CICP Provider Reference Materials

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing have created a list of Reference Materials for CICP Providers, including:

• Attorney Subrogation Policy
• CICP Provider’s Statement of Responsibilities
• CICP Provider Directory
• CICP Ability to Pay Scale
• CICP Provider FAQ
• Oct 2013 – Dec 2013 Flow Chart
• Short Term Rating Letter
• Short Term Rating Letter - Spanish
• Health Insurance – VS – CICP
• Medicaid – VS – CICP
• Third Party User Access Request Form
• Third Party User Modification/Revocation Form
• CICP Fact Sheet
• CICP Fact Sheet - Spanish

Click here for more information. [Source: HCPF]

New HCPF Resources Available – How to Apply and What You Need to Apply

“The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has developed two new resources to help consumers wishing to apply for Medicaid, Child Health Plan Plus and financial assistance to purchase health insurance through the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace. We have posted the following new materials in English and Spanish on our website and encourage you to share these with the communities in which you work.

• How to Apply flyer
• What You Need to Apply handout/checklist

Drop-in article for your publications or website:
How to Apply for Insurance & What You’ll Need
Do you need health insurance coverage? Beginning in January 2014, more parents and adults without children will be eligible for Medicaid. If you do not qualify for Medicaid, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help buy health insurance through the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace. To find out how to apply and who you’ll need to complete your application click here.” [Source: HCPF]

Save the Date: Maternal Wellness Summit

“The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment invites you to "A Maternal Wellness Summit on Perinatal Mood Disorders" December 6th at the Summit Event Center in Aurora. This event will   focus on action-oriented steps health professionals can take to appropriately screen, refer and provide support for pregnant and postpartum women experiencing depressive symptoms or other perinatal mood disorders. Click here for more information.” [Source: COPrevent]

HIPPA Support for Healthcare Surveys – SurveyMonkey

“Want to use online surveys to collect protected health information? Now you can, safely and securely, in a manner compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA). With the PLATINUM plan, any covered entity can meet HIPPA obligations by turning on additional privacy and security safeguards and entering a HIPPA-mandated BAA with SurveyMonkey.  Learn more.  To understand more about your obligations under HIPPA, visit the Department of Health and Human Services.”  [Source: SurveyMonkey]

Webinar: Spotlight on Pain Management

“As part of the Spotlight on Pain Management webinar series, on October 1st, 11:00am-12:00pm ET, Robert Kerns, PhD, will present “Project STEP: The use of a mixed, qualitative and quantitative approach to studying and promoting implementation of the VHA Stepped Care Model of Pain Management.”

This presentation will report on initial findings from a foundation funded project designed to evaluate and facilitate processes of implementing the SCM-PM at VA Connecticut Healthcare System (VACHS) in order to identify best practice models to aid broader dissemination and implementation in VHA and in other integrated healthcare systems. Results of mixed qualitative and quantitative analyses will be presented for the four years of the study. National VHA and non-VHA, VISN and VACHS implementation initiatives will be described as important contexts in which to consider the results.

Click here for more information and to register.” [Source: Health Services Research and Development Service]

October 2013 PEAK View

This coming week, PEAK will undergo a large set of enhancements. During this time, PEAK will be unavailable from Friday, September 27 at 6:00pm until Monday, September 30 at 6:00am.

Colorado Benefits Management System and the PEAK Outreach Initiative invite our Community Partners, to join us on a series of Conference Calls following the September PEAK Enhancements. These Post-Build Calls will be help from 11:00am-11:45am daily from Sept. 30 – Oct. 3 and will allow you to provide feedback on PEAK performance and any issues. To join the call, dial 1-877-820-7831 and enter this passcode: 349141#.

Upcoming Webinars:

• 10/2, 2pm, October Enhancements
• 10/14, 1pm, New Application Walk-Through
• 11/6, 9am, Intro to PEAK
• 11/11, 1pm, New Application Walk-Through
• 12/4, 9am, Intro to PEAK
• 12/9, 1pm, New Application Walk-Through

Please contact cbms.help@state.co.us if you encounter any technological issues with the PEAK site. [Source: Colorado PEAK]

Special Addition ACA Implementation Newsletter and ACA Communications Updates

"Click here for the Special Edition ACA Implementation Newsletter from September 23, 2013. In this issue are updates on the progress and available resources related to the Affordable Care Act.

ACA Communications Updates

• The Single Streamlined Application for both Medicaid and Connect for Health Colorado that will be in effect on October 1, 2013 has been posted on our website.
• New Paper Application is ready
• Last week’s ACA News featured articles on training, the new consumer website and content from the Office of Information Technology and Connect for Health Colorado.
• New Cartoon is posted on Colorado.gov/health” [Source: HCPF]

Free Overview Course on the DSM-5

"Relias Learning has a free overview course on the DSM-5. This 30 minute course provides a basic overview of the DSM-5 and is appropriate for all levels of staff. View the Free DSM-5 Overview Course." [Source: CRHC]

The Marketplace – October 1 and HCPF Employees

“As you may know, Connect for Health Colorado, also referred to as the Marketplace, will be open on October 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small businesses to shop, compare and select the health insurance plan that makes sense for them. You may have seen some of the advertisements on TV, in print or on the sides of RTD buses. Previous marketing efforts by Connect for Health Colorado have been aimed at achieving name recognition and awareness of the coming launch. Newer advertisements will encourage consumers to purchase health insurance through the Marketplace.

• Enrollment and payment is due no later than December 15th for the first date of coverage in the Marketplace, which is January 1, 2014.
• Coverage through expanded Medicaid eligibility does not begin until January 1, 2014.

We have been working closely with Connect for Health Colorado so people have information about coming changes in insurance coverage. You can find more information at our website, Colorado.gov/health.

The Client Services, Eligibility and Enrollment Office has been working diligently to ensure that our eligibility system and Connect for Health Colorado’s system have as seamless a connection as possible. The Department has been providing training to county workers on the new eligibility rules, CBMS and PEAK systems. We have been partnering with the Marketplace on their training for their brokers, agents, Colorado health guides and assistance sites. The launch of the Marketplace and the coming Medicaid expansion bring together public and private health systems in new ways and has been months of hard work with our partners at Connect for Health Colorado. While we don’t know exactly what to expect when the Marketplace opens in October, we do know that the systems will continue to evolve and improve over time.

Day 1 Plans
We will have at least one HCPF employee on site at almost all of the 10 largest county offices in order to work directly with eligibility workers in case problems arise. Small and medium counties will receive a dedicated Eligibility Division contact person who will support through daily phone calls and email. The Medicaid Eligibility inbox and Help Desk will be available to all sites.” [Source: HCPF]

New SNAC Lab materials available online

“The Colorado Health Institute convened our fourth SNAC Learning Lab of the 2013-14 season on September 12. The session focused on access to care, and in particular sustaining safety net clinics in a fast-changing environment. Thanks to those of you who attended the forum and for your participation in the interesting discussion.

The Colorado Health Institute team has posted materials from the meeting here.  We will post a summary of the discussion in the fourth of a new series, Food for Thought: Updates from the Safety Net Advisory Committee (SNAC), in the next few weeks. You can read the first three installments of Food for Thought, including the summary of the July meeting on the Accountable Care Collaborative Payment Reform Initiative (HB12-1281) and information on a survey measuring how Medicaid patients experience care, here.

The next SNAC Lab meeting, which will focus on the Accountable Care Collaborative, is scheduled for Thursday, October 10, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., at CHI.  The dates for all scheduled SNAC Labs are below. You are welcome to attend either or both tracks.

• Track 1: Accountable Care Collaborative: October 10, 2013 & January 23, 2014
• Track 2: Access to Care: November 14, 2013 & February 27, 2014

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions:
Jeff Bontrager at 720.382.7075 or bontragerj@coloradohealthinstitute.org
Anna Vigran at 720.382.7095 or vigrana@coloradohealthinstitute.org" [Source: The Colorado Health Institute]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates

• “Applications for the Certified Application Counselor program are being accepted until September 30th. Learn more.
• County Snapshots are available to help show you – based on where you live – your options of insurance carriers, the range of insurance plan prices before tax credit savings, and the ways you can get help, including local organizations that are setting up Assistance Sites to provide in-person support to customers.
• Connect for Health Colorado has branded our own Colorado version of the Department of Labor Employer Notice. This form will have specific contact information for our Marketplace so that employees are able to access the help that they need. Learn more.
• Meet Connect for Health Colorado staff and partners at events statewide. Learn more.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

New HIPPA Guidance

“Guidance Issued on Refill Reminders and Other Medication Adherence Communications under the HITECH Act Omnibus Rule. You can access the new guidance materials at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/.

The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued guidance on how the changes to the HIPAA Privacy Rule’s marketing provisions under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act and Omnibus Rule apply to refill reminders and other communications about drugs or biologics currently being prescribed for individuals.  The new Fact Sheet and corresponding Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) explain how the refill reminder exception to the marketing rule works, and address both the scope of communications that fall within the exception, as well as the types of third party payments that are considered “reasonable” under the statute and regulations for making such communications.  In addition, the Secretary has decided, as an exercise of her discretion, not to enforce the restrictions on remunerated refill reminders and other communications about drugs and biologics for a period of 45 days following the September 23, 2013, compliance date, or until November 7, 2013. Also released are new fact sheets and FAQs that provide guidance on the Omnibus Rule changes to how the HIPAA Privacy Rule applies to decedent information and disclosures of proof of student immunizations to schools.” [Source: PrivaPlan]

11/5 and 11/6 Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach Training in Denver

“The Diabetes Training and Technical Assistance Center (DTTAC) will offer a Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach Training in Denver, Colorado on November 5 - 6, 2013. Is your organization planning on delivering the National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change program - the nation's foremost evidence-based program for the prevention of type 2 diabetes? The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is partnering with the Diabetes Training and Technical Assistance Center (DTTAC) at Emory University to bring National Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach Training to Colorado.

DTTAC Lifestyle Coach Training is a highly interactive, 2-day, in-person training with an expert DTTAC Master Trainer that provides your Lifestyle Coaches with the skills, knowledge and experience that they need to successfully facilitate the proven-effective lifestyle change program.

Dates: Tuesday, November 5–Wednesday, November 6, 2013; 9:00 am – 5:00pm both days

Location: Daniels Fund, 101 Monroe Street, Denver, CO 80206 (see http://www.danielsfund.org/About-Us/Location.asp)

Fee: $670 per person (Online payment option is available. The fee includes all training materials. Participants will break for lunch on their own.)

Register: Click here for more information and to register for the training by October 7th.” [Source: COPrevent]

ACA Implementation Newsletter

Click here for the latest ACA Implementation Newsletter from September 19th. This issue contains updates on consumer communications, trainings and links to ACA resources. Additionally, it contains updates from Connect for Health Colorado and the Governor's Office of Information Technology. If you would like to sign up to receive ACA Implementation News or our ACA Communication Updates please click here. [Source: HCPF]

OAP Webinar: Clinical Management of the Older Adult Patient

The Oral Health Unit from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will be conducting a webinar, Clinical Management of the Older Adult Patient: General Guiding Principles, on providing dental care for seniors on September 27 from 12:00-1:00pm. This webinar is for clinical and administrative staff of grantees for the Old Age Pension Dental Assistance Program.  Reserve your webinar seat now or listen by phone at 1-877-820-7831 (passcode: 54656). Please see the flyer for more details. [Source: Oral Health Unit, CDPHE]

AmeriCares Disaster Support for Safety Net Providers

In response to the recent flooding in Colorado:  “AmeriCares supports safety net partners who are impacted and who support efforts in the aftermath of disasters. We have the capability to provide product donations – including medicines, medical supplies, hygiene/cleaning items, etc. At times, we also have the ability to provide small grants. To learn more see the fact sheet. Please contact Kate Dischino for more information at KDischino@americares.org or 203.278.9918.” [Source: AmeriCares]

HRSA Health Information Technology and Quality Webinar - Telehealth for Safety Net Providers

“The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) presents a Health Information Technology and Quality Webinar, Telehealth for Safety Net Providers, on September 20th from 2:00-3:00pm ET.

Participants can REGISTER HERE.

Telehealth is the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration. Telehealth technology can be a valuable addition to a wide variety of care settings, and can effectively shrink the distance between nodes of underserved care.

Presenters will provide an overview of some programs available to support the use of telehealth for medically underserved populations, and highlight examples of how this technology is currently being used to treat patients.  Presenters include:

• Matthew Quinn - Director of Healthcare Initiatives, Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis, Federal Communications Commission
• Brian Christensen, RN - Clinical Telehealth Coordinator, REACH Network, Benefis Health System
• Gene Koppy -  Project Director and Telehealth Technical Specialist, REACH Network, Benefis Health System

Questions for presenters are welcome ahead of the event and may be emailed to healthit@hrsa.gov.” [Source:  HRSA]

Last chance to complete the SNCW 2013 Survey!

Are you a ClinicNET affiliate? Have you completed the Safety Net Clinic Week 2013 (SNCW) online survey? If not, this is your last chance to do so, click here to complete the online survey! Thank you!

NEW ClinicNET Website!

ClinicNET just launched our new and improved website!  Check it out at www.clinicnet.org.

We would like to highlight a couple of features:

• The Resources page contains useful resources for clinics and providers, including a section with health care reform information. Additionally you will find a running list of relevant and recent Articles and Publications, as well as Funding Opportunities.
• Our Event Calendar includes our events and those that our affiliate clinics and partner organizations are hosting!
• Check out our new map of Community Safety Net Clinics and Rural Health Clinics in Colorado.

We are constantly updating our website with new information and hope it is a valuable resource to you! Please let me know if you encounter bad links, etc.

JoJo Gelderman
Program Assistant, ClinicNET
johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org

New Colorado.Gov/Health Website

Colorado.Gov/Health has a new website to help Coloradans prepare for health insurance changes in Colorado. "We're here to help you find answers to your questions about the new health care laws and what they mean to you. We put the resources you need at your fingertips so you don't have to navigate multiple state agencies websites." [Source: colorado.gov/health]

Latino Elder Caregiver Community Meetings

"Colorado Latino Age Wave's Caregiving Project is for people who are caring for one or more elderly Latino loved ones. We need your help to learn about and advocate for services and programs that you need - and to support the well-being of Metro Denver's Latino older adults.  We invite you to a Caregiving Project meeting that is convenient for you. You will meet other caregivers and a meal will be provided. We will arrange care for your loved one (if needed), provide helpful information and resources, and give you a $50 gift card for sharing your experiences, ideas and opinions.

Chose one of the following meetings:

• September 27, 10:00-11:30am | 910 Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave., Longmont
• October 1, 3:00-4:30pm | Commerce City Senior Center, 6060 E. Parkway Drive, Commerce City
• October 2, 6:00-7:30pm | Seniors' Resource Center (JeffCo), 3227 Chase St., Wheat Ridge

Please reserve a space for one of the meetings by calling Lori Ramos Cavallo at 303.903.5900 five days before the meeting. Please view the Caring Project flyer for more information (also in Spanish)." [Source: Rose Community Foundation]

Information meeting about education amendment

Colorado Commits to Kids Campaign has invited Speaker Ferrandino to talk more with health advocates about this amendment and how it will interact with the budget. The meeting is set for September 25th at 1:30 at the Children's Campaign. It is open for anyone to come, and the information is in the attached here." [Source:  CCMU]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates

• “Connect for Health Colorado has branded our own Colorado version of the Department of Labor Employer Notice. This form will have specific contact information for our Marketplace so that employees are able to access the help that they need. Learn More.
• County Snapshots are available to help show you – based on where you live – your options of insurance carriers, the range of insurance plan prices before tax credit savings, and the ways that you can get help, including local organizations that are setting up Assistance Sites to provide in-person support to customers.
• Applications for the Certified Application Counselor program are being accepted until September 30. Learn More.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

CICP Transition Webinars

“The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will be hosting a training on the transition of CICP clients to Medicaid or Connect for Health Colorado. Two WebEx trainings are available:

• September 26th, 12:30pm - 4:30pm. Register here.
• October 3rd, 12:30pm - 4:30pm. Register here."  [Source:  HCPF]

People with Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace

"How do you best respond to questions from Medicare beneficiaries about the new Health Insurance Marketplace?  Please share this fact sheet from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

These FAQs are designed to reassure people with Medicare that the Health Insurance Marketplace won’t affect their Medicare coverage.  Please share and distribute this information widely with your Aging Network." [Source: COPrevent]

Grant Offers FREE Self-Management Program to Older Adults with Chronic Disease in Colorado

“The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a six-week, peer-led, evidence-based workshop developed at Stanford University.

Through a grant held by the Colorado Department of Human Services, State Unit on Aging, this workshop is currently offered free of charge to Coloradans age 60 and older with a chronic health condition or age 18 and older with a disability.  CDSMP gives participants the tools they need to set achievable goals, reduce stress, eat healthier foods and increase their physical activity. The program also cuts health care costs, reducing hospitalizations and physician visits.

Workshops are offered in counties across the state. Click here for full schedule.  [Source:  COPrevent]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates – New Resources

“We have new materials available for you to download on the Resources for Partners page:

• Tax Credit Resource Brochure
• Small Business Fact Sheet
• Small Business Trifold
• Updated Overview Presentation
• Updated Detailed Overview presentation

We’re now less than one month from the opening of the Connect for Health Colorado health insurance marketplace for individuals, families and small employers in Colorado.

In another exciting development, our new Customer Service Center is now open in Colorado Springs to answer general questions by phone. You can reach a representative Mondays through Fridays, 8 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays, 8 am to 5 pm, at 1-855-PLANS-4-YOU (855.752.6749).” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

Piton Foundation ACA Campaign

"The Denver-based Piton Foundation, a private, operating foundation that provides opportunities for children and families to move from poverty and dependence to self-reliance, is conducting a statewide public information campaign to help increase awareness about the new health coverage options available under the Affordable Care Act. Starting in October, low- to moderate-income, uninsured and under-insured Coloradans will have the opportunity to enroll in free coverage under Medicaid or purchase quality health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace.

As part of its outreach campaign, Piton has created a suite of educational materials in English and Spanish that organizations can use to help inform clients, patients and other potentially-eligible individuals about these new health coverage options. The materials include information on both the expansion in Medicaid eligibility and the ability for people to purchase lower-cost insurance through Connect for Health Colorado using federal assistance. Piton will provide these materials, which include a tri-fold brochure and poster, to organizations in any quantity needed for no cost.

The brochure and poster can be previewed here. To order printed copies of these materials in any quantity at no cost, please contact Melissa Viola at mviola@piton.org or 303.454.3768."  [Source:  Piton Foundation]

Safety Net Clinic Week 2013 Survey!

Are you a ClinicNET affiliate? Have you completed the Safety Net Clinic Week 2013 online survey? If not, click here to do so! Thanks!

Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC)

The mission of Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC) is to provide, promote and ensure quality breast and cervical cancer screenings for underserved women in Colorado and connect them to resources.  WWC provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings (clinical breast exams, Pap tests, pelvic exams and mammograms) to eligible women at more than 130 sites through cooperative efforts of multiple statewide providers, including federal qualified health centers, safety net clinics, local public health departments and non-profit organizations.

Program Eligibility:  Women’s Wellness Connection screenings are provided free to women who:

• Live in Colorado
• Are legal residents of the United States
• Are 40-64 years old
• Do not have health insurance or a deductible/co-pay significant enough to delay or prevent screenings
• Meet low-income guidelines (250 percent of federal poverty level or below)

WWC encourages women to call any of these toll-free numbers 866.951.9355, 970.356.5059, 719.545.4992.  If she does qualify, she will be transferred to schedule an appointment at the nearest WWC provider in her zip code area.

For more information, please visit their website – www.womenswellnessconnection.org.  [Source:  WWC]

Resources on Medicaid and Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace

“The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has published a series of resources for community partners and consumers to help spread the word about Medicaid and the new Connect for Health Colorado marketplace. The new resources are available for download on our website and now include Spanish language brochures, posters and flyers and a checklist for what you can do to help in the months to come.

In addition to the materials we are developing for you to download and share, below is a brief piece on the Medicaid expansion that we encourage you to use in newsletters, blogs and other communications.

Medicaid Expansion
Medicaid in Colorado is changing. Beginning in 2014, more adults without children and parents will be covered by Medicaid. Additionally, eligible children and pregnant women can still get insurance through Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). To learn more about who may qualify for low cost or free health care coverage through Medicaid or CHP+ click here.”  [Source:  HCPF]

PEAK Webinars and ACA Training

“New PEAK Application Walk-Through Webinar available:

• September 16 at 1:00pm
• October 14 at 1:00pm
• November 11 at 1:00pm
• December 9 at 1:00pm

October Enhancements Webinar available:

• September 17 at 2:00pm
• September 25 at 2:00pm
• September 26 at 1:00pm
• October 2 at 2:00pm

Intro to PEAK Webinar available:

• November 6 at 9:00am
• December 4 at 9:00am

Reminder:  The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is conducting Regional Trainings in conjunction with PEAK and Covering Kids and Families to deliver Community Partner training to Certified Application Assistance Sites (CAAS), Presumptive Eligibility (PE) Sites and other community organizations.  The Community Partner Regional Trainings will be two days and will be help concurrently with the Regional Trainings for County and Medical Assistance Sites across the state.  HCPF is also offering 3-day Medical Assistance (MA) and County ACA Trainings.  Click here for more information on these trainings. “ [Source:  PEAK]

Dental Benefits Stakeholder Opportunities - Next Meeting September 20

"The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is hosting a series of Dental Benefit Collaborative meetings to define the coverage standards for our newly approved limited adult dental benefit (SB13-242) and the children’s dental benefit. We welcome all stakeholder input.  For a meeting schedule and any additional information, please visit our benefits collaborative web page.

This is a reminder that the next Dental Benefits Collaborative meeting will be held Friday, September 20 from 9:00am – 12:00pm, at the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center | 11177 W. 8th Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80215.  Click here for the meeting agenda. You may check for agenda updates, read past meeting minutes and access the Dental and Network & Delivery Systems listening logs by visiting the website. The purpose of the September 20th meeting is to further discuss design of the Adult Dental Benefit, specifically:  endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics; and oral surgery.

To attend the September 20th meeting by telephone: dial 1.877.820.7831 and enter the passcode 423066 and then wait to be added to the conference.  Please mute your phone when you are not speaking by dialing *6*.

A recording of each of the Dental Benefit Collaborative Meetings will be made available for those who cannot participate.  To access the recording of the Aug. 23rd meeting:  dial 1.888.203.1112 and enter replay passcode 312363153." [Source:  HCPF]

State Innovation Model (SIM) Provider Stakeholder Group – Final Report

“Thank you to those who participated in the Colorado Health Care Innovation Plan Provider Stakeholder Group.  Click here for the final meeting report based on discussion during the August 15th gathering.  All three of the provider stakeholder meeting reports can be found on the Colorado SIM website under the Meetings tab.  The provider stakeholder group meetings have concluded.  We welcome you and appreciate your ongoing engagement and feedback via the Colorado SIM Forum also located on the website.”  [Source:  Colorado SIM]

For more information on SIM, please see The Colorado Health Institute's blog post from their CEO Michele Lueck.

Connect for Health Colorado Updates

• Patty Fontneau provides an update about new resources, including County Snapshots, and the opening of the Customer Service Center in Colorado Springs. Learn More.
• Applications for the Certified Application Counselor program are being accepted until September 30. More information is available here.
• A new Tax Credit Resource Brochure is now available under Resources for Customers and Resources for Partners. Take a look to learn more about how the advance premium tax credit will work and information to help you use it, if eligible.  
• We are updating the Individual Tax Credit calculator and will make it available as soon as possible."  [Source:  Connect for Health Colorado]

Implementing an Enhanced Home Health Program to Prevent Hospital Readmissions – Webinar

“Join Healthy Transitions Colorado's first educational Webinar on Wednesday, September 18th from 12:30-1:30pm MT, to learn how California hospitals are partnering with their local home health agencies to drastically reduce their 30-day readmissions. Hosted by operating partner CFMC, you'll hear lessons learned and best practice strategies from experts from Health Services Advisory Group and Cedars-Sinai Health System. The speakers are Jennifer Weickowski, MSG, Program Director, Care Transitions, & Rebecca A. Cohen, MPH, Performance Improvement Facilitator. Click Here For Free Registration.” [Source: Health Transitions Colorado]

Congresswoman DeGette Holds Affordable Care Act Town Halls

“Congresswoman Diana DeGette invites you to join her at one of four town hall meetings where you can learn more about the Affordable Care Act, the health insurance marketplaces, and other benefits of this comprehensive new health law. Panelists will also include representatives from Connect for Health Colorado, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Small Business Majority.  In addition, Health Guides will be available after each panel to answer your questions.  The four town halls are as follows:

• Saturday, September 7, 10:00am @ National Jewish Health, Molly Blank Conference Center | 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206
• Saturday, September 2, 10:00am @ McAuliffe International School | 3480 Syracuse Street, Denver, CO 80238
• Thursday, September 26, 12:00pm @ McNichols Civic Center Building | 144 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80203 (Note: This will have a Small Business Focus)
• Thursday, September 26, 6:00pm @ Barnum Recreation Center | 360 Hooker Street, Denver, CO 80219 (Note: Spanish Translation offered)

Space is limited so please RSVP to hold your seat by emailing DeGette.RSVP@mail.house.gov or calling 303.844.4988.”  [Source:  Congresswoman Diane DeGette]

Connect for Health Colorado Application Counselor Program

"Connect for Health Colorado is happy to announce the Certified Application Counselor Program. This new program is a way for qualified organizations to receive training from Connect for Health Colorado to help support Coloradans with applications for health coverage through the new marketplace. Applications will be accepted through September 30. However, to have qualified staff trained by October 1, applications must be received by September 6. Completed and signed applications and agreements must be uploaded to http://C4HCO.Upload.connectforhealthco.com.

Connect for Health Colorado will designate organizations throughout the state that will provide application assistance to consumers seeking health coverage and financial assistance paying for health coverage through our new health insurance marketplace. The Certified Application Counselor Program is an unfunded initiative that will establish designated organizations as Connect for Health Colorado partners to support our efforts to provide access to health coverage to Coloradans. The Certified Application Counselor Program is designed for providers and other organizations that perform application assistance for health coverage or financial assistance, or otherwise provide support with health coverage enrollments.

More information and the application can be found on the Certified Application Counselor page."  [Source:  Connect for Health Colorado]

October 2nd Cancer TED Talks Nation and Local Experts

“We are pleased to invite you to the Anschutz Medical Campus on Wednesday, October 2, for an evening of discussion related to cancer topics-presented by national and local experts.  This session will be in-person and via webcast-you must register to attend either by September 20th.  Community, foundation, clinical, academic and private sector all welcome to attend.

Register Here for Cancer TED Talks.”  [Source:  The University of Colorado Cancer Center]

22nd Annual Colorado Rural Health Conference

"The 22nd Annual Colorado Rural Health Conference will be held October 17-18, 2013.  This years conference will provide participants with a wide range of educational topics, networking, resource opportunities and much more.  Opportunities to sponsor and exhibit at this conference are now available.  Click here for more information and to register.

Register before September 18, and CRHC members will pay only $220, non-members will pay $270.  After September 18 prices increase! Register now!"  [Source:  Colorado Rural Health Center]

News for National and State Loan Repayment

“News for National Health Service Corps and Colorado Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Programs; do not miss this opportunity to offer loan repayment to your providers!

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) 

• Application cycle for sites to apply to become eligible for their providers opens next week! The cycle will be open from September 3 to November 1. 
• You can view all the rules, see if you are eligible and find the application here. 
• Providers are able to apply once a year, these dates have not yet been announced for FY2014 
• For those providers that applied for NHSC in 2013, awards will be sent out by September 30! 

Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) 

• Application cycle for sites to apply to become eligible for their providers to get loan repayment is year round, apply anytime! 
• You can view all the rules, see if you are eligible and find the application here. 
• Application cycle for providers to apply is September 1 through September 30. Providers can apply here. 

If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Sara Maki  at Sara.Maki@state.co.us”  [Source:  Colorado Rural Health Center]