The Colorado Trust Announces New Funding Priorities

“The Colorado Trust is a private health foundation that, since its creation in 1985, has been dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of Coloradans. We believe all Coloradans should have fair and equal opportunities to lead healthy, productive lives regardless of race, ethnicity, income or where we live. Thus, starting now, The Trust is refocusing its vision to address health equity issues. The Colorado Trust will engage partners to move our new vision forward by funding the following issue areas:

• Policy and Advocacy – advancing health equity policy solutions through a field-building approach.
• Data and Information – monitoring inequities in health outcomes and social determinants through data collection and analysis to inform stakeholders and advance health equity.
• Community-based Participatory Grantmaking – addressing health equity in partnership with communities throughout Colorado.

Good health depends on more than medical care. It is affected by where we live, the education we receive, the work we do, the wages we earn and by our opportunities to make decisions that improve our own family’s health.

By working together, we hope to end inequalities facing racial/ethnic, low-income and other populations. Read more from Dr. Ned Calonge about The Trust’s health equity vision. New grant strategies and funding opportunities will begin in early 2014. Sign up to receive notification of future opportunities.” [Source: The Colorado Trust]

Colorado Psychiatric Access and Consultation for Kids (C-PACK) Project

"Announcing an exciting opportunity for Pediatric Primary Care Practices in the Denver and Southern Colorado regions! Colorado Access and Value Options are partnering with CBHC and the Reach Institute to offer participating prescribers a mini-fellowship.  The fellowship will include education, consultation and care coordination increasing collaboration between behavioral health and primary care providers to better meet the over-all health care needs of children in Colorado, regardless of payer source.

The mini- fellowship includes:

• Phone consultation with a pediatric psychiatrist within 30 minutes of request (8-5, M-F, excluding holidays).
• Care coordination to assist pediatric primary care prescribers in making referrals to behavioral health providers.
• Training on Primary Pediatric Pharmacology, an evidence-based training offered by the REACH Institute.  The training will focus on proper assessment, diagnosis and medication management for depression, aggression, anxiety, ADHD and bipolar/psychosis.
• After the training, all participating prescribers will participate in every other week case-based conference calls for six months (12 calls total).
• A $1,500 stipend for prescribers upon successful completion of the mini-fellowship.  
• Participation in outcomes measurement to monitor success of C-PACK project.
• Practice support from C-PACK pediatric psychiatrists and care coordinators.

Interested in learning more?  For the Denver region, contact Jennifer Bock by email Jennifer.bock@coaccess.com or by phone 720-744-5628. For Southern Colorado regions, contact Mary Shatzer by email mary.shatzer@valueoptions.com or by phone: 719-538-1475 or 719-505-2666." [Source: Colorado Access]

ClinicNET is seeking a Quality Improvement Specialist

ClinicNET is looking for a new Quality Improvement Specialist, Part-Time Contractor. The QI Specialist educates, trains and assists Community Safety Net Clinics (CSNCs) in the identification and development of improvement goals to: enhance business operations and workflows; optimize patient experiences and outcomes; and enable best practices for screening, care coordination and activities that support patient and family centered care. Applications are due November 15th.  Follow this link for more information on the position: http://www.coloradononprofits.org/careers/career-center/quality-improvement-specialist-part-time-contractor/.  Please feel free to send this open position to anyone who may be interested.

New Health Care Provider ACA Resource Page and Webinar

“The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has developed a new Affordable Care Act (ACA) resource page for health care providers. The Department’s ACA Resources for Health Care Providers page is designed to deliver key information about health care reform, the Medicaid expansion and the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace. The resource page will be updated as new information becomes available and additional resources are developed for health care providers.

We also invite all nurses to view a recorded webinar hosted by the Department’s Executive Director Susan Birch, MBA, BSN, RN regarding the ACA. The webinar can be viewed on the ACA Resources for Health Care Providers page here.”  [Source: HCPF]

November PEAK Updates

“Regular PEAK Support Calls: County and community-based staff can connect with PEAK support matter experts and hear updates on known issues and resolutions.

• Dial in: 1.712.432.0200, Access code: 5642211#
• Wednesday, November 6th, Noon
• Wednesday, December 4th, Noon

PEAK Tech Support: Consumers and Community Based Organizations should contact: cbms.help@state.co.us. County staff should submit a ticket through the CBMS Service Desk.

ACA Implementation News: This newsletter is designed for county partners and other eligibility workers and stakeholders who will be impacted by the Affordable Care Act’s changes to the Medicaid program, issues of the publication can be accessed here.

Colorado.gov/health: A new consumer-facing website with information and resources to help Coloradans find answers to questions about the new health care laws and what these mean to them.

Also view PEAK’s Outreach Training Calendar.” [Source:  PEAK]

HCPF Resources, PEAK Campaign, and FAQs

“Resources for Parents:
Beginning in January 2014, more Coloradans may qualify for Medicaid or for new financial assistance to help buy health care coverage through Connect for Health Colorado. We know that most of those newly eligible Medicaid will be parents and adults without children. The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has developed a brochure to help Coloradans learn about their options as well as a flyer that can help get the attention of parents who may be newly eligible in January for Medicaid.

• Medicaid brochure (English) (Spanish)
• Parent flyer (English) (Spanish)
• Other materials are available for download at Colorado.gov/HCPF/ACAResources

PEAK Campaign:
Beginning in mid-October, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing launched a targeted marketing campaign for PEAK. The campaign includes English and Spanish radio spots, billboards and online media. Keep your eyes and ears open for the advertisements through November. If you have specific questions regarding the campaign please contact Raina.Paisley@state.co.us.

NEW Frequently  Asked Questions:  
Applicants and community partners can now find additional guidance on the PEAK application at Colorado.gov/Health. On the Colorado.gov/Health FAQ page, you can find answers to your general application questions as well as question and answers specific to the online PEAK application. The FAQs can also be accessed directly from the PEAK site by clicking on Quick Links, then Client FAQs. We will continue to add to these FAQs as well as others about health care reform regularly, so check back often.

NEW ACA Inbox for Stakeholder Questions: 
In an effort to streamline responses, ensure consistency and provide all stakeholders and consumers with timely information, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has developed a centralized inbox for health care reform related questions. Questions regarding the implementation of the ACA should be directed to: ACAImplementation@hcpf.state.co.us

All stakeholders should to direct their questions to this inbox. For questions that are not already addressed on Colorado.gov/HCPF/ACAResources or Colorado.gov/Health, the Department will work to answer the question and post the response online in approximately 7-10 business days.” [Source: HCPF]

The Connect Campaign Updates: Adults without Dependents, Progress & Lessons

• A new data dashboard can be viewed here on the current limited enrollment of adults without dependent children in Medicaid.
• Department of Health Care Policy & Financing has a number of helpful resources that you can use in your outreach including:
• Flyer on where to apply for health insurance,
• Checklist on what you will need for application,
• All outreach resources can be found here.
• Paper application training coming soon – Covering Kids and Families is working on making this available for partners. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Stephanie Brooks at sbrooks@cchn.org.
• Latest details on dental benefits for adults on Medicaid to start next year.”  [Source: The Connect Campaign]

Online health tax credit system to go live November 4th

“Customers trying to use an online system to qualify for federal tax credits through Colorado’s health exchange will have to wait until Nov. 4.

Managers at Connect for Health Colorado initially delayed the online feature until the end of October and in order to secure subsidies, customers have had to call clogged phone lines. Now, a spokesman said in a written response to questions that customers wanting to use the exchange website to cut their health insurance costs will have to wait until Nov. 4, the new target date for Colorado to have an online subsidy application. In the meantime, the only way to get subsidies is by phone at 1-855-PLANS-4-YOU or 1-855-752-6749.

Ben Davis, a spokesman for Connect for Health, also pledged that once the application for credits goes online, customers will be able to get tax rebates even through the federal website has failed to function since both federal and state exchanges launched on Oct. 1.”  [Source: COPrevent]

ACA Implementation Newsletter

View the ACA Implementation Newsletters from October 17th and October 24th. The October 17th issue contains resources for health care providers and consumers as well as provides information on upcoming training opportunities. The October 24th issue provides new resources for consumers completing the online PEAK application for benefits, profiles upcoming training opportunities, and more. [Source: HCPF]

Webinar for National Diabetes Month: Working Together to Prevent Vision Loss

“The National Institutes of Health, National Eye Health Education Program will host a webinar on Thursday, October 31st, 12:00pm – 1:30pm MST.  Register Now.

With the increasing prevalence of diabetes, the number of Americans with diabetic eye disease is on the rise. The National Eye Institute (NEI) estimates that 7.7 million people ages 40 and older have diabetic retinopathy, and this number will increase to 11 million by 2030. Diabetic eye disease can lead to vision loss and blindness; however, early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up can prevent 95% of severe vision loss from diabetes.

The National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) invites you to participate in a webinar to learn more about diabetic eye disease and opportunities to help raise awareness among people with diabetes during National Diabetes Month in November. NEHEP has an array of resources to assist its Partnership and other intermediaries in their educational efforts including a new Social Media Toolkit, info-graphics, public service announcements, educational materials, and more.”  [Source: COPrevent]

Request for Review from HCPF on Medicaid RFP

“The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (Department) is responsible for administering the Colorado Medicaid program. On October 11, 2013, the Department released a draft of its Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage RFP Package for review and comment.

The Department is requesting Vendors and Stakeholders to send any comments, no matter how minor, to the Department. Vendors and Stakeholders are encouraged to address text in the draft RFP that is repetitive, and/or confusing, as well as requirements that are incomplete or unclear. In addition, Vendors and Stakeholders are encouraged to review the requirements to advise the Department if any requirements are too broad or restrictive which will inadvertently cause a significant cost increase or cause a Vendor to make a no-bid decision.

The Draft RFP is posted for vendor comments on the Colorado BIDS website.

Responses are required no later than Monday, October 28, 2013.

The instructions for what questions to respond to and how to respond are contained in the RFI Release Announcement document under the “Specification Details/Attachments” section.” [Source: Oral Health Colorado]

Keeping Pace with the Affordable Care Act: What You and Your Clients Need to Know

Webinar on Tuesday, October 29th, 2013 from 1:30-2:20pm EDT. Register for this Webinar Now!

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in March 2010 and was upheld by the Supreme Court two years later. This workshop examines key provisions of ACA as it relates to older adults and younger adults with disabilities. We'll review Medicaid expansion, care coordination for individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, and how the Health Insurance Marketplace works, including open enrollment which began on October 1 and what consumer assistance will be available in each state.

Join us for this timely and interesting briefing in order to . . .

• Discover how the Affordable Care Act affects people with Medicare & Medicaid, as well as those without insurance
• Hear the latest on the law's Medicaid expansion and Health Insurance Marketplace
• Learn what all this means for you and the older adults you serve

Our presenter for this webinar will be Leslie Fried. Ms. Fried is the director of the National Center for Benefits Outreach & Enrollment and director of policy and programs at the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Webinars in this series are free to IlluminAge clients and friends. Attendance is first come, first served.”  [Source: COPrevent]

Clínica Tepeyac seeking an Operations Manager

Clínica Tepeyac is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Operations Manager.  View the Position Description for more information. Candidates may submit an electronic application to Lucille Rivera at lrivera@clinicatepeyac.org. Please include documented evidence in your application, and identify three professional references and contact information, including email address. The deadline for application is 5:00pm on Friday, November 8th, 2013.  [Source: Clínica Tepeyac]

Apply Now to the Mongan Commonwealth Fund Fellowship Program in Minority Health Policy

“In the US, vulnerable populations including people with low income, the uninsured, and disadvantaged minority groups, have greater difficulty obtaining health care, receive worse care, and experience poorer outcomes than other groups.

To help close this divide, The Commonwealth Fund supports training for physician leaders dedicated to creating high-performance health systems for vulnerable populations through the Mongan Commonwealth Fund Fellowship Program in Minority Health Policy. Currently, the fellowship is accepting applicants for its 2014-15 class. The application deadline is December 16, 2013. Click here for more information.”  [Source: CCI Voice]

Team Development Training Opportunity

*Please note the change in start date to December 5-7th*

“CCHN is extending an offer to ClinicNET affiliates to attend the Building Skills for Effective Teams training that we have coordinated in partnership with The Center for Nursing Excellence and Metro Community Provider Network. Together, we received funding from HRSA Nurse Education Practice, Quality and Retention Program to help support staff to be effective members and leaders of teams.

The 2013-2014 BSET training will occur over a 6-month period, and will strengthen teams within health centers. This training starts December 5-7 and extends over multiple days for the curriculum is integrated and builds on itself over time. Participants must attend all days of training.  Please see the brief workshop information below and the website to find more information about workshop details, roles and responsibilities, and participant criteria.

Building Skills for Effective Teams (BSET) – Team Development Training
December 5-7, 2013; February 27-March 1, 2014; May 15-17, 2014; June 26-28, 2014
The BSET will include four 2.5 day workshops focused on providing and practicing in real-time an expanded set of skills and abilities needed to develop, lead and be part of effective interprofessional teams. These workshops will be combined with ongoing coaching by trained coaches and a capstone project. The first day of the workshop will be a half-day, from 5PM to 9PM (including dinner). The 2nd and 3rd days will run from 8AM to 5PM. Project outcomes include: 1. Significant acquisition of essential team-focused skills such as role-definition/negotiating, conflict resolution, shared decision making; 2. Increased levels of trust and communication between team members; 3. Assessment of personal and team operating styles (before and after) and performance based on national norms/testing instruments; 4. The implementation of a team-selected and team-implemented capstone project; and 5. A well-developed understanding of what are the best practices in team operations, based on current team effectiveness research

• Registration Deadline:  November 14, 2013 - Contact Angela Rose at 303-867-9511 or at Angela@cchn.org and register here.
• For: Clinical and administrative teams of 3-6 participants; such as advanced managers, supervisors, RNs, NPs physicians, PAs, clinicians, and leadership and executive teams.
• Where:  Dec. 5, Cable Center, Kick-Off and Dinner (2000 Buchtel Bldv., Denver, CO); Dec. 6-7 Goddard Middle School (3800 West Berry Ave., Littleton, CO)
• Cost: $200 per participant
• Click here to learn more: including workshop details, roles and responsibilities, and participant criteria.

Please contact Angela Rose at Angela@cchn.org or 303-867-9511, or Tanah Wagenseller at Tanah@cchn.org or 303-867-9539 if you’d like to register or have questions." [Source: CCHN]

Helping Physicians with EHR Maximization

“Helping Physicians with HER Maximization with clinical quality data collection, reporting and improving patients care.  Physicians are bombarded with initiatives every day and it often ends up sounding like alphabet soup. To help make sense of this ever-expanding list of acronym-shortened programs, the Colorado Foundation for Medical Care (CFMC) is offering assistance to physicians to prioritize initiatives, understand the associated tasks to achieve each program’s goals and determine whether or not they are right for the practice.

As the Medicare quality Improvement Organization (QUI) for Colorado, CFMS is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to offer services at no cost to the physician or practice. Click here to look at the services provided.” [Source: CRHC Weekly Update]

CORHIO Recorded Webinars: Meaningful Use Stages 1 and 2, & HIPAA Omnibus Update

Click here to view a list of CORHIO’s recorded webinars.

Meaningful Use Stages 1 & 2: Making Sure you Get the Most Out of Your EHR (recorded 10/1/13) – Learn what’s changed between stages 1 & 2 of Meaningful Use, how to meet the most difficult objectives, tips on clinical quality measures, and more about important timelines and penalties.

HIPAA Omnibus Update (recorded 8/23/13) – A high-level overview by HIPAA expert David Ginsberg on the new HIPAA “Omnibus Rule,” including effective dates you need to know, specific provisions and changes, and a special focus on breach notification. Please note: to request a HIPAA toolkit, please contact Kelly Meade at kmeade@corhio.org or 720-285-3251.  [Source: CORHIO]

HCPF Partner & Consumer Resources Available Online

“The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, in conjunction with Connect for Health Colorado, has developed a handout outlining the key dates consumers need to know.

Drop-in article for your publications or website:
Changes are Coming to Health Insurance in Colorado
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. Learn more about the key dates you should know here. To find out how you can be prepared for the changes to health insurance in Colorado visit: Colorado.gov/Health

Additionally, the Department has also developed a poster that can be displayed in your offices, download the new Are You Ready Medicaid Take One Poster. To access all of the Department’s partner and consumer resources visit:  Colorado.gov/HCPF/ACAResources.

For more information about private insurance and consumer protections click here. Download the Division of Insurance’s consumer brochure, Better Decisions, Better Prepared, by clicking here.”  [Source: HCPF]

Resources from 9/27 Webinar on Clinical Management of Senior Dental Patient

“The webinar we held on September 27th on the care of the older patient is now posted on our website.  Please select the tab for Old Age Pension Program half way down the page, then you will find the link at the bottom of the page under “training,” along with the PowerPoint presentation the speaker used.” [Source: Oral Health Unit]

Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Open School

Through a generous grant from Kaiser Permanente's Community Benefit Program, ClinicNET is pleased to be able to offer scholarships for the IHI OpenSchool.

The IHIOpen 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.  Click the following hyperlink text to view a flyer about the IHI Open School and course summaries.

Interested ClinicNET affiliates should contact Program Manager Brooke Powers at brooke.powers@clinicnet.org.

Health Inequalities: Two Vulnerable Populations WEBINAR

“Register Now for the Health Inequalities: Two Vulnerable Populations webinar presented by The Health Care Advocacy Program and the Colorado Rural Health Center, Monday, October 21st, 12:00-1:00pm.

The Health Care Advocacy Program Coordinator, Alexandra Andrews, will present prevalent health concerns among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).  Prevalence of chronic conditions, health care providers with a lack of exposure to people that have I/DD, inability to access necessary basic health tests, and other subject areas will demonstrate that this population experiences many more health inequities than the general population.

The Policy and Advocacy Program Manager at the Colorado Rural Health Center, Alicia Haywood, will present common characteristics among rural populations and compare urban statistics to those of rural residents.  Rural Coloradans face challenges around health coverage, access, an aging population, and experience higher rates of chronic disease and more people living in poverty.”  [Source: Advocacy Denver]

Colorado HealthStory Top Ten & Statewide Community Profile

ClinicNET has worked hard for the past three years as part of Colorado HealthStory, in partnership with the Colorado Rural Health Center and the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved. Colorado HealthStory has collected over 230 stories in 27 counties throughout the state. As we listened to Coloradans tell their health story, we heard ten recurring themes rise to the top – ten things we believe define and describe health care in Colorado. This top ten list is a reflection of Colorado’s own health story, and we’re proud to be able to help tell it. We encourage you to explore and share the Colorado HealthStory Top Ten and the Statewide Community Profile.

National Primary Oral Health Conference, November 10-13

"Registration for the 2013 National Primary Oral Health Conference (NPOHC) is now open. Please join us in Denver, Colorado, November 10-13, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The National Primary Oral Health Conference is the largest gathering of safety-net oral health professionals. Conference sessions cover important clinical, policy, and program management topics with the objective of strengthening both individual oral health programs and the safety net as a whole. Please visit our main conference website and conference agenda for more information." [Source: National Network for Oral Health Access]

FREE Online Classes/Webinars from Kaiser Permanente

Click here for the schedule for Kaiser Permanente’s live online classes/webinar. These are FREE and open to anyone. [Source: Kaiser Permanente Colorado]

Deadline for Breast Cancer Grant Funding Requests

"This is a reminder about the following Requests for Applications that are now open to support breast cancer screening/diagnostic, treatment, and patient support services.

PEAK Enhancements Post-Build Updates

“Hello from the PEAK Team! As you know, this phase of the Affordable Care Act implementation in Colorado brought significant changes in the PEAK online application. We are happy to report that the system has been operating as designed, with Real Time determinations occurring as planned. On October 1, 1910 applications and change reports were submitted through PEAK, which is a new single day record for the system.

Recorded PEAK Webinars:

• October Enhancements
• New PEAK Application Walk-Through
• Password Reset Tutorial
• For additional instructions on playback, click here.

Live PEAK Webinars:

• 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” [Source: PEAK]

Connect for Health Colorado Materials

Looking for Connect for Health Colorado Materials?
Need to order materials for an event or to display in your office? Check out our new online store at C4HCOStore.com. The Store is a pilot program to help us distribute materials to our partners and organizations across Colorado that are working toward the goal of getting more people covered.

Who is the Store for?
Education is an important ingredient to our success and we want to make sure that our partners have the tools they need to accurately inform their constituents, patients, clients and customers, about their options with Connect for Health Colorado.

How does the Store work?
When you first visit the store, you will be asked to create an account, identifying yourself as one of the following: agent/broker, certified application assistant, medical provider, community organizer, or volunteer. After you create an account, you will be sent an email letting you know your account is approved. This can take up to two business days. That’s it- you are free to select from a variety of materials including general brochures, posters and financial aid tools, produced in both English and Spanish.

While there is no charge for materials, we do ask that you pay for the shipping and handling of the materials - $12.95 for orders under 250 pieces and $16.95 for materials 251 and over. Materials will be shipped first-class US Mail. To avoid a shipping charge, once you havep laced your order, you also may pick up materials from Unique Litho at 9 Inverness Drive East, Englewood CO 80112 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Please allow three business days for processing.

Please help us conserve resources and order only what you need. If you only need a few items, you may want to download them directly from our website. [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

October 25th Dental Benefits Collaborative Meeting

The next Dental Benefits Collaborative meeting will be held:

Friday, October 25, 2013
9:00am – 12:00pm
Lowry Conference Center
1061 Akron Way, Bldg. 697, Denver 80230

Click here for the meeting agenda. Topics under discussion will include proposed changes to the Children’s Services Policy and the Orthodontic Services Policy for the Medicaid Dental Benefit.

Also, meeting minutes from the September 20th meeting are on the Benefits Collaborative webpage. Information on how to access audio recording of the September 20th meeting and the October 4th meeting (related to dental services in the Developmental Disability waivers) can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the webpage. If you have questions, please contact Kimberley.Smith@state.co.us or call (303) 866-3977. [Source: HCPF]

Dental ASO Decision Letter

“Please take a moment to read the letter, which informs and explains the Department’s decision to pursue an Administrative Service Organization (ASO) model to manage both the adult and children’s Medicaid dental benefits. The letter also includes a timeline for the competitive procurement of a Vendor to be the ASO.

We are currently developing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the ASO and welcome your continued feedback with regard to the development of the RFP.

This process does not impact the ongoing discussion related to the appropriate amount, scope and duration of dental services to be offered.”  [Source: HCPF]

ACA Implementation Newsletter

"Click here for the latest ACA Implementation Newsletter from October 10th. This issue contains new resources and information on training opportunities. [Source: HCPF]

Colorado’s Reducing Readmissions and Safe Transitions Collaborative

"Join Healthy Transitions Colorado's Webinar October 15th, 12:00-1:00 MT, to learn about Colorado Hospital Association and UnitedHealthcare's Reducing Readmissions and Safe Transitions Collaborative. Click Here for Free Registration.

In year one of this two-year initiative, the program has seen double-digit decreases in hospital readmissions and savings of nearly $3 million. With goals of improving inpatient and outpatient safety, increasing patient preparedness for self-care, and reducing avoidable readmissions through enhanced patient-provider relationships, the initiative consists of two phases geared towards reengineering the hospital discharge process. Phase One utilizes Boston University School of Medicine's Project RED (Re-Engineered Discharge) as its foundation to improve the discharge process within the inpatient setting. Phase Two focuses on improving care transitions from hospital to the post-acute care setting by building partnerships with medical homes, long-term care facilities, nursing facilities and other transition organizations in the community." [Source: Health Transitions Colorado]

Announcing NEW ClinicNET White Paper and Reference Paper

ClinicNET is beginning a communications initiative to highlight the importance of Community Safety Net Clinics (CSNCs) post-ACA. Our new white paper features much of what ClinicNET will expand upon in the coming months via our blog, social media, issue briefs, press releases, articles and op-eds. We will be talking about the gaps that still exist in coverage and how CSNCs continue to meet patient needs. And we will reinforce the message that the ACA coverage expansions will not eliminate the need for CSNCs but instead will reveal their enduring value.

Additionally, we have published a reference document that answers frequently asked questions and addresses traditional misconceptions about CSNCs.

The role of CSNCs is more essential with the implementation of health care reform and they will help achieve Colorado’s commitment to expand access and capacity, improve health system integration and quality, and enhance value. We look forward to continuing our work with each of you.

New HCPF Resources Available for Partners and Consumers

New Partner Resources:

• Who Does What in Implementing the ACA
• Client Correspondence for Newly Eligible - This document is to help assist our partners in explaining to applicants for Medicaid, Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) and financial assistance through the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace what correspondence they can expect to receive, if they apply before the end of November 2013. To view the sample correspondence click on the hyperlinks embedded in the document. We encourage our partners to utilize this flowchart and the accompanying sample client correspondence when working with applicants.
• Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) and the Affordable Care Act Fact Sheet - This fact sheet explains the impact on CICP. We encourage our partners to use this fact sheet when speaking with consumers that are currently enrolled in CICP.

New Consumer Resources:

• How to Apply for Insurance
• What You Need to Apply for Insurance
• How to Apply for Insurance (Spanish)
• What You Need to Apply for Insurance (Spanish)
• Important Dates for Connect for Health Colorado and Medicaid (available in English only)

New Videos about Health Care:
Also, check out our two short videos about the changes to health care. Feel free to link to these on your website or share via social media.

• What do I need to do to get ready? You may be wondering, “What do I need to do to get ready for health insurance changes in Colorado?” This animation should help.
• How do I apply for coverage? If you’re currently uninsured you may be wondering, “How do I apply for coverage?” This animation teaches you the basics of applying for insurance coverage with Medicaid and Connect for Health Colorado.

Consumer Site about Health Care
Help us get the word out about the new consumer website Colorado.gov/Health by linking the site in your publications or from your websites. You can find sample promo graphics are here. If you have questions or comments about Colorado.gov/health, please contact Joel.Risberg@state.co.us.” [Source: HCPF]

NEXPLANON® Clinical Training Program Offered October 17th

"Rural providers and advanced practice clinical staff attending the 22nd Annual Colorado Rural Health Conference, October 17-18, 2013 in Colorado Springs as well as other providers and advanced practice staff wanting to learn and be certified in NEXPLANON® (etonogestrel implant) insertion and removal are invited to attend a training on the evening of October 17th.

The training will follow the first day of the Colorado Rural Health Center Conference at the Hotel Elegante. There is no fee to attend the training, but space is limited and registration is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. The training begins at 6:00 p.m. and is approximately three hours long. Dinner will be provided to registrants.

To register for the training, please complete the registration form (click here) and fax it to Advanced Health Media (AHM) at 1-866-316-1091 (FAX). Only faxed registrations will be accepted. For questions about the conference, please call AHM, toll-free, at 1-866-700-9295." [Source: Family Planning Program at CDPHE]

ACA Implementation Newsletter

Click here for the latest ACA Implementation Newsletter from October 3rd. This issue contains updates on applications, ongoing trainings and links to ACA resources. Additionally, it has updates from the Governor's Office of Information Technology, Connect for Health Colorado,d and PEAK. [Source: HCPF]

Patient Navigator Training Offered at CU Med Center

“The Patient Navigator Training Collaborative is pleased to announce that registration is open for Patient Navigator Fundamentals this October. Patient Navigator Fundamentals is one four-day course designed to improve basic patient navigation skills. This comprehensive course is introductory “Level 1” training for patient navigators who want to gain navigation skills and knowledge of patient resources, basic health promotion, professional conduct and motivational interviewing.

Date: October 29, 9am – November 1, 4:30pm
Location: Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, CU Anschutz Medical Campus
Contact: colorado.cphp@ucdenver.edu
Cost: Free for Colorado patient navigators, $400 for navigators outside Colorado
Register: https://publichealthpractice.org/civicrm/event/info?id=213&reset=1
Details: www.patientnavigatortraining.org/website/schedule.htm”  [Source: COPrevent]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates – Shopping and Enrollment has Begun!

“On October 1st, we opened Colorado’s new health insurance marketplace for individuals, families and small businesses, offering 242 health plans from 11 carriers, and a broad statewide Customer Support Network to personally assist shoppers. Both the English and Spanish websites went live just before 8:00 am. The first day of operations saw tremendous consumer interest and quick responses to operational issues to improve responsiveness and personalized customer support.

Individuals, families and small businesses can look at their health insurance options and shop for coverage that will take effect as early as January 1, 2014, if you sign up by December 15. Open enrollment continues until March 31, 2014. Individuals and families can choose from up to 150 private health insurance plans from ten carriers and small employers can create small group plans from up to 92 health insurance plans provided by six carriers. New financial assistance, based on income, will be available to nearly 500,000 Coloradans to reduce costs. Shoppers can buy insurance today and claim a tax credit on their taxes or apply for an advance tax credit to use up-front to reduce the monthly premium.

From videos to County Snapshots and a tax credit calculator, the Marketplace offers many ways for Coloradans to learn about their options. Our new Customer Service Center has expanded hours, so Coloradans can reach a Customer Service Center Representative by phone from 7 am to 8 pm, Mondays through Saturdays, at 1-855-PLANS-4-YOU (855-752-6749). On our website, you can locate an Assistance Site near you for in-person assistance, and find a list of more than 1,400 certified licensed health insurance agents and brokers for advice and support.

Here’s a recap of the busy first day as of 8 pm on October 1:

• Unique website visitors: 79,000
• Total web page hits: 12 million
• Calls and chats with Customer Service Center Representatives: 3,700
• Accounts created: 5,500
• Average call wait time: 3 minutes 49 seconds

Open Enrollment Campaign
Our new open enrollment campaign begins this week as well, and will build in the coming weeks. This campaign features new television and radio spots, as well as print ads, billboards, online and mobile promotions, and grassroots outreach. You can view some of our television spots, videos in English and Spanish, and a new PSA from local comedian Josh Blue, on our Youtube channel. [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

Mental Health Help Available for Coloradans Affected By Flooding

“The waters are receding, but for many in Colorado, the stress and sense of loss caused by the floods have not.  Because Coloradans experienced trauma, were displaced, lost homes or employment, and now are left to pick up the physical, financial and emotional pieces of their lives, many may be at an increased risk for suicide. Now is the time to be vigilant to the emotional needs of our neighbors who may have suffered a loss during this disaster.

The best and most immediate resource for those in crisis is the Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1.800.273.TALK (8255). 

For the friends, families, and professionals in the lives of those in crisis, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified resources for helping victims cope in the aftermath of a disaster: http://emergency.cdc.gov/mentalhealth.

Resources include:

• Talking to Children and Youth about Traumatic Events
• Helping Families Deal With the Stress of Relocation After a Disaster
• Preventing Violence after a Natural Disaster
• Coping Tips for Emergency and Disaster Responders
• Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters

Events like the Colorado floods are reminders that continued suicide prevention education and awareness is critical. People need to know when to ask for help for themselves, and how to intervene when others need help. Communities throughout Colorado provide suicide prevention training programs, and resources like Man Therapy provide information and tools for people hesitant to access traditional mental health services.

Learn more about suicide awareness and support resources from Mental Health America of Colorado.” [Source: COPrevent]

News from OHCO’s Executive Director

“I’m taking this opportunity to share with you the next exciting steps in Oral Health Colorado’s evolution. As a result of an intensive strategic planning process and the support of its funding partners, OHCO is now able to significantly develop its infrastructure and governance capabilities. Very soon, OHCO will be seeking a policy analyst and a coalition development director – and a full-time Executive Director. Expanded staffing will enable OHCO to build our coalition and board, thereby strengthening our ability to impact oral health policy in Colorado.

This opportunity for OHCO to grow gives me an opportunity to step back from coalition leadership. As many of you may know, my role as Executive Director was originally conceived in order to stabilize the coalition and to strengthen its ability to build an effective advocacy network. And we have had unprecedented success in these efforts during the past few years! In order to achieve the ambitious goals that OHCO’s leadership has set, a full-time executive director with strong policy and management skills is needed to lead the organization. I am confident that we will find the right person for this exciting and challenging position.

As the position description and employment process are developed, we will be sending a request for applications. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me (executive.director@oralhealthcolorado.org) with the names and contact information for any suggested applicants. I will continue to work with OHCO as the program manager for the final year of our “Smart Mouths Smart Kids” initiative.” [Source: Karen Cody Carlson, Executive Director, Oral Health Colorado]

HCPF September Issue of At a Glance

The September At A Glance publication provides information on major initiatives including policy changes and program updates from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. [Source: HCPF]

ACA Communications Updates

New on Colorado.gov/health
Cartoon: How do I apply?

HCPF Customer Service Number
All clients wishing to reach the HCPF Customer Service can now call the toll-free 1-800-221-3943, regardless of where they are in the state. Clients within the Denver metro area will no longer have to use 303-866-3513. The 303-866-3513 Denver metro area number will be retired, clients that call the 303-866-3513 will be directed to the toll-free 1-800-221-3943. The Colorado.gov/HCPF webpages are being updated to reflect this change. Please update any materials you have linked to the Colorado.gov/HCPF site. If you have questions about this change please contact Christine.Comer@state.co.us.

New ACA Consumer Resources
How to Apply for Insurance Handout (Also available in Spanish)
What You Need to Apply (Also available in Spanish)
Important Dates for Connect for Health CO and Medicaid Flyer (Available in English only)

New ACA Partner Resources
What Newly Eligible Can Expect--If Applying in Oct. or Nov. 2013 – This resource includes links to client correspondence examples.
Who Does What in Implementing ACA

Eligibility Site Toolkit for ACA Implementation
This toolkit page is designed to provide key information regarding the implementation of the ACA to eligibility sites including our county partners. It is a one stop shop for implementation updates, provides links to training and other reference materials including Command Center information.

ACA Implementation News
This week’s ACA Implementation News can be found online here.

Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health sent a message to consumers out a message earlier this week with information about how to apply for the advanced premium tax credits.  In October, consumers will need to work directly with their Customer Service Center to apply for the tax credit.  More information about their opening day is in the message.”  [Source: HCPF]

Location of Dental DD Waiver Discussion

“A location has been identified for the information public meeting concerning dental benefits in the DD waivers. The meeting will be held:

Friday, October 4, 2013
11:00am – 2:00pm
Lowry Conference Center
1061 Akron Way, Bldg 697, Denver, CO 80230

Click here for the meeting agenda. If you have questions, please contact Kimberley.Smith@state.co.us or call (303) 866-3977.” [Source: HCPF]

Preventive Medicine Grant Rounds Features Health Equity Presentation

“The Colorado School of Public Health presents Advancing Health Equity and Community Health: A Strategic Prevention Approach with Larry Cohen, Founder and Executive Director, Prevention Institute.

Monday, October 7, 2013 | 12:00pm
Anschutz Medical Campus
Education 2 North Building | Room P28-1107
Co-sponsored by the Pediatric Injury Prevention, Education and Research (PIPER) program
Lunch provided.

A video recording of the presentation will be available online after the seminar.

Find information about this and other events HERE.”  [Source: COPrevent]

Save the Date – SIM Stakeholder Meeting

“Colorado’s SIM project team is pleased to let you know the third meeting of the stakeholder group for the Colorado State Innovation Plan has been scheduled for Monday, November 4th, from 9am-11am at History Colorado | 1200 Broadway, Denver.  A formal agenda and reading material will be available soon.

RSVP by October 14th to Alexandria Gerace, Alex.Gerace@state.co.us.“ [Source: HCPF]

You're invited to the Medical Home Community Forum on Payment Reform

"We hope you will join us for the Colorado Medical Home Community Forum on Payment Reform and with our guest speakers.

October 8th, 2013 | 4:30pm – 6:45pm
Location: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
Building A in the DOC Room, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver CO 80246

Click here for the agenda and list of guest speakers. Register here." [Source: The Colorado Medical Home Initiative]

ACA Implementation Newsletter

Click here for the latest ACA Implementation Newsletter from September 26th. This issue contains updates on the new paper applications, ongoing trainings and links to ACA resources. Additionally, it contains updates from the Governor’s Office of Information Technology, Connect for Health Colorado and PEAK.  If you would like to sign up to receive ACA Implementation News or our ACA Communication Updates please click here. [Source: HCPF]

ACA Stakeholder Meetings

“The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) will again be hosting a series of ACA Stakeholder Meetings this fall (2013) and spring (2014), to review and discuss all phases of the Binder/Rate Filing/Form Filing process for ACA compliant On- and Off-Exchange Health Benefit Plans for the plan year 2015. The meetings are proposed to start on October 14, 2013, at the DOI offices in Denver, CO.  

Prior to these meetings, DOI is seeking stakeholder input. For carriers that filed ACA plans for 2014, we are requesting input/suggestions on ways to improve and revise filings and binder requirements, procedures, and instructions.  We are also interested to hear what specific topics you would like to have  covered during these meetings Subjects the DOI is currently planning to address include: rate filing specifics, form filing requirements, binder requirements, templates, and dental filings. We intend to provide an agenda at the first meeting for meetings planned for the fall.

So that we may include stakeholder input, please send your suggestions, topics, input, and questions to Susan Buth at susan.buth@state.co.us by October 7, 2013. The DOI believes that providing information and listening directly to stakeholders as part of the design and revision of the filings process is paramount for success.” [Source: Colorado Division of Insurance]