Connect for Health Colorado Updates

• “We have passed another milestone, now more than 146,000 covered lives have been signed up for coverage through Connect for Health Colorado. That means a lot of renewals are around the corner. If you are renewing or helping someone renew, you will find this infographic helpful in your planning.
• Good news from the state Division of Insurance (DOI) this week with the release of approved 2015 plans and premiums. The average rate for coverage offered through Connect for Health Colorado will remain stable, increasing only 0.58%. Read analysis from the DOI or the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative.
• Our customers will have more plans to choose from for 2015 coverage. The DOI approved 176 plans to be sold through the individual Marketplace, up from 149 this year. There will be 120 plans in small group exchange, up from 90 this year.
• Some customers will want help choosing from all those options. Our network of trained and certified experts will offer free, in-person help to shoppers in every county in the state. Find them in your area.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

PEAK Updates

“New Launch Date for PEAK Enhancements: Last month we announced there would be changes to PEAK on October 12. However, to successfully implement the enhancements, they have been rescheduled for November 9. With the updated implementation, the PEAK Enhancement Overview webinars have been rescheduled as follows: October 10 to November 7; October 13 to November 10. If you were registered for an October overview webinar, you are already registered for the rescheduled November webinar and do not need to register again.

PEAK Enhancement Training Sessions: The PEAK Outreach & Training team will be hosting two webinars and a series of training sessions across the state between October 17 and November 10. Click here for more information on the trainings, including dates and locations.

PEAK Support Calls: Support calls for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) are scheduled to follow major PEAK updates to discuss system performance and known issues. If you are a CBMS user, please refer to the Web Portal for support call information.

• Post Build Follow-Up Call for CBOs: November 13th, Dial-in: 1-877-820-7831 | Passcode: 349141#
• PEAK Support Call: November 19th, 12-1pm, Dial-in: 1-712-432-0220 | Passcode: 5642211#” [Source: Colorado PEAK]

SIM Management Team Status Update

“In recognition of this busy season, the SIM Management Team has re-evaluated the focus of the November 20th gathering. The Health Transformation Summit will now be held in the spring of 2015. The full day meeting on November 20 will be a working meeting that focuses on further refining the workplans for the SIM workstreams. This meeting will be open to the public. More details to follow as they become available.

The leads for four of the SIM workstreams have been identified and will begin meeting in October:

• HIT, Data and Quality Measures - Lead: Kate Kiefert, State HIT Implementation Coordinator, Governor's Office and Co-Lead: Camille Harding, Quality and Health Improvement Unit Supervisor, Clinical Services Office, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
• Payers, Purchasers and Payment Reform - Lead: Patrick Gordon, Associate Vice President, Rocky Mountain Health Plans and Co-Lead: Judy Zerzan, Chief Medical Officer, Client and Clinical Care Office Director, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
• Service Delivery and Practice Transformation - Lead: Lisa Clements, Director, Office of Behavioral Health, Colorado Department of Human Services and Co-Leads: Zach Pierce, Human Services Policy Advisor, Office of Governor John Hickenlooper and Primary Care Physician, TBD.
• Consumers - Lead: Gretchen Hammer, Executive Director, Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved and Co-Lead: Katherine Blair, Senior Health Policy Advisor, Office of Governor John Hickenlooper.” [Source: Colorado SIM]

Employers play an important role in diabetes prevention

“Over 86 million US adults- more than 1 in 3 - have prediabetes. A person with prediabetes has a blood sugar level higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Without lifestyle changes to improve their health, 15% to 30% of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years.

Employers play an important role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes by offering the Diabetes Prevention Program as a covered health benefit to their employees. To promote prediabetes awareness and help prevent type 2 diabetes, employers can:

• Encourage employees to call 1-800-DIABETES to find a Diabetes Prevention Program in their area
• Use pre-existing communication channels to educate employees about their risk for prediabetes and the Diabetes Prevention Program
• Negotiate with their health plan to include the Diabetes Prevention Program as a covered health benefit

For more information about adding the Diabetes Prevention Program as a covered health benefit, contact Becky DiOrio becky.diorio@state.co.us.” [Source: COPrevent]

Articles and Publications

All Health Care is Local: The Power of Community to Drive Improvement
September 2014 – The Commonwealth Fund

State of Working Colorado
September 2014 - Colorado Center on Law & Policy

For more Articles and Publications, visit the ClinicNET website.

HCPF Updates

“New Launch Date for Shared Application Process: In preparation for 2015 open enrollment, HCPF and Connect for Health Colorado will launch a joint application process to improve the consumer experience which relies on complex technology; joining IT systems that have functioned independently until now. These enhancements include:

• A single application to quickly learn if consumers qualify for Medicaid, Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), or a federal tax credit and/or cost sharing reduction through Connect for Health Colorado.
• Applicants will receive joint letters from HCPF and Connect for Health Colorado explaining what health coverage program they qualify for.
• Aligning account sign-on functionality for Colorado.gov/PEAK and ConnectforHealthCO.com so consumers will only need one login.

Additionally, we are enhancing Colorado’s nationally recognized technology that allows for real-time eligibility determinations. Consumers may be able to find out immediately if they qualify for Medicaid or CHP+. To successfully implement these enhancements, HCPF and Connect for Health Colorado have set a revised go-live date for the shared application and eligibility system. The new launch date will be November 9. 

Training for County Eligibility Workers and Medical Assistance Sites: The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) will be delivering Open Enrollment, SES and Medicaid QA training to County Eligibility Workers and Medical Assistance (MA) Sites through Train-the-Trainer sessions and Regional trainings. In addition, an online training course will be available. Click here for additional information regarding the instructor led and online trainings as well as registration information.

Click here to view the latest issue of HCPF’s ACA Implementation News. [Source: HCPF]

MSEC Nonprofit Leadership Institute

“Mountain States Employers Council, The Daniels Fund, Boettcher Foundation, The Denver Foundation, The Colorado Health Foundation, and Rose Community Foundation have come together to continue the MSEC Nonprofit Leadership Institute. The Institute was developed to acknowledge an increasing necessity for nonprofit organizations to address and plan for the strategic direction of organizational leadership. A senior staff member that has demonstrated leadership skills that will benefit the organization long term is welcome to submit an application to attend the Nonprofit Leadership Institute.

Since $7,000 of the $8,800 tuition is being underwritten by the six partners, the cost to your organization is $1,800. The deadline to enroll in the Nonprofit Leadership Institute has been extended to October 10.

For additional information, or to apply to the program contact Evan Abbott (303.223.5339), Peggy Penberthy (303.223.5413), or Krista Rahe (303.223.5383). Click here for the information packet.” [Source: MSEC]

Walgreens and HHS partner to offer free flu shots in communities

“Walgreens and the Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) have partnered to provide free flu shots to the underserved and uninsured.  Colorado, New Mexico, South Dakota & Wyoming have been allocated 25,000 vouchers or free flu shots. Walgreens is working with groups throughout the market to develop a plan to best utilize these vouchers.

Two options: (1) setting up an onsite flu clinic or (2) providing vouchers to hand out in your communities.

Who is eligible: anyone aged 7 and up that does not have insurance or cannot afford a flu shot.

There is no cost to patients or organizations. Walgreens is donating the flu shots and payroll needed to staff the events. Walgreens holds full liability for providing the immunizations.

Click here for more information on how to set up a clinic or obtain vouchers.” [Source: COPrevent]

Input on Medicaid ID Cards

The contract for producing Medicaid ID cards is being re-procured in the near future, and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is seeking provider input on the following questions:

• Do providers have each Medicaid client show the card before each appointment?
• Is a Medicaid ID card needed before a provider will provide services?
• Is there additional information that providers wish were included on the cards?

Please send any input to Matthew Lanphier at Matthew.lanphier@state.co.us by Monday, September 29th. [Source: HCPF]

FREE Self-Management Program for 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. For a full schedule, go to selfmanagementcolorado.org.” [Source: COPrevent]

Funding Announcement: Reducing Disparities in Breastfeeding through Peer and Professional Lactation Support

“The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) offers a funding opportunity for local health departments (LHDs) and community-based public, private, nonprofit or faith-based organizations to provide peer and professional lactation support to African American and underserved (e.g. ethnic minority group or low-income) women and infants. The purpose of this project is to increase implementation of evidence-based and innovative breastfeeding programs, practices and services at the community level, specifically focused on peer and professional lactation support to breastfeeding mothers and to develop and maintain public health partnerships critical to building community support for breastfeeding. Click here to view the full funding announcement.

NACCHO will make at least 70 awards for a two-year breastfeeding project. The Reducing Disparities in Breastfeeding through Peer and Professional Lactation Support (Breastfeeding) project is a 4-year cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to increase implementation of evidence-based breastfeeding programs, practices and services at the community level.

NACCHO is hosting an optional webinar on September 26, 2014 at 9:30 am E.T. to discuss the funding opportunity and respond to questions. Click here to register. The webinar will be recorded and posted to the NACCHO website.” [Source: COPrevent]

Continuing Education Opportunity: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Hypertension

“Spotlight Series, which began in 2008, offers free, case-based presentations designed to educate healthcare providers on evidence-based practices. The target audience includes internists, family practice physicians and other primary care physicians, cardiologists, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants and other clinicians involved in the treatment of patients with or at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Available Spotlight Series: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Hypertension: Beginning the Conversation. African Americans are significantly more likely than whites to be diagnosed with hypertension, yet are significantly less likely to achieve blood pressure goals despite equal or even higher levels of treatment. Medication adherence, economic issues, patient/physician communication, and differences in antihypertensive efficacy in blacks all contribute to the disparities. It is crucial that clinicians identify opportunities for improvement in the management of hypertension in their African-American patients and integrate those opportunities into their practices. Click here to learn more. Request this topic.” [Source: COPrevent]

You’re invited to Corps Community Day!

The fourth annual Corps Community Day will take place October 10 from 6-8pm at the Crowne Plaza Denver Airport. The free event highlights primary medical, dental and behavioral health care for underserved in Colorado. It is an opportunity for students, residents, providers and safety net health care facilities to network. Guest speakers will also talk about their experiences with loan repayment for health professionals. View the invitation and RSVP if you’d like to attend.

ClinicNET will have a table at Corps Community Day. Please send any job openings with descriptions to johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org and we will have them available at our table!

New Infographic: Affordable Health Care for Immigrant Families

"Colorado Consumer Health Initiative has a new infographic that explains, in both English and Spanish, health insurance eligibility for mixed status families. It breaks down qualifications for financial assistance (tax credit, Medicaid, and/or CHP+) by monthly incomes.

This easy-to-follow infographic not only provides resources for lawful permanent residents, green card holders and refugees, but also provides resources to find nearby health services for undocumented immigrants. It also clarifies that when applying for health coverage, personal information will NOT be used for immigration enforcement. This can be a significant concern among many families and can be a barrier to getting health coverage. Click here to download both the English and Spanish version.

Introducing Healthier Colorado

“There are many organizations in our state that do fantastic advocacy work within the realm of healthcare. But there's never been an organization with health policy change as its primary focus -- until now, that is. We're proud to announce the launch of Healthier Colorado, our state’s first and only organization devoted exclusively to improving public policy to promote a healthier population.  We'll have a broad and bipartisan policy focus, centered on:

• Advancing healthy living through nutritious food and physical activity
• Expanding healthcare coverage for Coloradans
• Improving the quality of healthcare in our state.

We want to build a grassroots constituency for health policy change, because our elected officials should hear from Coloradans who want a healthier state. Our health is worth dedicated political advocacy, and we hope you’ll join us in getting Colorado healthier.” [Source: Healthier Colorado]

HRSA Webinar: Data Sharing Among Safety Net Providers Sept. 19

“The electronic exchange of data plays a critical role in supporting high-quality and cost-effective care. The Medicare & Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program includes standards to support health information exchange and interoperability among meaningful users of certified EHR technology. The coordination and sharing of patient information across health care settings is challenging, with terminology standards adoption, lack of infrastructure to support data exchange, and concerns about privacy and security.

Despite these difficulties, solutions are being created by local health information technology (IT) networks across the country. Two grant recipients of HRSA’s Office of Rural Health Policy Rural Health IT Network Development Program will describe their data sharing efforts within their health IT networks.  Presenters will also share their experience leveraging ORHP funds to support the health IT infrastructure in their safety net communities.

Click here to register. For more information regarding the 9th Annual National Health IT Week during September 15-19, 2014, please visit: http://www.healthitweek.org/.” [Source: HRSA]

The Colorado Health Foundation Funding Opportunity: Healthy School Meals through Scratch Cooking

“The Colorado Health Foundation is excited to announce the opening of a new funding opportunity within our Healthy Living outcome area. In Healthy Living, our focus is to ensure every kid in Colorado has the opportunity to eat healthy and engage in physical activity.

Funding Opportunity: Healthy School Meals through Scratch Cooking
The goal of this funding opportunity is to ensure that all kids have healthy meals at school by supporting equipment costs and other needs for school districts that are transitioning from processed school meals to healthy meals cooked from scratch. To be considered for funding, applicants must meet specific criteria and associated measurable results.

Informational Webinar: Tuesday, September 23 9:30-10:30am. Register now.

Open Deadlines: October 2014, February 2015, June 2015

Program Officers: Hillary Fulton (303.953.3626) and Tiffany Perrin (303.953.3617)” [Source: TCHF]

Save the Date: CO Medical Home Community Forum

The next Colorado Medical Home Community Forum is October 14, 4:30-6:45pm at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment | 4300 Cherry Creek Dr. South | Denver, Colorado 80246 | DOC Room, Building A. The topic is School Based Health Centers: An Integrated Model of Care for Children and Adolescents. RSVP here. For questions, contact Barbara Martin barbara.martin@state.co.us. [Source: Colorado Medial Home Initiative]

SIM Management Team Updates

• “Colorado received formal questions from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services on its SIM proposal. Responses were submitted on Monday, September 8th. The full response, as well as the revised SIM proposal can be downloaded by clicking here.
• If you would like to participate in any of the workstreams, please complete the signup form located at:  www.coloradosim.org/workstreams_signup/  Descriptions and objectives for the workstreams will be provided shortly. The SIM team has received numerous requests to participate in the workstreams. To see a list of individuals/organizations who have expressed interest in these workstreams, please click here.
• We continue to meet with stakeholder groups by request. If you would like a SIM-related update or presentation, please communicate with our Project Director, or visit the contact us section of the website. If you would like a SIM-related update or presentation, please communicate with our Project Director, or visit the contact us section of the website.” [Source: Colorado SIM]

Articles and Publications

America's Free and Charitable Clinics: Vital Support for 30 Million Uninsured Americans
September 2014 - The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics

Fact Sheet: Providing Coverage for the Remaining Uninsured: Strategies from State and Localities
September 2014 - National Academy for State Health Policy

Medicaid Patients and Doctors Are Seeking a Cure for Denver Health's Managed Care
September 10, 2014 - Westword

For more Articles and Publications, visit the ClinicNET website.

The Colorado Health Foundation funding opportunity: Enhance health engagement through patient portal use

“The Colorado Health Foundation is excited to announce the opening of a new funding opportunity within our Health Care outcome area. In Health Care, our focus is to ensure all Coloradans achieve health with support from a network of primary health care and community services.

Funding Opportunity: Enhance health engagement through patient portal use
The goal of this funding opportunity is to increase individual and family health engagement through the use of patient portals at the clinic level. Grant funding will support a cohort of safety net clinics to fully integrate patient portals into their practices, maximize their use by patients and providers, and foster a culture where individuals conveniently access and act on their health information to engage more fully in their health. To be considered for funding, applicants must meet specific criteria.

Open deadlines: October 2014, February 2015, June 2015.

Program Officer: Dara Hessee (303.953.3641)” [Source: The Colorado Health Foundation]

Enhanced Primary Care Program and Clarification about ACC patients and Denver Health

“Enhanced Primary Care Program Details Released by Medicaid: Effective July 1, 2014, Medicaid and the Regional Care Collaborative Organizations (RCCOs), will recognize and reimburse Primary Care Medical Providers (PCMPs) who offer services beyond the traditional fee-for-service primary care model of care. This initiative has been developed to help achieve the overall goals of the Accountable Care Collaborative and is designed to provide incentives for quality improvement. Providers who meet five of the nine following factors will be eligible for an additional payment of $0.50 per member per month (PMPM). This will be a lump sum payment made annually. Click here for additional incentive payment details. Click here for a checklist and examples of each of these 9 factors and how to document completion. Click here for detailed descriptions of how the nine factors will be measured by the RCCOs.

Important Clarification about ACC patients and Denver Health: There is a misunderstanding among the provider community in regards to Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) patients and Denver Health. Please note: ACC members attributed to Denver Health can be seen by any Medicaid provider and the claim will be paid. Only patients who are enrolled in Denver Health HMO (Managed Choice) must be seen by Denver Health providers unless referral authorization has been received from Denver Health. See these mock eligibility screens for an example of each scenario: Denver Health ACC patient & Denver Health HMO patient. Any questions, please contact Marty.Janssen@state.co.us.” [Source: CCHAP Practice Manager Newsletter]

2014 Safety Net Primer

“Colorado’s health care safety net, the network of clinics and providers that care for the most vulnerable residents, is growing and changing. To better understand the changes in Colorado’s health care safety net, it is necessary to understand its structure. The Colorado Health Institute released the Safety Net Primer, which explains the elements of the state’s health care safety net, who uses its services, and how the system is funded.” [Source: The Colorado Health Institute]

HCPF Updates

“Register now to attend Colorado’s Building Better Health: Enroll 2015: This event represents a statewide partnership and commitment to a successful 2015 open enrollment period. This conference is for brokers, health coverage guides, assistance site navigators, certified application counselors, community-based organizations and health advocates from across Colorado. Registration closes Sept. 19, click here to register. The event will be October 14-15 at the Crowne Plaza DIA.

Training for County Eligibility Workers and Medical Assistance Sites: The Department will be delivering training to County Eligibility Workers and Medical Assistance (MA) Sites through Train-the-Trainer sessions and Regional Trainings.  In addition, an Online Training course will also be available. Additional information regarding the instructor led and online trainings will be available on TrainColorado.com. For more information about this training, please contact the Staff Development Center at SOC_staffdevelopment@state.co.us.

Click here to view the September issue of the On the Horizon newsletter, a joint collaboration between MAXIMUS and the Department.” [Source: HCPF]

Tobacco Free and Well Body Advanced Techniques Trainings

“The University of Colorado Behavioral Health & Wellness Program, in partnership with the San Juan Basin Health Department has announced two new training opportunities.

The DIMENSIONS: Advanced Techniques Tobacco Free and Well Body trainings are evidence-based one and a half day trainings intended for all health care providers and peer advocates. Trainees learn motivational engagement strategies, community referrals, educational activities, and individual and group wellness interventions. Attendees also receive a six-week group curriculum that supports positive behavioral health change. These trainings are a train-the trainer model, meaning participants will leave the training with the materials and knowledge to then train others within their organization.

These trainings will be offered:

• Grand Junction – October 14-16
• Durango – October 22-24

For more information and to register, click here for Grand Junction and click here for Durango. If you have any questions, please contact Emma Maki-Gianani with the Behavioral Health & Wellness Program at 303-724-3713 or bh.wellness@ucdenver.edu.” [Source: COPrevent]

Health IT students looking to volunteer in safety net clinics!

Students in Arapahoe Community College’s Health Information Technology (HIT) program are interested in volunteering at community safety net clinics throughout the Denver Metro Area and Colorado Springs to assist with scanning projects, quality assurance checks and all tasks related to health data. Students must be oriented to the task and supervised by clinic staff.  Students are generally available 40-80 hours during a given semester.  Schedules must fit both the clinic and the student’s individual needs. If interested, please contact Cindy Johnson, HIT Program Chair at 303-797-5603 or cindy.johnson@arapahoe.edu. [Source: Arapahoe Community College]

Lifestyle Change programs for individuals with diabetes and prediabetes are cost effective

“The average medical expenditures among people diagnosed with diabetes were 2.3 times higher than people without diabetes, according to the 2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report.

A recent study conducted at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that participants who were assigned to an intensive lifestyle change program focused on diet and exercise experienced statistically significant average savings compared to individuals assigned to a standard diabetes support program. Financial savings stemmed from fewer hospitalizations, shorter hospital stays, and a reduction in prescription medication usage.

The Community Preventive Services Task Force released an evidence-based recommendation in favor of programs that actively encourage those at increased risk for type 2 diabetes to eat healthier and be more physically active. The Task Force also concluded from the economic evidence that combined diet and physical activity promotion programs to prevent type 2 diabetes among people at increased risk are cost-effective.

The CDC-led lifestyle change program is the National Diabetes Prevention Program. Currently in Colorado there are over 20 recognized programs. For more information on the Diabetes Prevention Program in Colorado, please visit our informational website.” [Source: COPrevent]

Save the Date: Annual Prostate and Men's Health Day

“Annual Prostate and Men’s Health Day is hosted by the Center for African American Health on September 27 9am-2:30pm at Inner City Health Center.

FREE Screenings: Prostate DRE/PSA, glucose, blood pressure, body composition, and the flu shot clinic.

Join Center for African American Health for a special national athlete guest appearance and pro-boxing “walk down memory lane” movies.  No appointment necessary. For information visit www.caahealth.org or call (303) 355-3423.” [Source: COPrevent]

Preventing Suicide: A Global Imperative

“For World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th, 2014, the World Health Organization is issuing its first global report on suicide, Preventing Suicide: A Global Imperative. Suicide is a serious global public health problem. More than 800,000 people worldwide die from suicide every year. Research shows suicides are preventable. Multiple sectors — public and private, health and non-health sectors, such as education, labor, agriculture, business and the media — have a role to play in prevention.

Learn more: CDC: Suicide Prevention, CDC: Youth Suicide Prevention, Surgeon General: National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, Colorado Suicide Prevention resources.” [Source: COPrevent]

Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Program

 “The Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Program, a national program of the American Academy of Pediatrics, supports pediatricians to collaborate within their communities so that all children have access to needed health services. The program offers planning and implementation grants to individual pediatricians and fellowship trainees to plan innovative community-based child health initiatives that will ensure all children have medical homes and access to healthcare services not otherwise available in their community. Priority is given to projects that will serve communities with the greatest health disparities. Resident grants are available for pediatric residents to plan or implement community-based child health initiatives. The next Call for Proposals will open November 1, 2014; the application deadline is January 31, 2015. Applications must be submitted online.” [Source: NAFC Newsletter]

First Survey of Colorado Accountable Care Collaborative Clients Released

“The Colorado Health Institute released findings from the first consumer experience survey of Medicaid clients participating in the Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC), the state’s signature project to reform the delivery of primary health care. The report focuses on 10 findings from the survey, the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS), in which adults enrolled in the ACC rated their health care experiences.

To date, the program primarily has been measured by whether costs and use of certain procedures and servers are declining. The new data contribute insights about clients’ perceptions of the value of having a personal doctor, access to preventative care and coordination across health care services. The survey was a partnership of HCPF, the Colorado Health Foundation, and the Colorado Health Institute. Data were collected in the spring of 2013. The analysis focused on clients in the ACC compared with clients remaining in the traditional fee-for-service (FFS) program.

Read the full report here.” [Source: Colorado Health Institute]

Blue Guide and other resources

Have you seen the Blue Guide? The Colorado Consumer Health Initiative developed this guide to help uninsured individuals and families, health care providers, and community organizations locate the health care options and resources that are available for uninsured and underinsured Coloradans. This online guide provides information about local health care providers and health care access assistance sites that can help Coloradans apply for and enroll in Medicaid, CHP+, and private insurance through the new online insurance marketplace.

The Blue Guide and other helpful resources are listed on ClinicNET’s website! We have resources on Patient Assistance, Health Reform, Workforce, Supplies, Medical Home, Data & Tools, and HIT. If you are a contributing affiliate, don’t forget you have access to a password protected webpage with additional content and resources.

New Funding Opportunity: Out-of-School Time Physical Activity

“The Colorado Health Foundation is excited to announce the opening of a new funding opportunity within our Health Living outcome area. In Health living, our focus is to ensure every kid in Colorado has the opportunity to eat healthy and engage in physical activity.

Funding Opportunity: Out-of-School Time Physical Activity
The goal of this funding opportunity is to provide high quality, structured physical activity in out-of-school time settings. Specifically, we are interested in receiving proposals for: implementation or enhancement of quality, structured physical activity opportunities in out-of-school settings (school- or community-based programs). To be considered for funding, applicants must meet specific criteria and associated measurable results.

Open Deadlines: October 2014, February 2015, June 2015

Program Officers: Monica Lyle (303-953-3667) and Sara Monge (303-953-3664).” [Source: The Colorado Health Foundation]

The Colorado Health Foundation Applicant Information Webinar Sept. 11

“The Colorado Health Foundation is hosting an application information webinar for prospective grant applicants on September 11, 11:30am – 12:30pm. The webinar gives representatives from nonprofits that work in health care, health coverage and healthy living a chance to learn about the Foundation’s grantmaking program.

During the webinar, Foundation staff will provide a concise overview of the application process, including:

• How to prepare applications
• Important proposal requirements
• A step-by-step walk-through of the online application process

Staff all will review the Foundation’s funding priorities and take questions about any part of the process. This webinar requires advanced registration, so please register here. Please note that participation in the webinar is not a required part of the application process. If you have questions, please contact Beth Clemens, events manager, at bclemens@ColoradoHealth.org or 303.953.3691.” [Source: The Colorado Health Foundation]

WWC recruiting advisory board member

“The Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC) Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program (BCCSP) Advisory Board is requesting applications to fill one vacancy. Applicants who possess one or more of the following qualifications will be strongly considered:

• a representative with rural perspective - provider or other
• a representative with knowledge regarding health insurance, care coordinator and/or Medicare/Medicaid/Affordable Care Act
• a representative of the Eastern Plains
• a representative with a background with hard to reach women

Board member applications are evaluated and voted on by current board members. Newly selected Board members will serve three-year terms. The WWC BCCSP Advisory Board meets quarterly for three hours. Members of the Advisory Board shall serve without compensation but transportation and travel costs are reimbursed. All applicants must submit a completed application with their resume by 5 p.m. Sept. 15. Please email application to Emily.Kinsella@state.co.us.” [Source: COPrevent]

Colorado PEAK Updates

“PEAK Outreach and Training

• Application Walk-Through 9/9 at 1:00pm
• PEAK Enhancement Webinar 10/10 10:00am-12:00pm
• PEAK Enhancement Webinar 10/13 9:00-11:00am
• Enhancement Training Sessions: Three hour training sessions will provide detailed information on how PEAK is being streamlined for a better user experience. Session details and registration information will be posted on the Outreach & training site in the next few weeks.

Support Calls for Community Partners

• PEAK Support Call 10/22 12:00-1:00pm Dial-in: 1-712-432-0220  Passcode: 5642211#” [Source: PEAK]

August edition of At a Glance

Click here to view the August edition of At A Glance. [Source: HCPF]