PEAK Updates

“Client Assistance Information: As a reminder, below are general assistance resources available to clients who have questions.

• Medical Assistance: General assistance is available for information about applications, benefits, billing, etc. Live Online Chat: Colorado.gov/PEAK Monday - Friday, 12:30pm-4:00pm;  Medicaid Customer Contact Center  800-221-3943
• Food or Cash Assistance: General assistance about Food and Cash Assistance applications. Customer Service Center 800-536-5298
• Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace: General assistance for information about how to sign up for a plan or report a technical issue with the Marketplace. 855-PLANS-4-You (855-752-6749)
• PEAK Technical Support: Report error messages, frozen screens, time-outs, grayed-out buttons, etc. Email information and screenshots to CBMS.Help@state.co.us

PEAK Support Calls: If you were unable to join the PEAK Support Call on November 19th, below is the summary of notable items that were discussed.

• Resolved: The PEAK News page on the PEAK website had reverted to an old version. The page has been updated with current news.  
• Resolved: There were a few reports during the week of 11/9 in which applications that should have received a Real Time Eligibility determination were pending. The cause of the issue was immediately resolved, and the applications were processed. 
• Resolved: Some applicants were being asked for information about additional household members after indicating there were no other people to report. The cause of the issue has been resolved, and applicants should no longer be experiencing this issue.
• Known/Resolution in Progress: Some clients are having trouble using Report My Changes to be re-evaluated for APTC so they can shop for health coverage. Until this is fully resolved, clients should initiate a new PEAK application or submit a paper application.” [Source: Colorado PEAK]

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) – Free Continuing Education Credits

“A new streaming video from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is now available at no cost for clinicians’ continuing-education credit. The video, based on June 2013’s Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs: A Comparative Effectiveness Review and Meta-Analysis, summarizes current evidence on the effectiveness of different types of intervention programs and settings that prevent childhood obesity. The video can be accessed at http://bit.ly/1sIPsp6.

Additional topic-related materials, including an educational slide deck, a consumer summary, and the full review, Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs: A Comparative Effectiveness Review and Meta-analysis, are among the latest in a series of free materials from AHRQ’s Effective Health Care (EHC) Program that explore the effectiveness and risks of treatment options for various conditions. Subscribe to the Program’s newsletter, EHC Inside Track, for regular updates on new tools and resources.” [Source: NAFC]

HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!

Community Safety Net Clinics - thank you for delivering compassionate, culturally competent, quality care to tens of thousands of Coloradans and for enriching your communities!  

Partners, Collaborators, Funders and Supporters - thank you for working with ClinicNET to enable a rationale safety net system of care that benefits all Coloradans.

With great respect and appreciation,

Sharon, Brooke, JoJo and Cathryn

Kaiser Loan Repayment Program Kick Off Call & Webinar

"We would like to invite you to the kick off call for the Kaiser Permanente Loan Repayment for Safety Net Clinical Support Staff (KPRLP) program on Thursday, Dec. 18th from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. The Colorado Community Health Network was funded by Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fund to administer a loan repayment program for clinical support professionals at ClinicNET affiliate clinics, Rural Health Clinics, and Community Health Centers. Click here for more information on eligibility.

This kick off call will provide information for human resources staff and program managers at safety net clinics that will be helpful for supporting your staff as they apply for the KPRLP. Topics covered will include an overview of the program and application process, program requirements and eligibility, the role of HR staff/program managers, and helpful tips for marketing the program to your staff and supporting applicants through the process. CCHN staff will be also be available to answer questions about the program during this call.

Call in and webinar information is below:
Call: 866-740-1260; Access code: 4267364
Webinar Log-in: www.readytalk.com; Access code: 4267364" [Source: CCHN]

Join a Webinar on Integrating Behavioral Health into Primary Care

“Behavioral health problems significantly affect people’s health and quality of life, and often exist alongside physical health problems. A one-hour webinar on December 10, 2014, at 12 p.m., E.T., will discuss the benefits of integrating behavioral health into primary care, especially for low-income individuals, drawing on lessons from the Safety Net Medical Home Initiative, a five-year demonstration that was supported by The Commonwealth Fund, Qualis Health, and the MacColl Center for Health Care Innovation at the Group Health Research Institute.

Click here to register for the ‘Integrating Behavioral Health into Primary Care’ webinar on Wednesday, December 10, at 12 p.m., E.T.” [Source: The Commonwealth Fund]

New website to help consumers buy and use health insurance

"The Colorado Consumer Health Initiative launched CoveredU.org, an innovative website designed to help consumers better understand how to use their health insurance and how to shop for insurance that's right for them through interactive content. Health insurance literacy is important to ensure consumers have meaningful access to health care through their insurance and that they are able to use their insurance benefits most effectively." [Source: CCHI]

Denver Health Medicaid Choice (DHMC) process changes

Click here to view more information on the Denver Health Medicaid Choice (DHMC) process regarding disenrollment request, authorization request and claims submission related to passive enrollment. Below are highlights from the letter, please be sure to read the full letter carefully.

• Disenrollment process: Any non-DH provider that has an existing relationship with a member who has been passively enrolled into DHMC can assist the member to contact HealthColorado either by phone or by faxing form to request disenrollment (fax # 303-832-8352).
• Process for providers to obtain authorization from DHMC regarding passively enrolled members: Providers must submit (via fax 303-602-2128) an “Outpatient Provider Referral Form.pdf” to the Denver Health Managed Care Utilization Management (UM) department.
• Process for providers to obtain claims reimbursement from DHMC regarding retrospective claims for passive enrollees:  DH MCD Choice shall reimburse any non-DH provider rendering primary care services to a passively enrolled member for dates of services 120 days prior to the date of disenrollment from DH MCD Choice. All retrospective claims must be submitted via fax (preferred method) at 303-602-2096 to DHMC by December 31, 2014.

SIM Meeting Update

“The SIM Team extends its gratitude to everyone who attended the conference on Thursday for making the meeting a great success.  The minutes from the SIM meeting on 11/20 will be posted to the website as soon as they become available. The PowerPoint presentations from the meeting can be viewed using the links below:

• Main SIM Presentation
• Evaluation Presentation
• HIT, Data and Quality Measure Presentation
• Population Health and Consumer Engagement Presentation” [Source: Colorado SIM]

The Board of Dental Examiners Will Hold Public Rulemaking Hearing 1/22/15

“The Board of Dental Examiners will be holding a public rulemaking hearing on January 22, 2015 relative to rule changes to the Dental Practice Act.  These changes are the result of legislation passed during the 2014 session- particularly as it relates to the practice of dental hygiene.

• Draft hygiene prescribing rule
• Draft laser rule
• Draft laboratory work order and denture construction rules

Should you have any comment and are unable to attend the hearing, please send your comments to Deborah Foote at deborah@oralhealthcolorado.org.” [Source: Oral Health Colorado]

Connect for Health Colorado updates

• “We are proud and pleased to introduce the newest member of our team — Kyla, an “online coverage coach” who can help you find your way around parts of our web site and learn a little more about health insurance. We could tell you how she works but why don’t you meet her at Connectforhealthco.com and let her tell you herself. (It will be a couple of weeks before she can help in Spanish and she’s not able to show up on a mobile device or tablet.)
• Easy walk-in, no-appointment-required enrollment centers are popping up like dandelions in spring. They have sprouted in: Adams County, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins (2), Grand Junction (2), Greeley, Lafayette, Lakewood, Pueblo, Southeast Denver/Aurora and Wheat Ridge. You can get locations and hours here.
• So you’ve seen eyes glaze over while you try to explain the difference between a copay and coinsurance? How about the difference between a PPO and an EPO? The You Toons team has scored again with this easy explanation.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

Articles & Publications and new resources

Children’s Use of Dental Care in Medicaid: Federal Fiscal Years 2000-2012
October 2014 – Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Promoting Physical and Behavioral Health Integration: Considerations for Aligning Federal and State Policy
November 2014 – National Academy for State Health policy

Primary care providers beg University Hospital: ‘Open your doors’
November 6, 2014 – Health News Colorado

Smart Mouth Smart Kids Initiative
November 14, 2014 - Oral Health Colorado

We’ve also added new resources to our website, including:

• Cavities Get Around – Partner Toolkit
• Advocates for World Health medical store
• CoveredU.org

Visit the ClinicNET website for more Articles and Publications and Resources.

Denver Health Medicaid Choice (DHMC) process changes

Click here to view more information on the Denver Health Medicaid Choice (DHMC) process regarding disenrollment request, authorization request and claims submission related to passive enrollment. Below are highlights from the letter, please be sure to read the full letter carefully.

• Disenrollment process: Any non-DH provider that has an existing relationship with a member who has been passively enrolled into DHMC can assist the member to contact HealthColorado either by phone or by faxing form to request disenrollment (fax # 303-832-8352).
• Process for providers to obtain authorization from DHMC regarding passively enrolled members: Providers must submit (via fax 303-602-2128) an “Outpatient Provider Referral Form.pdf” to the Denver Health Managed Care Utilization Management (UM) department.
• Process for providers to obtain claims reimbursement from DHMC regarding retrospective claims for passive enrollees:  DH MCD Choice shall reimburse any non-DH provider rendering primary care services to a passively enrolled member for dates of services 120 days prior to the date of disenrollment from DH MCD Choice. All retrospective claims must be submitted via fax (preferred method) at 303-602-2096 to DHMC by December 31, 2014.

Post-election webinar recording

ClinicNET and the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved co-hosted a webinar to review recent election results, the upcoming state legislative session and potential impacts on Colorado's community safety net clinics. Thank you to everyone who joined us! If you missed it, click the links to view the webinar recording and powerpoint slides.

All ClinicNET webinars are archived for your reference on the Affiliate Access page of our website. Contributing affiliates were sent a password to access this page that includes resources for billing, best practices, behavioral health, HIT, front and back office tools, etc. We continue to update this page with relevant resources for our affiliate clinics.

BUILD community collaboration grants available

“The Bold, Upstream, Integrated, Local, Data-Driven (BUILD) Health Challenge is a national award program designed to support community collaborations that are working to give everyone a fair chance to be healthy. BUILD Health will award as much as $7.5 million in grants, low-interest loans, and program-related investments over two years to strengthen partnerships among hospitals, nonprofits, local health departments, and other community organizations to improve the health of low-income neighborhoods within cities with populations greater than 150,000.

Awards will support as many as 14 community-driven efforts addressing health-shaping factors that individuals can’t control (e.g., neighborhood safety, nearby grocery stores with healthful food). In addition to funding, the selected communities will gain access to a comprehensive package of technical assistance and support services to guide them in their planning and implementation efforts.

The BUILD Health Challenge invites collaborative proposals that will identify, highlight, and advance new models for improving community health and health equity. Applications are due Jan.16, 2015. For more information, visit the BUILD Health Challenge website.” [Source: COPrevent]

ClinicNET Conversations: November blog post by ClinicNET ED, Sharon Adams

Check out Sharon’s November blog post, “Reflecting on Simpler Times… A Source of Inspiration.”

“It’s about getting and staying inspired and it’s about acknowledging that the health care safety net is a great place to look for inspiration, innovation and some of the very best examples of putting patients and families first.” Continue reading…

The Colorado Trust Funding Opportunity – Health Equity Learning Series 2015

“The Colorado Trust is pleased to announce another funding opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of health equity. We are continuing the Health Equity Learning Series through 2015 and will host national experts for events in Denver on the following dates: Feb. 5, 2015; May 14, 2015*; July 23, 2015*; and Sept. 17, 2015*. *Dates are tentative and may change. Speakers will be announced in early 2015.

We would like to partner with organizations across the state to live-stream the events in their communities, followed by discussion and networking. Through a Request for Applications process, we would like to encourage nonprofit organizations and groups to apply to host the four events, with Colorado Trust grants supporting associated costs such as facility rentals, audio/visual technical support, event marketing, food and other event costs. Please note that applications are due to The Colorado Trust by 5 p.m. MST on Dec. 19, 2014.

For more information about this Request for Applications, please contact Maggie Frasure, Communications Manager at The Colorado Trust at maggie@coloradotrust.org.” [Source: The Colorado Trust]

Loan Repayment Opportunity!

“The Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) was funded by Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fund to administer a loan repayment program for clinical support professionals working in ClinicNET safety net clinics, Community Health Centers, and Rural Health Clinics in Colorado. Loan repayment will help ease the burden of prior educational debt for clinical support staff in exchange for a one-year service commitment to the safety net clinics. The Kaiser Permanente Educational Loan Repayment for Safety Net Clinical Support Staff program will help modernize and expand the safety net workforce by supporting recruitment and retention of high performing clinical support staff committed to serving in underserved areas.

Click here for more information about eligibility. The application will be available on CCHN’s website on January 1, 2015. The application cycle is January 1-31, 2015.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact Stephanie Auxier at 303-867-9514 or SAuxier@cchn.org, or Angela Rose at 303-867-9511 or Angela@cchn.org.” [Source: CCHN]

ACA Implementation News

Click here to view the November 13th issue and click here to view the November 20th issue of the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing’s ACA Implementation News. [Source: HCPF]

Senior Dental Advisory Committee

"The next Senior Dental Advisory Committee meetings are scheduled for November 21st 3-5pm and December 2nd 3-5pm. Visit HCPF’s website for more information. These meetings are open to the public and will be streamed live over the internet. The live streaming link and the handouts are available on the Department’s website.

Draft rules for the new Dental Health Care Program for Low-Income Seniors pursuant to Senate Bill 14-180 are available here. We plan to take these rules to the Medical Services Board for emergency adoption at its January 9, 2015 meeting.  If you have feedback about the rules, please share that with Nancy Dolson at Nancy.Dolson@state.co.us or 303-866-3698.  The Department will also hold a public rule review meeting on December 22, 2014.  More information about the Medical Services Board, including the public rule review meeting, is available on our website at https://www.colorado.gov/hcpf/medical-services-board.

The Department is currently working with the Senior Dental Advisory Committee to develop the request for grant proposals and grant criteria.  The final request for grant proposals will be issued after the rules have been approved, with grants set to begin July 1, 2015.  The draft request for grant proposals and other information is available on the Senior Dental Advisory Committee’s website at https://www.colorado.gov/hcpf/senior-dental-advisory-committee." [Source: HCPF]

Accountable Care Collaborative – Request for Information due November 24

Click here to view the Request for Information on Colorado’s Accountable Care Collaborative Program. Click here to view a document describing the process for responding. The responses will inform the design of the next phase of the ACC Program. Please submit your response to RCCORFP@state.co.us by 3pm, November 24, 2014. Questions can be directed to RCCORFP@state.co.us or 303-866-5351.

Click here to view a fact sheet the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved has created to explain the RFI as well as give background information and some key areas you may want to consider for comment. [Source: HCPF]

Medicaid Reimbursement Update – Colorado Children’s Healthcare Access Program Newsletter

“Effective January 1, 2015, Medicaid will reimburse covered office visit procedure codes and the vaccine administration procedure codes for all providers at a rate equal to 100% of the Medicare’s December 2014 reimbursement rate. The new rate will be available to all enrolled providers that submit fee schedule claims for office visits or vaccine administrations. The new reimbursement rate will be in place until June 2016.

These increased rates will take the place of The Affordable Care Act program, that pays attested primary care physicians a supplemental payment up to Medicare rates. This program ends December 31, 2014.  Supplemental payments will be made in 2015 for services that were rendered in 2014 under this program. Please contact Richard.Delaney@state.co.us with questions.

Click here to view the CCHAP Practice Manager Newsletter for more on:

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Screening Questionnaire
• Immunizations and Schools – HB 1288
• Stimulant and ADHD Medication Changes” [Source: CCHAP]

New Work & Well-Being Toolkit for Physicians

“The Behavioral Health and Wellness Program, University of Colorado, School of Medicine is dedicated to improving quality of life by facilitating evidence-based health behavior change for communities, organizations, and individuals.

Our newest toolkit is designed for use by physicians, their employers and their peers and assists with promoting physicians’ individual and workplace well-being. It provides education regarding the importance of maintaining overall wellness for physicians and evidence-based strategies for improving wellness. All toolkits can be found at http://www.bhwellness.org/resources/toolkits/.” [Source: Behavioral Health & Wellness Program]

We're hosting a post-election webinar, register today!

ClinicNET and the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved are co-hosting a webinar on Tuesday, November 18th, noon-1pm to review recent election results, the upcoming state legislative session and potential impacts on Colorado's community safety net clinics. This webinar will also provide a chance for ClinicNET affiliates to help inform ClinicNET's policy advocacy work going forward! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Webinar on Cholesterol Guidelines

“Please join the American Heart Association and Million Hearts for the Million Hearts and Cholesterol: 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults: Review of Case Studies on Friday, November 21, 2014 at 10:30 am – 11:30 pm MT.

This presentation is geared toward Million Hearts® Collaboration Partners and Stakeholders, State and Local health departments, Healthcare Professionals, National Organizations and The Guideline Advantage members and Primary Care Physicians.

Click here to register. You will receive meeting logistics on November 17, 2014.” [Source: COPrevent]

Breast Cancer Patient Navigation – Funding Opportunity

“Through the generous support of Walgreens, Susan G. Komen is launching a national Program Announcement for applications that support, expand, or create breast cancer-specific, community-based patient navigation programs for patients diagnosed with an abnormal finding after an initial imaging test. Proposed programs should focus on coordinating and improving access to and timely utilization of breast health services through the Breast Cancer Continuum of Care at any point after an abnormal breast imaging test.

Grant applicants may request up to $200,000 to support a two-year program. To apply for this exciting opportunity, please see the Program Announcement here: Walgreens Patient Navigation Program. Letter of Intent Deadline: Wednesday, November 19, 2014, 1:00 p.m. Central Time. For questions, please contact the Community Grants team at helpdesk@komengrantsaccess.org.” [Source: Susan G. Komen]

HCPF updates children's dental benefits

“The final version of the Dental Services for Children rule, which outlines the revised children’s dental benefit, passed its final reading for permanent adoption at the Medical Services Board (MSB) meeting on October 10, 2014 and will be effective on November 30, 2014. The final version will be made available on the Code of Colorado Regulations website, scroll to section 8.201 of the rule. The final rule includes many of the provisions that the Department worked out through its stakeholder collaborative process and the rule making process.

The DentaQuest Medicaid Dental Provider Office Reference Manual (ORM) will also be updated to reflect the revised children’s dental benefits and published within the coming weeks on the DentaQuest Colorado Providers website. Until the new rule takes effect at the end of November, the Department and DentaQuest are continuing to administer the children’s dental benefit as we were prior to July 1, 2014. The Department would like to thank all the dental providers, community members and advocates who assisted the Department in revising its children’s dental policies.” [Source: COPrevent]

Health Insurance Marketplace 101 Webinars

“Millions of Americans now have health insurance through the Marketplace. But there are still many more who may not have enrolled because the Marketplace system seems to hard to understand. In order to raise awareness and understanding of how the Marketplace works, the Denver Regional Office of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is offering Health Insurance Marketplace 101 webinars.

Learn about the Marketplace every Tuesday at 1:00 PM Mountain / 2:00 PM Central Time throughout the Open Enrollment Period. Registration is not required, and please use the information below to connect to the session you would like to attend. The following dates in 2014: Nov. 18, Nov. 24, Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, Dec. 23, Jan. 13, Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 10.

Webinar URL: https://webinar.cms.hhs.gov/r7oud6z8611/; Audio Line: 1-877-267-1577; Meeting ID: 996 498 512.” [Source: CCHI]

ACA Implementations News

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

November is National Diabetes Month

“This November, the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) and its partners are proud to support National Diabetes Month 2014. Throughout National Diabetes Month, the NDEP and its partners will promote “Be Smart About Your Heart: Control the ABCs of Diabetes” to help people with diabetes learn they are at greater risk for heart disease, and also how they can lower that risk by managing the diabetes ABCs: the A1C test, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Stop Smoking.

NDEP has a variety of resources for you to use to promote diabetes management. Share these free resources with your patients and partners:

• Taking Care of Your Diabetes Means Taking Care of Your Heart tip sheet
• You Are the Heart of Your Family...Take Care of it. tip sheet
• 4 Steps to Manage Your Diabetes for Life booklet

To find related information and additional resources that you can use in your National Diabetes Month outreach efforts, visit www.YourDiabetesInfo.org/DiabetesMonth2014.” [Source: COPrevent]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates

• “Beginning Monday, November 17th you will be able to shop for your 2015 coverage. Be aware that our shopping portal will be unavailable from noon Saturday until 6 a.m. Monday while we make the transition. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait to see 2015 options. Our Plan Finder remains available. You can use it to look at plans and premiums in your area and also get an estimate of your tax credit.
• If you are renewing, re-enrolling or helping someone do it, you might find this new guide a handy tool to walk through the steps involved.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

PEAK Updates

“The next PEAK support call is November 19, 12-1pm; dial-in: 1-712-432-0220 | Passcode: 5642211#.  Support calls for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) are scheduled to follow major PEAK updates to discuss system performance and known issues.

If you missed the November Enhancement training sessions and webinars, a PEAK On-Demand recorded webinar that can be watched at your convenience. This has also been posted to the PEAK Training Resources page on our website along with the existing PEAK On-Demand webinars.” [Source: Colorado PEAK]

Health Equity Learning Series: Health Equity in Rural Communities

“You’re invited to attend this year’s final Health Equity Learning Series luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, with a presentation from Dolores E. Roybal and Yvonne Sandoval. Dr. Roybal and Ms. Sandoval will discuss their experience in addressing health inequities in rural communities, specifically highlighting key challenges and potential solutions.

When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 13, 2014

Where: The Colorado Trust will be live-streaming the presentation on Nov. 13, 2014, at 11:30 a.m.

RSVP: Click here to register for the live stream.” [Source: The Colorado Trust]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates

• “The New York Times’ data-driven feature, The Upshot, went a long way toward answering how many of us is how many people who were uninsured last year have gained coverage this year. See how your county (or any U.S. county) is doing here.
• Competition is already having a big effect on the health insurance market in Colorado as we head into our second open enrollment period. While the average cost of Marketplace plans for individuals and families increased less than one percent this year, some premiums went way down. That includes plans used in calculating financial assistance in most areas of the state. One of our staff explains what it means in this interview on KREX TV or, if you would like a written account, see Health News Colorado.
• We are in the process of sending renewal notices. The notices are tailored to individual customers with their 2015 premium and tax credit information but we are urging everyone to review their options carefully and to understand that lower premiums can mean higher costs if they receive care. It’s important to review deductibles and out-of-pocket costs when choosing a plan.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

Connect for Health Colorado Offers Guidance for Open Enrollment

“Connect for Health Colorado Press Release: Competition in Colorado’s health insurance industry has triggered significant plan and price changes for individuals and families who buy private insurance through Connect for Health Colorado. Coloradans will have more choices in health plans for next year.  And, there are less-expensive options in most areas for 2015.

Because the cost of that Silver-level plan has dropped in almost every region of the state – so will the average financial assistance levels in 2015 for those who qualify. That means many people who stay with their current coverage will see their share of the monthly premium go up.  A change in income or household size will also affect the amount of financial assistance. We suggest that all current customers – especially current customers receiving financial assistance – shop and compare new plans and prices before deciding whether to renew their current plans. There likely are less expensive choices that meet their health and budget needs – often with their same carrier.

Open enrollment will be from November 15, 2014, to February 15, 2015. Whether you are renewing or enrolling for the first time, you must complete enrollment by December 15, 2014, to have coverage January 1, 2015, and avoid a gap in your coverage. Click here for more information from Connect for Health Colorado about what’s changing in 2015 health insurance coverage and what Coloradans need to know.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

Click here to view an article in Health News Colorado about how tax subsidies are declining with the lower costs.

Colorado Cancer Coalition releases requests for proposals

“The Colorado Cancer Coalition announces the Colorado Cancer Fund 2014/15 request for proposals (RFP). Through the generous voluntary donations of Colorado taxpayers, we are able to fund twelve $5,000 awards this year. Proposed programs should focus on education, screening, diagnostic services, and/or efforts to improve the quality of life of people affected by cancer in Colorado.

The Colorado Cancer Fund Advisory Board seeks to award at least one grant in each of the following five regions of Colorado: Southeast, Southwest, Northwest, Northeast, and Denver metro area.  Appendix B illustrates the boundaries of these regions.  Grants may be awarded in amounts up to $5,000. Applications for any amount up to $5,000 are encouraged.  Eligible applicants for these grants include local governments, health departments, community-based programs, private sector entities, and nonprofit organizations.  Only one application per entity will be accepted.  Individuals are not eligible to apply.  Previous grantees are eligible.  Collaborative Task Force programs are eligible, provided that the application is sponsored by an otherwise eligible entity or organization.

Proposals must be submitted by December 1, 2014. The grant cycle is estimated to begin January 1, 2015 and will end June 30, 2015.  To learn more about this exciting opportunity and download the RFP, please click here.” [Source: COPrevent]

Become a Lifestyle Coach to Deliver the CDC's National Diabetes Prevention Program

“Viridian Health Management has added additional online training classes to become a Lifestyle Coach to deliver the CDC's National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). Registration is now open and seats are limited. The training is a dynamic blend of independent learning and weekly live web-based discussions.

There are two upcoming sessions: November 11 – December 9 (registration closes November 7) and January 6-29 (registration closes January 2). Both sessions include live web-based discussions that occur every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. (PST)/12 p.m. (CST). Cost is $495. Click here to register.” [Source: COPrevent]

PEAK Updates

"November Enhancements

• Single, Dynamic Online Application: Consumers will be able to apply for health coverage using a single, dynamic online application whether applying through Colorado.gov/PEAK or ConnectforHealthCO.com. This includes single account username and password sign-on capability for PEAK and Connect for Health Colorado.
• Eligibility Results: When applicants receive real time eligibility, the results will indicate if they qualify for Medicaid, Child Health Plan Plus(CHP+), or federal financial assistance to help pay for health insurance purchased through Connect for Health Colorado, including eligibility for Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and Cost Sharing Reductions (CSRs).
• PEAK Account Client IDs: To create a PEAK account, clients will have the option to use their Client ID number in lieu of a Social Security Number or State ID, if necessary. The Client ID is a 7-9 digit number that is unique to all clients and will be printed on benefit letters after November 9.
• Early Learning and Childhood-Focused Programs: Referral information for five programs that serve young children and their families will be added to PEAK.

Support Calls for Community Partners:

• Post Build Follow-Up Call for CBOs:  Thursday, November 13.  Dial-in: 1-877-820-7831 | Passcode: 349141#
• PEAK Support Call: Wednesday, November 19, 12:00pm - 1:00pm.  Dial-in: 1-712-432-0220 | Passcode: 5642211#

PEAK Webinar Sessions
November Enhancement Training Wrap-Up: The PEAK Outreach Team is nearing completion of the 22 training sessions that were scheduled across the state to inform upcoming enhancements. You can still register for the following webinars: November 7, 10am-12pm and November 10, 9-11am." [Source: Colorado PEAK]

Foundation Makes 10-Year Commitment to Addressing Health and Wellness in Colorado’s Schools

“The Colorado Health Foundation announced its support of a 10-year funding commitment to student health and wellness in Colorado’s schools through a community-level collaborative approach commonly known as collective impact. Support for the Healthy Schools Initiative is the second funding commitment involving use of a collective impact framework that the Foundation’s board has approved in 2014.

Partners involved in the steering committee include long-time Foundation grantees and other dedicated leaders, such as the Colorado Association of School Boards, Colorado Department of Education, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado Education Initiative (CEI), LiveWell Colorado and RMC Health.” [Source: COPrevent]