PEAK Updates: March Enhancement Rescheduled

“Please update your calendar with the new dates and times for the Post-Build Follow-Up and PEAK Support calls to discuss the upcoming PEAK enhancements. The open enrollment period to purchase health insurance coverage ends March 31, 2014. To minimize potential impacts to those applying for assistance or purchasing health coverage during the open enrollment period, the PEAK system enhancements that were scheduled for last night have been postponed until Saturday, April 5, 2014. With the enhancement schedule being postponed, the support calls have been rescheduled, as well.

New March Enhancement Support Call Timeline

• CBMS and PEAK Outage: Saturday, April 5, 6:00AM - 8:00AM
• March Post-Build Follow-Up Call for Community-Based Organizations: Thursday, April 10, 3:00PM - 3:45PM.  Phone: 1-877-820-7831 | Passcode: 349141#
• PEAK Support Call: Wednesday, April 16, 12:00PM - 1:00PM.  Phone: 1-712-432-0220 | Passcode: 5642211#

Click here to learn more about the enhancements. Please contact PEAKOutreach@bouldercounty.org with further questions.”  [Source: PEAK]

Webinar on New JNC8 High Blood Pressure Treatment Guidelines Available

“The JNC 8 committee was appointed in 2008 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and was charged with reviewing and synthesizing the most recent available scientific evidence, updating existing clinical recommendations and providing guidance for clinicians on the best approaches to manage and control high blood pressure. This guideline has been long-awaited and much anticipated with the last revision, the JNC 7 report, having been published in 2003. Join Colorado Foundation for Medical Care and speaker Mori Krantz, MD for a review of these new guidelines. View the recorded webinar here – registration is required.  Also view the presentation and handout.” [Source: COPrevent]

Study Participation: Uncertainty in Medical Decision Making

“The University of Houston is conducting a study about how patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers handle uncertainty when they made medical decisions.  Please consider volunteering to participate in a brief, online questionnaire where you share your experiences pertaining to uncertainty in medical decision making.  Your participation will help improve models for making more effective healthcare decision products. Click here to take the survey.”  [Source: University of Houston-Downtown]

Million Hearts Colorado: New Provider App Helps Estimate Health Disease Risks

“The ASCVD Risk Estimator app is published jointly by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) to help health care providers and patients estimate 10-year and lifetime risks for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) using the Pooled Cohort Equations and lifetime risk prediction tools. This app is intended as a companion tool to the 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk and the 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults.

The ASCVD Risk Estimator provides easy access to recommendations specific to calculated risk estimates. Additionally, the app includes readily accessible guideline reference information for both providers and patients related to therapy, monitoring, and lifestyle.”  [Source: COPrevent]

ClinicNET Annual Contribution Reminder!

If you have not done so already, please become a contributing affiliate or contributing partner organization in 2014! Click here to learn more and to access our contribution form. As a contributing affiliate you receive the discounted member registration fee for The Forum 2014 coming up April 9-11th! Register now!!

ClinicNET affiliates please be sure to complete the 2013 Data Request and return it to johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org.  Click here to fill out the electronic version.  We greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete this request so we can more accurately represent ClinicNET affiliates in this time of great change in health care!

HCPF Updates

“2014 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines: The income limits for the MAGI Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) programs are based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines that are updated by the Federal government annually. The income guidelines are used to determine eligibility for the MAGI Medicaid and the CHP+ program and are subject to change annually as the FPL is adjusted by the Federal government. Beginning April 1, 2014, the new FPL guidelines will be in effect. CBMS will be updated to reflect the new income guidelines for each program. For more information click here.

FAQs Available Online: Stakeholder FAQs are available at Colorado.gov/HCPF/ACAResources. Still have questions? Send your questions about Colorado’s implementation of the health reform law to: ACAImplementation@hcpf.state.co.us. Responses will be posted on the website.

Click here to view the latest ACA Implementation News from March 21st.”  [Source:  HCPF]

National Community Health Worker Survey - Make sure Colorado is represented!

Calling all Community Health Workers: Take the National Community Health Worker Survey!

So far only 2 CHWs from Colorado have responded, and it is important that Colorado is represented!  This survey is for CHWs, who are known by many titles such as: Promotora/es de Salud, Community Health Representatives, Community Health Advisors, Patient Navigators, and many more. The survey should take 15 minutes and is completely voluntary. You will not be asked for your name or any personal information.  Data gathered will be ‘open source’ and available for states and CHW networks to use for planning and workforce sustainability efforts.

This complements our Colorado specific Community Health Worker/Patient Navigator work group, state survey and related activities.  Thanks in advance for participating!  Click here to take the survey!

AMA Issues Grace Period Guide to Assist Physicians

“The American Medical Association (AMA) released new resources that are geared to the needs of physicians and will help support their practices by outlining key issues associated with the grace period and provide guidance on administrative policies, financial agreements and communications with patients and insurers. All the new resources and more are available to physicians at: www.ama-assn.org/go/graceperiod.

These new AMA resources for physicians include: Step-by-step guide to the ACA grace period, grace period collections policy checklist, model financial agreement language for patients receiving Advance Premium Tax Credits, and a sample grace period notice to patients.

A key issue for physicians is having accurate information from health insurers regarding patients' grace period status. The AMA recently delivered a letter urging CMS to amend the grace period rule to require insurers to notify physicians as soon as a patient falls behind on their premiums, rather than the current notification requirement that provides insurers with discretion as to when and how to notify physicians during the 90-day grace period.”  [Source: AMA]

Medicaid Duplicate Denial Letters Notice

“Click here to view the notice.  During a system update earlier this month, CBMS generated duplicative denial letters for some expansion clients. These letters were duplicates of notices that had already been sent to clients in October, November, or December 2013.

If clients have questions about their eligibility status they should contact their county Human Services office or the Medicaid Customer Contact Center at 1-800-221-3943/TDD 1-800-659-2656.” [Source:  HCPF]

PEAK Updates – March 2014

“PEAK Enhancements: The March enhancements to PEAK seek to resolve technical issues identified by eligibility sites, community partners, applicants and clients through Help Desk Tickets.  Click here to view a printer-friendly presentation of the enhancements.

Support Calls for Community Partners: Existing CBMS Post-Build and Post-Build Follow-Up calls have been integrated to include county and MA site participation. In addition to the PEAK Support Call for community partners, we will also host a dedicated Post-Build call each month to discuss PEAK system performance and known issues.

• Post-Build Follow-Up Call Details: Thursday, April 3, 3:00-3:45pm. Dial-in: 1-877-820-7831 | Passcode: 349141#.
• PEAK Support Call: Wednesday, April 9, 12:00-1:00pm. Dial-in: 1-712-432-0220| Passcode: 5642211#.

CBMS Outage: As a part of the March build, CBMS will be down on Thursday, March 27, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m. During the outage, Medical Assistance applicants using PEAK might not receive real time eligibility determinations. The applications will be processed when CBMS is brought back online.”  [Source:  PEAK]

ICD-10 News: Road to 10 Provider Tool

“The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce the release of the Road to 10, a free online resource built with the help of physicians in small practices.  Available on the Provider Resources page, this tool is intended to help small medical practices jumpstart their ICD-10 transition.

The Road to 10 gives providers the capability to build ICD-10 action plans tailored for their practice needs.  The customized action plans break down the transition into concrete steps.  The tool is designed for use by small practices in primary care as well as all specialties.  The Road to 10’s resources include common ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes, clinical documentation primers, and clinical scenarios for: family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, cardiology, orthopedics.”  [Source:  CMS]

Diabetes Prevention Program Webinars in March and April

“We invite you to join us to learn more about MAESTRO, a cloud-based software built to successfully implement and meet reporting requirements for the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP).  On this webinar, you will learn how MAESTRO provides 8 critical functions for effective National DPP delivery - click here to learn more.

Register to attend the webinar April 3, 10am CST.”  [Source:  COPrevent]

Diabetes Risk Test

“The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is encouraging people to take the Diabetes Risk Test and know their risk for type 2 diabetes.  If left undiagnosed or untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health problems including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, amputation, and even death.  Encourage people to take the Diabetes Risk Test – available in English and Spanish – to know their risk for type 2 diabetes.”  [Source:  COPrevent]

New Health Telenovela

“Hispanic Coloradans are disproportionately uninsured.  Research has shown that telenovelas (Spanish-language soap operas) are a unique and effective way to improve knowledge and influence health behavior for this population.

The Colorado Health Foundation has partnered with Evolutions to produce a second set of the telenovela, Encrucijada (Crossroads), featuring content-rich stories that portray real health issues experienced by diverse people. The shows will air on Rocky Mountain PBS (English) and Univision (Spanish). Get times and more information about the show here. Evolution's first telenovela, funded by the Foundation, focused on healthy living and won a Colorado Broadcasters Association award.”  [Source:  The Colorado Health Foundation]

HCPF and C4HCO Application Survey: Closes March 21st

“This survey focuses on how to improve the single streamlined application and eligibility determination process for the PEAK and C4HCO applications.  Your opinions are essential to inform recommendations on changes for C4HCO and HCPF.  The information you share will remain completely confidential. You may access the survey at this link:  http://svy.mk/1qDEQFe.

The survey will close on March 21 at 5:00pm. During the survey you will be asked a series of questions to help us understand what is working and what can be improved in the application.  If you have any questions on the survey or the research, please email Marissa Jaross, Research & Evaluation Associate at JVA Consulting, at 303-477-4896 or Marissa@jvaconsulting.com.”  [Source: HCPF, C4HCO, JVA Consulting]

CICP FY 2014-15 Ability to Pay Scale

“The 2014-15 Ability-To-Pay Scale has been approved for implementation on April 1, 2014. Click here to view and download the scale.”  [Source: HCPF]

ACU 2014 Annual Meeting and Health IT Forum

“The 2014 Annual Meeting and Health IT Forum, June 25-27th, will bring clinical leaders and top government officials together in Washington DC to focus on improving access to care for millions of people living in underserved areas of our country.  The Conference will feature issues important to clinicians today, with all topics reflecting the unique aspects of delivering care to underserved populations, including:

• The impact of the Affordable Care Act on clinical services
• Meeting the Meaningful Use Stage 2 standards
• The latest Clinical Quality Improvement efforts
• The recruitment and retention of all provider types, and
• Policy updates from federal policy makers.

Visit the website for more information. Register here.”  [Source:  ACU]

HCPF Updates

“Enrollment Metrics: Connect for Health Colorado and Colorado Medicaid have released their most recent enrollment metrics as of March 17, 2014. Since October 1, 2013, Medicaid has enrolled 151,050 individuals under the Medicaid expansion and Connect for Health Colorado has enrolled 100,112 Coloradans in private health insurance coverage. For more Medicaid enrollment metrics, including by gender, age and county of residence click here. Additional enrollment metrics from Connect for Health Colorado can be found here.

Department to Hold Public Meetings: The Department will be holding public medical assistance eligibility regulatory rule review meetings beginning Thursday, March 20, 2014. This meeting is first in a series of public meetings required by Executive Order to review rules to ensure that they are effective, efficient and essential. The meetings will seek input from the public on the eligibility regulations outlined within 10 CCR 2505-10 volume 8, sections 8.100.1 through 8.100.7 as well as CHP+ 10 CCR 2505-3 sections. Further details of the public engagement meetings can be found in the regulatory review director letter located here or by visiting the regulatory efficiency review page on Colorado.gov/HCPF.

New ACC Video: The Department has just released a new animated video about the Accountable Care Collaborative. Check out our new video here that helps to explain what the ACC is and how it helps Medicaid clients get connected to the right services, in the right setting, at the right time. Feel free to link to this video on your site.”  [Source:  HCPF]

The Connect Campaign ended as of March 2014

“As previously announced, the Connect Campaign has ended as of this month.  Although we know it is the right decision, it’s tough to see it end.  For more about our thoughts on this milestone, visit our CCMU blog post.  For an overview of why the campaign began and our accomplishments together over the last 3 years, please read our Final Report here. The website dedicated to the Connect Campaign will be shutting down at the end of March.  There is now a new home for our materials on the CCMU website.

There are other forums that exist to continue the work of improving Medicaid. Closing down Connect means we consolidate the number of tables that discuss issues and hopefully reach a solution more quickly.  If you are interested in engaging on eligibility and enrollment issues, Covering Kids and Families is happy to share resources and/or will welcome your input.  If you have cases that are in need of resolution or legal advocacy, please reach out to the Colorado Center on Law and Policy.  If you are interested in engaging in work around ensuring access to care in the state, CCMU will get in touch with you via the Connect Campaign distribution list. You do not have to take additional action.  If you feel any issues are not being addressed in other forums, please let CCMU know.”  [Source: Connect Campaign]

Update on Colorado State Innovation Model (SIM) Grant

“Colorado submitted its State Health Innovation Plan (SHIP) to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) in December.  You can access a copy of Colorado's SHIP here.  Since the start of 2014, the SIM management team has been meeting regularly to maintain momentum on this project.  More specifically, we've been working with our CMMI project manager to identify potential areas for improvement, communicating with payers and providers to try to refine our "asks" related to SIM implementation, and laying the groundwork for what we hope will be a successful application for additional federal dollars to support this work moving forward.

Speaking of dollars, we are hopeful that CMMI will release a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) sometime in the next month, which will allow Colorado to apply for additional implementation funds. Until the FOA is released, we won’t know how much funding is available, for how long the project will be funded, or what the funding parameters will be.

Those of you who were involved in our original SIM proposal in the Fall of 2012 likely recall that we had about 45 days to convene all of our partners and prepare a 200-page grant proposal.  This funding round is likely to be on a similar timeline, so please keep an eye out for meeting announcements!

Before the FOA is released, we would love for you to become familiar with the SHIP and send us any feedback or concerns you have.  This will allow us to more carefully target our outreach and conversations as we prepare the next grant proposal. You can send comments back to this address: simgrant@state.co.us. Thank you all for your continued interest and commitment in Colorado's SIM work.”  [Source: Colorado SIM]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates

“Understanding the March 31 Deadline:  The deadline for uninsured Coloradans to enroll in commercial health insurance for 2014 is March 31. After that, uninsured Coloradans cannot get commercial coverage until 2015 unless they have a special circumstance, such as losing a job that provided coverage or moving to the state. The next open enrollment period will be November 15, 2014 to February 15, 2015. Coloradans can apply for Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus at any point during the year. More information is available here.

Individual Penalty for Not Having Health Insurance May Be Higher Than You Think: The penalty for not having health insurance in 2014 is not as simple as many people think, and probably more than the $95 minimum under the federal health law. The Tax Policy Center has an ACA Tax Penalty Calculator that can show the penalty amount with just a few clicks. Click here for the calculator. National Public Radio has a new story about the penalty here.”  [Source:  Connect for Health Colorado]

ACC Feedback Requested

“During the last Provider and Community Relations meeting we discussed some of the challenges that consumer and health systems partners are experiencing with Health Colorado and the enrollment and attribution process.  If you have specific examples or areas of concern please email them to barbara.martin@state.co.us.  We will try to group the concerns into buckets that will be reviewed at the next PRC meeting.” [Source: CDPHE]

ClinicNET Conversations: March Blog Post by ClinicNET Executive Director, Sharon Adams

Check out Sharon's March blog post, “Health Care Reform Realities… Some Expected, Some Not So Much.”  This is Sharon’s second post as part of a new monthly blog series titled ClinicNET Conversations, where Sharon will blog about a topic relevant to the health care environment that impacts our affiliate clinics.

“While we are certainly experiencing some early wins in expanding coverage and enhancing coordination, we’re also beginning to understand the realities of what we’re creating.  There are new challenges… some of them unanticipated and others known but now magnified.”  Continue reading…

Interested in learning more about CareMessage? Check out the recorded informational webinar!

“CareMessage is a Stanford University-born award-winning 501(c)3 nonprofit health technology organization based in San Francisco.  CareMessage helps clinics reduce no-shows and save time spent on patient education and outreach, while improving patient health outcomes and reducing overall costs.  The technology complements existing clinic EMR systems and can be used by clinics without an EMR system.

With funding from the Packard Foundation CareMessage is distributing its service free of charge to Colorado's community safety net clinics for a year.  Although this campaign is primarily targeted at free and charitable clinics, nearly all community safety net clinics serving the low-income residents of Colorado are eligible to participate.

Check out the recorded informational webinar! Click here to view the webinar and enter the password: caremessage. If you would like more information after viewing the webinar, the informational document and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, please fill out this short interest form. Someone from CareMessage will schedule a follow-up call.  If you have any questions contact freeclinics@caremessage.org.”  [Source: CareMessage]

Free Webinar: Improve Security and Reduce IT Costs by Moving to the Cloud

“Join DASH and ClearDATA for a free educational and informational webinar focused on affordable methods rural and urban safety net facilities can use to improve PHI security, simplify your back-up and disaster recovery systems, improve performance and reduce your IT costs.  Tuesday, March 18th 10:00-10:45am MST. Register Today!

The benefits of cloud technology make it an attractive option for rural and urban safety net healthcare facilities wanting to improve security and reliability while simultaneously lowering IT costs. The difficulty is understanding where to start, which data and systems can be migrated, and determining resource requirements and costs.

DASH and ClearDATA can help. During this webinar we'll discuss the key benefits of adopting cloud-technology for data back-up, disaster recovery, and application hosting.  You'll hear real world examples of healthcare organizations that have made the move, the challenges they faced, and the experience they had making the transition.”  [Source: DASH and ClearDATA]

HCPF Updates

“New Video About the Accountable Care Collaborative: The Department has just released a new animated video about the Accountable Care Collaborative. Check out our new video here that helps to explain what the ACC is and how it helps Medicaid clients get connected to the right services, in the right setting, at the right time.

New Medicaid Benefits Column by Chief Medical Officer: The Department’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Judy Zerzan recently penned a Community Column about Medicaid benefits. Check out Dr. Zerzan’s article here and feel free to include this column in your publications.

Deadline for Coverage: Coloradans have until March 31, 2014 to sign up for health insurance coverage. If you do not apply for coverage by the deadline, you may be subject to a federal penalty. Also, you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period to apply for financial assistance to help buy coverage if you miss the March 31, 2014 deadline. Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) do not have an open enrollment period; you can apply at any time. For more information about the Connect for Health Colorado open enrollment period click here. To find out more about your health insurance coverage options to go Colorado.gov/Health.

HealthColorado Customer Support: HealthColorado is a state program that helps people in Medicaid choose the health plan they want to get Medicaid services through.  HealthColorado sends letters to all newly enrolled Medicaid clients letting them know about their Medicaid health plan options. Call HealthColorado to find out about Medicaid health plans and how to enroll.  The HealthColorado number is not for information on Medicaid benefits or to find out if you qualify. In Denver: 303-839-2120. Outside of Denver: 1-888-367-6557.

Click here to view the latest ACA Implementation News from March 6th.

Please see the CICP Newsletter for March 2014.”  [Source:  HCPF]

Update on Adult Dental Benefit and Childrens Dental Benefit

“Adult Dental Benefit

• As previously announced, the Adult Dental Rule will go before the Medical Services Board for initial adoption on March 14, 2014.  As a reminder, rule adoption is generally a multi-month process.
• A revised version of the Dental Listening Log – which contains comments and questions received as part of the Dental Benefits Collaborative – has been posted online.
• Policy update: while full dentures will not be a covered benefit as of July 1, the Department has decided to cover adjustments & relines for those who have dentures.  We will update the Adult Dental Benefit Coverage Standard and Adult Dental rule accordingly.

Childrens Dental Benefit

• The draft Childrens Dental Benefit Coverage Standard has been posted online for a 45-Day Public Comment Period.”  [Source:  HCPF]

Free Chronic Disease Self-Management Classes for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities

"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. For a full schedule, go to selfmanagementcolorado.org.”  [Source:  COPrevent]

Early bird registration for The Forum 2014 ends TOMORROW, March 7th

The early bird registration rate for The Forum 2014 ends Friday, March 7th! Be sure to take advantage of these reduced prices and register today!  We have a great forward-looking and relevant agenda designed to engage participants in discussion about healthcare policy, oral and behavioral health, telemedicine, population health, health equity, and much more.  Check out the agenda (subject to change) and the website for more information.

COPIC’s Colorado Volunteer Physician Program

“COPIC’s Colorado Volunteer Physician Program provides medical professional liability insurance at no charge to eligible Colorado physicians who provide uncompensated medical care.  The COPIC Trust fully subsidizes the insurance premiums for physicians under the Volunteer Physician Program.

Physicians who wish to take advantage of the program must meet a list of requirements, complete a brief application, and complete the underwriting process.  Below is a list of requirements for coverage eligibility under the Volunteer Physician Program:

• The physician must have a valid, current, and unrestricted medical license.
• The physician must be providing services on a volunteer basis without any remuneration, (monetary or otherwise) and wholly within the state of Colorado.
• The physician may not perform any obstetrical, prenatal, invasive, or surgical procedures as part of the volunteer medical services provided.

For more information regarding COPIC’s Volunteer Physician Program, please contact our Sales department at (720) 858-6186 and view the reference sheet.”  [Source:  COPIC]

CMS/RIHEL Advanced Physician Leadership Program – Deadline to apply March 14th

"The Colorado Medical Society Foundation and the Regional Institute for Health and Environmental Leadership (RIHEL) have teamed up to deliver the Advanced Physician Leadership Program (APLP) for Colorado physicians.  The Colorado Health Foundation, the Physicians Foundation, COPIC and Colorado Medical Society are funding this initiative. The objectives of the program are to:

• Strengthen the ability of physicians to assume leadership roles within both the profession and communities across the state; and
• Grow a cadre of Colorado physician leaders that are trained, willing and confidently able to serve as champions to improve the delivery of cost-effective, quality and safe care.

The deadline is to apply is March 14! Click here for more information on the program and to apply." [Source:  CMS]

Interested in learning more about CareMessage? Check out the recorded informational webinar!

“CareMessage is a Stanford University-born award-winning 501(c)3 nonprofit health technology organization based in San Francisco.  CareMessage helps clinics reduce no-shows and save time spent on patient education and outreach, while improving patient health outcomes and reducing overall costs.  The technology complements existing clinic EMR systems and can be used by clinics without an EMR system.

With funding from the Packard Foundation CareMessage is distributing its service free of charge to Colorado's community safety net clinics for a year.  Although this campaign is primarily targeted at free and charitable clinics, nearly all community safety net clinics serving the low-income residents of Colorado are eligible to participate.

Check out the recorded informational webinar! Click here to view the webinar and enter the password: caremessage. If you would like more information after viewing the webinar, the informational document and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, please fill out this short interest form.  Someone from CareMessage will schedule a follow-up call.  If you have any questions contact freeclinics@caremessage.org.”  [Source: CareMessage]

HCPF Updates

“Enrollment Metrics: Connect for Heath Colorado and Colorado Medicaid released updated enrollment metrics as of March 1. Since October 1, 2013, Medicaid has enrolled 135,560 individuals under the Medicaid expansion and Connect for Health Colorado has enrolled 84,881 Coloradans in private health insurance coverage. For more Medicaid enrollment metrics, including by gender, age and county of residence click here. Additional enrollment metrics from Connect for Health Colorado can be found here.

Letter to Adult Food Assistance Clients: The Department has worked with the Department of Human Services to send letters to over 45,000 adults currently receiving Food Assistance (or SNAP), letting them know they may be newly eligible for Medicaid. Information already on file through the Food Assistance program can be used to determine if these individuals are likely eligible for Medicaid, without requiring a new application. If clients have questions about the letter they received, they should contact the Medicaid Customer Contact Center to reach dedicated representatives at 1-800-221-3943/ TDD 1-800-659-2656. Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. (closed state holidays).

12 Month Continuous Eligibility FAQs Available: Beginning March 1, 2014, the Department’s twelve month continuous eligibility policy for Medicaid or Child Health PlanPlus (CHP+) children under the age of 19 will be implemented. Continuous eligibility ensures children remain enrolled in either Medicaid or CHP+ for 12 months, regardless if their household experiences a change in income or size. For more information on continuous eligibility please see the Department’s frequently asked questions here or go to Colorado.gov/HCPF/ACAResources.

Colorado Selected to Improve Care Coordination for Medicare-Medicaid Beneficiaries: The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing announced today it will partner with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement a new program designed to better coordinate care for clients who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. The State Demonstration to Integrate Care for Medicare-Medicaid Enrollees (Demonstration) will integrate and coordinate physical, behavioral and social health needs for Medicare-Medicaid clients. Colorado is one of 10 states to enter into an agreement with CMS to implement the Demonstration and is now eligible to receive up to $12.5 million in first year funding to implement the program. The Department expects to enroll clients into this new initiative in the summer of 2014. For more information see our press release here.

Update your PEAK Quick Links by March 16: The web address to access the PEAK homepage has been replaced. PEAK partners and users should note that www.peak.state.co.us has been replaced and will no longer link to the PEAK website beginning March 16. Please make sure that you are using one of the following two links to access the PEAK landing page: http://coloradopeak.force.com or http://colorado.gov/PEAK. For more information and screenshots click here. If you have questions regarding the decommissioning of the old PEAK website please contact CBMS.Liaison@state.co.us.

The February At a Glance publication provides information on major initiatives including policy changes and program updates from HCPF.”  [Source:  HCPF]

Family Medicine Cares USA – Grant Opportunity for Free Clinics

“Launched in 2011, Family Medicine Cares USA is helping to establish new Free Clinics to care for the uninsured in areas of need across the United States.  Grants are provided to new clinics for purchase of tangible items needed to open their doors, such as exam tables, EHR systems, and medical equipment.

We are pleased to announce that in 2014 the eligibility criteria will be expanded to include existing Free Clinics.  Family Medicine Cares USA also gives AAFP members, residents, and students the opportunity to volunteer their time and talents.  Deadline for the grant application is March 17, 2014.  Family Medicine Cares USA is designed to bring us together to help address this overwhelming need and to bring visibility to the caring nature and importance of family medicine.

Click here for more information on grant programs for new and existing Free & Charitable Clinics.”  [Source:  NAFC]