumers more options in states where few health insurers cater to individuals and small businesses. Colorado received a loan to create a CO-OP.

A new policy brief from Health Affairs and RWJF reviews the challenges facing CO-OPs as they prepare for open enrollment in October. Read the brief."  [Source: Colorado Rural Health Center]

New Colorado Patient Navigator Training Offered

"Denver Prevention Training Center is offering a two-day course April 16-17 designed for Patient Navigators who assist patients diagnosed with or at risk for chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. The training provides participants with a working knowledge of several behavioral and social science theories, the determinants of risk from those theories, and links them to prevention interventions in an interactive and applied manner. The course includes exercises in understanding the factors that influence behavior; an overview of the different levels of interventions; the introduction of a framework to link theory, behavioral determinants and interventions; and small group work to strengthen skills learned in the course..."  Click here to enroll.  [Source: COPrevent]

March Provider Bulletin and the new "ACA Implementation News

Click here to read the March Provider Bulletin. The index includes:

All Providers.........................................1
Medicare-Medicaid Enrollees.................1
Medicare/Medicaid Crossover Claims....1
Record Retention...................................1
Planning for ICD-10................................2
Second Phase NCCI..............................2
...and more. 

Also, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has a new publication called "ACA Implementation News."  It is meant to "keep county partners, Medical Assistance (MA) sites and other stakeholders informed about Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (Department) activities and opportunities to participate in the implementation of the eligibility provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)."  Click here to read the February 2013 issue.

[Source: Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing]

COPIC provides invaluable coverage through its Volunteer Physician Program

COPIC is invested in the health of Colorado’s safety net community.  Their Volunteer Physician Program offers a volunteer medical professional liability policy that is available to physicians providing volunteer and non-compensated services.   Several basic eligibility requirements apply including:

•     Physician must have a valid, current, unrestricted medical license
•     Physician must be providing services on a volunteer basis without any remuneration ( monetary or otherwise)
•     Physician cannot perform any obstetrical, prenatal, invasive or surgical procedures.
•     Physician can have consultation or courtesy privileges at a hospital but no admitting privileges
•     Coverage is free of cost but they do have to go through the underwriting process
•     Physicians actively insured with COPIC who would like to provide volunteer services should contact their COPIC underwriter for details

Each year, COPIC provides liability coverage for more than 75 Colorado and Nebraska physicians who qualify and deliver invaluable patient care. If you would like to find out more about the volunteer physician coverage and determine if you are eligible, please contact Sales at 720.858.6186 or sales@copic.com.

HRSA Offers Free Vouchers for Health IT Professional Examinations

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), in collaboration with The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is offering free vouchers to take the Health IT Professional Exams (HIT Pro Exams). These exams assess competency in one of six Health IT workforce roles:

•     Clinician/Practitioner Consultant
•     Implementation Manager
•     Implementation Support Specialist
•     Practice Workflow & Information Management Redesign Specialist
•     Technical/Software Support Staff
•     Trainer

...To request a voucher or additional information, email healthit@hrsa.gov. Voucher requests End April 1, 2013.  For more information, please visit ONC’s Health IT Professional Exam website.  [Source: HRSA]

Mark your calendars! Disaster Recovery and EHR Systems-A special Workshop you should not miss!!!

When: Tuesday April 2, 2013 from 10:30 am - 3 pm
Where: Colorado Rural Health Center, 3033 S. Parker Road, Suite 606, Aurora, CO 80014

Get the most out of your travel to Denver and consider arriving a day early for this special workshop on Disaster Recovery and EHR Systems!  The Colorado Rural Health Center and Data Services for Healthcare will:

•     present the latest innovations and concepts in developing and deploying an affordable and appropriate disaster recovery plan for your facility;
•     review disaster recovery and contingency plan policies and procedures.  Every participant will leave with an up to date HIPAA DR and Contingency plan policy and procedure template you can quickly adopt at your facility;
•     take a virtual tour of a Data Center that would provide the highest level of data security;
•     facilitate several roundtable discussions with industry experts on solutions for each participant's DR planning issues and concerns;
•     provide an update on what IT staff should do relevant to the recent HIPAA Omnibus Rule;
•     present on an innovative solution to internal audit of your EHR, PACS and other systems that create, maintain or store PHI;
•     present on Mobile Device Security trends and new solutions

Who should attend:

•     Critical Access Hospital IT leadership and staff
•     Rural PPS hospital IT leadership and staff
•     ClinicNet safety net clinics who have IT staff
•     Federally Qualified Health Centers

Fee: There is a nominal $25 fee to cover lunch and refreshments. Recognizing the burden attending may pose to our rural facilities DASH is offering a limited number of $200 scholarships to defray travel costs. These will be issued on a first come/first serve basis.  Details on signing up for these scholarship will be included on registration forms.

For more information email David Ginsberg, Senior Advisor at the Colorado Rural Health Center.  Registration coming soon! [Source: The Colorado Rural Health Center]

$25,000 Grants Available to Improve Patient Health Literacy

"The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) announces the availability of $25,000 grants for primary care practice groups to plan and implement practice management changes that will implement laboratory blood testing prior to physical examinations of patients, providing additional opportunities to improve patient health literacy.  Three awards of $25,000 each will be made to qualified clinics, in addition to educational tools designed to inform patients with low literacy skills about blood tests...

Walter 'Snip' Young, PhD, Senior Science Consultant
Nat'l. Assoc. of Chronic Disease Directors
14945 Foothill Road, Golden, Colorado 80401
wyoung@chronicdisease.org, 303-358-4681
If interested, contact Snip before March 29, 2013." Click here for more information.  [Source: Colorado Rural Health Center]

[Webinar] Strategies for Payment Reform in the States, Selecting Innovative Models

When: March 19, 3:00–4:30 pm (EDT)

"Join NASHP in continuing a webinar series that focuses on steps states can take and policy levers that are available to foster more integrated delivery systems. The second webinar, “Strategies for Payment Reform in the States: Selecting Innovative Models” will feature Michael Bailit, President, Bailit Health Purchasing, who will discuss a range of payment models, with attention paid to differing political landscapes across states. Presenters from two states will describe how they selected payment reform models and kick off the discussion. Access the first webinar in the series here."  Click here to register.  [Source: NASHP]

Registration is now open for Tomando Control Colorado (Tomando Control de su Salud)

"Have you been patiently waiting for the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program for the Spanish speaking community?  Your patience is being rewarded! Registration is now open for Tomando Control Colorado (Tomando Control de su Salud)! Join us in Lakewood, Colorado March 26- 29th.

Now is also a perfect time to register for COAW's Summer Academy for Older Adult Wellness. Registration is open, so enroll now to join us in Denver May 30 - June 4, 2013.Visit COAW's website to read all about Introduction to Falls Prevention Programming, as well as Instructor and Leader Trainings in Tai Chi, N'Balance, Matter of Balance, Stepping On and Healthier Living Colorado (CDSMP).  You have waited long enough! Click here to enroll now: COAW.org

COAW is now an authorized IACET Provider, offering CEUs for programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standard.  If you have any questions please contact me, or Pam Allen, Education and Communications Manager, 303-984-1845, 888-900-2629, or Pam@COAW.org." [Source: Consortium for Older Adult Wellness]

HCPF Stakeholder meeting to discuss the "churn" of individuals between Medicaid and the exchange

"Earlier this year, Governor Hickenlooper announced that Colorado will expand Medicaid for adults up to 133% of the federal poverty level as part of the Affordable Care Act.  Colorado will also be running its own state health insurance exchange, where eligible individuals and families will be able to shop for subsidized health insurance coverage.  In preparation for this expansion, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has been working with stakeholders, the Center for Health Care Strategies, SHADAC, and other states to understand the needs and characteristics of this newly eligible population.

We would like to ask you to save the date for March 18 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm for a stakeholder meeting to discuss “churn” – the movement of individuals between Medicaid and the exchange.  Understanding this movement is a critical element as we work to promote seamless coverage for clients whose program eligibility changes..."Please contact Sonja Madera, MS, Medicaid Program Development Specialist at the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing if you are interested in attending this meeting.  [Source: Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing]

Updates about activities of the Connect for Health Assistance Network

• "The Assistance Network has posted responses to questions about the Funding Opportunity. View the Funding Opportunity Questions and Answers.
• The Colorado Health Benefit Exchange's Connect for Health Assistance Network will host a final webinar on the Funding Opportunity on Tuesday, March 12th, from 10:30 am - Noon. Please note that this will be a webinar only session, so we ask that you register early as space is limited.  View more information about the Assistance Network or Register for the Webinar.
•  COHBE has learned there are several organizations that are interested in partnering with other organizations in order to perform the activities under this funding opportunity. To help connect potential partners, we will create a list of interested parties that will be posted on the Assistance Network webpage. This list will be updated as often as possible. Organizations wishing to find potential partners should submit the following information to the grants@cohbe.org : Organization Name, Contact Name,Phone #, Email Address, Location, Brief Description of what is being offered/sought." [Source: Colorado Health Benefit Exchange]                      

[Webinar] Using Clinical Decision Support in Safety Net Provider Settings

When:  Friday, March 22, 2:00 PM (ET)

"This webinar explores how safety net providers can implement and use a clinical decision support (CDS) system.  A CDS complements an electronic health record, helping to ensure that all patients in a practice receive appropriate and timely preventive services and the right test, the right medication, and the right treatment. Meaningful use requires that each clinician implement one CDS rule relevant to his/her specialty or clinical priority along with the capability to track compliance with the rule.
...Issues to be discussed include:

• How CDS can be integrated into the existing workflow
• How to use CDS to ensure quality care across various health care providers
• How to leverage internal or external data to track compliance

Presenters are:

• Clinical and Quality Leaders from the Community Health Center, Inc., Middletown, Connecticut
• Lisa Gall, DNP, RN, CFNP, LHIT-HP, Health IT Consultant, Stratis Health/REACH, Bloomington, Minnesota"

 Click here to register.  [Source: HRSA]

Aligning Incentives in Medicaid: How Colorado, Minnesota, and Vermont Are Reforming Care Delivery and Payment to Improve Health and Lower Costs

"Colorado, Minnesota, and Vermont are pioneering innovative health care payment and delivery system reforms. While the states are pursuing different models, all three are working to align incentives between health care payers and providers to better coordinate care, enhance prevention and disease management, reduce avoidable utilization and total costs, and improve health outcomes. Colorado and Minnesota are implementing accountable care models for Medicaid beneficiaries, while Vermont is pursuing multipayer approaches and moving toward a unified health care budget. This synthesis describes the common drivers of reform across the states, lessons learned, and opportunities for federal administrators to help shape, support, and promote expansion of promising state initiatives. It also synthesizes strategies and lessons for other states considering payment and delivery reforms. The accompanying case studies describe the states’ efforts in greater detail."  Click here to read the full case study.  [Source: The Commonwealth Fund]

Free Online Diabetes Self-Management Workshops

"Nearly half of all adults live with one or more chronic health conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis but millions struggle to find ways to manage their condition. Our Better Choices, Better Health® program helps. Better Choices, Better Health® (BCBH) is the online version of the internationally recognized Chronic Disease Self Management Program, developed and tested at the Stanford University Patient Education Center..."  Click here to view the flyer and learn how to participate.  Participation is free through March 31, 2013.  [Source: National Council on Aging]

Department of Health Care Policy and Financing February issue of At a Glance

The February At a Glance publication provides updates from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

Next TCHF Grant Application Deadline

The Colorado Health Foundation offers three grant application deadlines each year. Proposals must be received by 5 p.m. on the deadline date.  The next deadline is June 15, 2013.  Click here to learn more about the foundation's grantmaking program.

Beyond the Expansion Decision: Tackling the Other Medicaid Changes in the ACA

When:   March 13, 11:00-12:30 pm

"A panel of state officials and other experts will describe how states are preparing for the critical changes ahead within Medicaid, such as complex eligibility and enrollment requirements due in 2014."  Click here to register.  [Source: NASHP]

[Webinar] The Health Care Law 101 (in Spanish)

When: March 19 at 3:00 p.m. ET

The HHS Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships is hosting a presentation on the main provisions in the Affordable Care Act, the health care law, and how to access care in your community in Spanish.  Click here to register.

AMA Healthy Communities Funding: Diabetes Projects for Free Clinics

"The American Medical Association Foundation is accepting Letters of Interest for its 2013 Healthy Communities/Healthy America through March 15, 2013. This year, the program will address diabetes management and education projects for free clinic patients nationwide.

The foundation supports the efforts of physicians and other volunteers working at physician-led free clinics to provide quality, affordable health care. Healthy Community grants, which range between $10,000 and $25,000, support program-related expenses at clinics in communities where there is little government funding or support."  Click here to read more.  [Source: CCI Voice]

PEAK Updates

PEAK's monthly news communication contains several valuable updates and learning opportunities.

• PEAK Support Call - NEW DAY & TIME!!! Wednesday 3/6/2013, NOON for County and Community Partner Staff. To join the phone conference, simply dial (712) 432-0220 and then enter this code when prompted: 5642211#.  On Support calls the CO PEAK Outreach Team provides any significant PEAK system updates, and spend most of the hour with subject matter experts answering questions from county and community-based organization staff.  This is also a forum where staff can share best practices and collaboratively discuss ways to improve the system.
• Introduction to PEAK Webinar:  Wednesday 3/6/2013, 9:00 - 10:30AM for County and Community Partner Staff.  Join the CO PEAK Outreach Team for the 1.5 hour Introduction to PEAK webinar...To join the Introduction to PEAK webinar on Wednesday March 6th, 2013, please dial into audio at (866) 740-1260 and to connect to the webinar click HERE.
• Application Walk-through Webinar:  Monday 3/11/2013 for County and Community Partner Staff.  Would you like to the see the online application before you work with clients? Are you curious what the client sees when they complete an application online? Don't wonder any longer and join in this 1.5 hour session where the CO PEAK Outreach Team will dive into the application so that you can familiarize yourself with the questions that are asked! These sessions will provide plenty of time to ask questions and discuss how best to utilize PEAK to assist clients.
• Does Your Organization Have a PEAK Kiosk? If you didn't see the "PEAK View" last month, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and the CO PEAK Outreach Team are building a comprehensive list of PEAK kiosks across the state. If your organization offers a kiosk (actual kiosk, desk top computer in a lobby, iPAD, or laptop computer) for public use, please e-mail the CO PEAK Outreach Team.

[Source:  CO PEAK Outreach Team]

School-Based Health Center 2013 Request for Applications Released

"The School-Based Health Center Program posted its 2013 Request for Applications March 1. Applications are due back April 1 (no joke!). With more than $1 million available to help fund nearly 50 school-based health centers, a possible increase in State General Funds would allow for much-needed increases to the final award amounts.

The RFA is posted on the School-Based Health Center Program's webpage. Under the 2013 Request for Applications tab on the webpage are questions and answers, a link to the webinar hosted prior to posting the RFA, the Power Point that was used for the webinar and a link to the Quality Standards for Colorado School-Based Health Centers, the primary focus for this funding solicitation.

For questions, please contact Jo English at x2386 or jo.english@state.co.us."  [Source: COPrevent]

Our Mailing Address

Oh, how time flies!  It was nearly a year ago that we moved out of Suite 606 to our current office, Suite 500.  Our mail forwarding service is coming to an end shortly so if you would kindly make sure to send all written correspondences to our current address that would be greatly appreciated.  It is:

ClinicNET

3033 South Parker Road, Suite 500

Aurora, CO 80014

[Lecture] Prevention of Oral Disease

Ms. Andrea Wiseman, RDH is a National Preventive Specialist for 3M ESPE, and brings over 30 years of experience in dentistry to her presentations.  She provides her audience members a thorough review on CaMBRA; protocols for caries risk assessment, and dialog to assist the oral health care provider with patient communication. Audience members will also review fluoride varnishes and have the opportunity for a hands-on application. She will also review the basics of preventive medications, including new technologies, which assist patients in obtaining optimal oral health.

Date: Thursday, March 28, 2013
Time: Dinner & Registration - 5:30pm
           Lecture - 6:00pm
Location: MDDS Headquarters
                 3690 S. Yosemite Street
                 Denver, CO 80237
Fee: $29 Per Attendee (Includes dinner)

Click here to learn more about this learning opportunity and to register.  [Source: Metro Denver Dental Society]

The Colorado Health Foundation Launches LTSS Special Funding Opportunity

"The Colorado Health Foundation is releasing a special funding opportunity to support Colorado in designing a high-quality, cost-effective and person-centered long-term services and supports (LTSS) system. A balanced LTSS system will ensure people with disabilities and chronic conditions have choice, control and access to a full array of quality services that assure optimal outcomes, such as independence, health, quality of life and community integration. This vision aligns with the Foundation’s Health Coverage strategy to optimize coverage available through public programs, because we believe a more balanced LTSS system increases the long-term sustainability of Colorado’s Medicaid program"...Click here to learn more about this funding opportunity.  [Source: Colorado Health Foundation]