Opportunity for ClinicNET affiliates to join the HCPF Medicaid eConsult Test Group for Rheumatology

“The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is starting a new eConsult program test group that is designed to use an online electronic consultation system built into CORHIO’s health information exchange. The system enables primary care providers and physician specialists to easily discuss care for Medicaid clients and securely share health information (medical records, lab results, imagery, etc). HCPF is establishing a small test group with Rheumatologists from UCHealth and Denver Health as well as about 10 PCMP practices/clinics to evaluate the system.

This test group would help with rheumatology access for some clients and also help the evaluate the eConsult system. The Department will be paying PCMPs $10 for each eConsult and the only requirement is that the practice must already be registered with CORHIO. The flexibility of this program allows it to fit into the current workflows of any providers, referral coordinators and/or staff that would be involved. The eConsult test is an available resource to be used whenever it’s helpful; no big commitment required from participants.

If you are interested in participating, please contact JD Belshe at JD.Belshe@state.co.us or 303.866.2184, or Matt Vedal at Matt.Vedal@state.co.us.” [Source: HCPF]

Loan Repayment Opportunity for ClinicNET Safety Net Clinics – application cycle opens Jan. 1

The application cycle for the Kaiser Permanente Education Loan Repayment for Safety Net Clinical Support Staff program opens January 1 until Janury 31, 2016. Please pass this opportunity along to appropriate supervisors and support staff. 

The Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) was funded by the Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fund to administer a loan repayment program for clinical support staff working at ClinicNET Safety Net Clinics, Community Health Centers (CHCs), 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 clinic.  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. Clinical support staff may include professions such as dental assistant, dental hygienist, expanded duties dental assistant, lab technician, licensed practical nurse, medical assistant, nursing aide, pharmacy technician, phlebotomist, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, ultrasound technician, and x-ray technician.

For questions, please contact Margaret Davidson at 303-867-9514 or at MDavidson@cchn.org or contact Angela Rose at 303-867-9511 or at Angela@cchn.org.

Accountable Care Collaborative Phase II Update

“The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is looking to consult with stakeholders on the future of the AccountableCare Collaborative (ACC). The ACC is the Department's primary delivery system for health care services and supporting the health of our clients. The Department is committed to creating a high-performing delivery system that is cost-effective, delivers quality services and improves the health of Coloradans. Stay informed on ACC Phase II development by signing up for HCPF’s updates by joiningthe mailing list.

New Resource: The Department has developed a new resource for stakeholders that highlights the key concepts in the ACCPhase II Concept Paper. Check out our two-page KeyConcepts Fact Sheet available at Colorado.gov/HCPF/ACCPhase2.

Submit Your Questions & Feedback: The Department seeks to ensure all stakeholders have access to the same information about the Phase II process, thus we will use the questions we receive via email and at stakeholder meetings to regularly update our frequently asked questions and enhance our ACC Phase II page. Usethis form to submit your questions and feedback online.” [Source: HCPF]

Safety Net Advisory Committee Discusses the Future of the Accountable Care Collaborative

“The Colorado Health Institute's Safety Net Advisory Committee (SNAC) dedicated its final two learning labs of 2015 to studying planned changes for the Medicaid Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC). CHI wants to help people prepare to contribute to the debate over the new ACC in 2016. The two most recent editions of Food for Thought provide a recap of the SNAC Lab discussions. Read the October edition and the November edition, or visit CHI's SNAC Lab page for even more background.

In October's meeting, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) presented an overview of its plans for the next version of the ACC. The presentation sparked a spirited discussion about the role of public health and oral health in the ACC. In November, evaluators from the Colorado School of Public Health shared early results from their study of the ACC, and HCPF officials returned for more discussion.” [Source: CHI]

IRS Form 1095-B to be Sent to Medicaid and CHP+ Members in January 2016

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most individuals are required to have minimum essential coverage (MEC), or pay the individual shared responsibility payment. Because most Medicaid and CHP+ programs count as MEC, individuals enrolled in these programs at any time in 2015 will be receiving Form 1095-B from HCPF as proof of coverage. HCPF is required to use Form 1095-B to report MEC information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to Medicaid and CHP+ members so that they are not liable for the individual shared responsibility payment. HCPF will start mailing these forms to members between mid-to-late January 2016, and Feb. 1, 2016. Please remind clients to update their mailing address.

More information on Form 1095-B is available through a recorded webinar, fact sheet, and desk reference for stakeholders posted here under “IRS Form 1095-B: Health Coverage.” For Medicaid and CHP+ member information, go to Colorado.gov/Health/IRSForm1095B. [Source: HCPF]

Campaign to raise Latino awareness of safe, fluoridated tap water

“Colorado Public Radio recently covered a collaborative campaign aimed at letting Latinos know Denver tap water is safe and clean. The Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation is partnering with a community group called Westwood Unidos to get the word out. Many Latino families suspicious of tap water turn to other, less healthy drinks, depriving their children and themselves of the positive health effects of safe, fluoridated water.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends communities fluoridate their water supplies and urges all Coloradans to drink safe, fluoridated tap water. Fluoridated water can help reduce cavities in children by as much as 40 percent, avoiding the cost of dental visits and the pain of tooth decay. To learn more, go to Colorado Public Radio or visit the CDPHE fluoride safety web page.” [Source: COPrevent]

Healthy Transitions Colorado Symposium January 15

“You are invited to participate in the third and final Healthy Transitions Colorado Symposium, Cultivating the Network of Care: Fostering Patient and Family Engagement. This event is January 15, 2016, 8am-3:30pm at the Denver Police Protection Association Event Center, 2105 Decatur Street, Denver, CO 80211. Following Keynote Speaker Dr. Eric Coleman, Professor of Medicine and Head of the Division of Health Care Policy and Research at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, hear provider and patient panels, best practices, and success stories surrounding this multi-faceted topic. Click here to view the agenda for January 15th. To learn more and to register, click here.

Each symposium has been designed to engage your entire community in the process of transitions. The strategically planned working sessions will give your organization a chance to work directly with other organizations in your community to share challenges and develop solutions to best meet the needs of your patients.” [Source: Healthy Transitions Colorado]

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! From the ClinicNET Board of Directors

Opportunity for ClinicNET affiliates to join the HCPF Medicaid eConsult Test Group for Rheumatology

“The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is starting a new eConsult program test group that is designed to use an online electronic consultation system built into CORHIO’s health information exchange. The system enables primary care providers and physician specialists to easily discuss care for Medicaid clients and securely share health information (medical records, lab results, imagery, etc). HCPF is establishing a small test group with Rheumatologists from UCHealth and Denver Health as well as about 10 PCMP practices/clinics to evaluate the system.

This test group would help with rheumatology access for some clients and also help the evaluate the eConsult system. The Department will be paying PCMPs $10 for each eConsult and the only requirement is that the practice must already be registered with CORHIO. The flexibility of this program allows it to fit into the current workflows of any providers, referral coordinators and/or staff that would be involved. The eConsult test is an available resource to be used whenever it’s helpful; no big commitment required from participants.

If you are interested in participating, please contact JD Belshe at JD.Belshe@state.co.us or 303.866.2184, or Matt Vedal at Matt.Vedal@state.co.us.” [Source: HCPF]

Send ClinicNET your open position descriptions for the Community Health Connection Career Fair & Networking event!

ClinicNET will be attending the Community Health Connection Career Fair & Networking event Thursday, January 7, 2016, 6:00-8:00pm at Sheraton Denver West, 360 Union Blvd, Lakewood. Hosted by Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) and Community Health Association of Mountain/Plans States (CHAMPS), this event brings mission-focused medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and nursing students together to connect with health care safety net organizations in Colorado.

ClinicNET will table at this event to raise awareness of Community Safety Net Clinics and will also make available any affiliate clinic job position descriptions for prospective clinicians. Please send job descriptions to johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org by January 6.

Interested in attending? Click here to RSVP! This is a great time to connect and talk to like-minded people in fields ranging from family medicine, nursing, behavioral health, and dental. For question and additional information, please contact Angela Rose at 303-867-9511 or angela@cchn.org. [Source: CCHN]

ClinicNET Affiliate Practice Administrators & IT Cohorts February 22; Leadership Cohort March 3

On Monday February 22, the ClinicNET Affiliate Practice Administrators Cohort will meet 11:00am-1:00pm and the Information Technology Cohort will meet 1:00pm-3:00pm at Carin' Clinic, 5150 Allison Street in Arvada.

The Leadership Cohort will meet Thursday, March 3, 2:00-4:00pm at Doctors Care, 609 W. Littleton Blvd, in Littleton.

Please RSVP to Brooke Powers at brooke.powers@clinicnet.org. New participants always welcome!

Denver Human Services Offers Navigator Training

Denver Human Services (DHS) offers a navigator training for community partners: Jan. 22, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 1200 Federal Blvd., Room 1019, Denver. The navigator training includes an overview of the programs DHS offers, including food assistance, basic eligibility for Medicaid and cash programs, energy assistance, child support, childcare assistance program, PEAK, and a brief overview of the ACA. For more information and to register, please contact Kathy Crusan-Ford, Agency Trainer for SNAP Into Health, at Kathleen.Crusan-Ford@denvergov.org.

State health launches diabetes prevention speakers bureau

“The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announces the launch of a Colorado Diabetes Prevention Program Speakers Bureau. The Speakers Bureau includes dynamic speakers from across Colorado with a variety of expertise in diabetes prevention. These speakers can provide informative presentations that focus on raising awareness about prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and the National DPP. If you have any questions, or would like to join the Speakers Bureau, please contact Becky DiOrio at becky.diorio@state.co.us.” [Source: COPrevent]

Health Coverage for Immigrants in Colorado Infographic Translated Into More Languages

Colorado Covering Kids and Families partnered with the Aurora Coverage Assistance Network, Arapahoe Early Childhood Development Council, and the Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning to translate the Health Coverage for Immigrants in Colorado infographic into six more languages. More languages will be added as they become available. You can find the infographics under the “Immigrant O&E” tab in CKF’s Outreach and Enrollment Toolkit.

2015 Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) Annual Report

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing published its 2015 Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) Annual Report outlining progress made in improving ACC member health, and member and provider experience while containing costs.

Connect for Health Colorado Updates - enrollment period extensions

• “Even with fewer customers able to auto-renew for 2016, our enrollment numbers – 116,394–  are ahead of where they were last year – 113,415 – after the Dec. 15 deadline for January coverage. We are excited by the number of new customers – 34% of enrollments. We put out a press release Wednesday and gave more detail to our board in a presentation Thursday.
• Colorado HealthOp and Access Health Colorado customers, along with some customers of Rocky Mountain Health Plans, have been granted an extension of the enrollment period, also known as a “Special Enrollment” period, allowing more time to enroll for coverage effective Jan. 1. Customers now have until Dec. 31 to enroll for Jan. 1, 2016 insurance. In addition, customers of Rocky Mountain Health Plans that no longer have access to plans in their area from this carrier, also are eligible for this enrollment extension.
• Connect for Health Colorado has announced a second extension – to midnight Saturday, Dec. 26 – of the deadline to enroll in health insurance coverage beginning Jan. 1, after seeing a large volume of last minute enrollments and a heavy snowstorm on the original deadline. That means Coloradans can still get coverage for all of 2016 if they act now. The Customer Service Center will be open from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday (Christmas Eve), closed Friday for Christmas and open from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 26.
• Surprising findings in a new study on the cost of healthcare come from a look at Colorado. The study, reported in the New York Times, challenges the assumption that areas where Medicare costs are low also have low costs for private health plans. The opposite is true in many areas, including Grand Junction. Denver stands out as one of the few areas where both Medicare and private healthcare costs are moderate, according to the Times.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

Save the Date: Colorado Cancer Coalition & Colorado Cancer Plan Kick Off Event

When: February 11-12, 2016
Estimated: Thursday full day, Friday half day
Where: Marriott Westminster, book your hotel with the group rate

Join Comprehensive Cancer Program to:

• Celebrate the official launch of the new cancer plan!
• Participate in the first meeting of the reinvigorated Colorado Cancer Coalition, including meeting new leadership.
• Identify priorities from the new cancer plan to be implemented over the next 2 years.
• Learn about the cancer landscape in Colorado, including data, opportunities and gaps.

For more information, contact cdphe_cancerplan@state.co.us.

Loan Repayment Opportunity for ClinicNET Safety Net Clinics – application cycle opens Jan. 1

The application cycle for the Kaiser Permanente Education Loan Repayment for Safety Net Clinical Support Staff program opens January 1 until Janury 31, 2016. Please pass this opportunity along to appropriate supervisors and support staff. 

The Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) was funded by the Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fund to administer a loan repayment program for clinical support staff working at ClinicNET Safety Net Clinics, Community Health Centers (CHCs), 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 clinic.  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. Clinical support staff may include professions such as dental assistant, dental hygienist, expanded duties dental assistant, lab technician, licensed practical nurse, medical assistant, nursing aide, pharmacy technician, phlebotomist, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, ultrasound technician, and x-ray technician.

For questions, please contact Margaret Davidson at 303-867-9514 or at MDavidson@cchn.org or contact Angela Rose at 303-867-9511 or at Angela@cchn.org.

Thank you for supporting ClinicNET on Colorado Gives Day!

On behalf of the Board of Directors of ClinicNET we want to express our sincere appreciation for your support on Colorado Gives Day, December 8, 2015.  We are pleased to participate in this special day of giving in Colorado and are honored that you chose to donate on a day when your donation is maximized. Thank you for your personal commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of all Coloradans.

Opportunity for ClinicNET affiliates to join the HCPF Medicaid eConsult Test Group for Rheumatology

“The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is starting a new eConsult program test group that is designed to use an online electronic consultation system built into CORHIO’s health information exchange. The system enables primary care providers and physician specialists to easily discuss care for Medicaid clients and securely share health information (medical records, lab results, imagery, etc). HCPF is establishing a small test group with Rheumatologists from UCHealth and Denver Health as well as about 10 PCMP practices/clinics to evaluate the system.

This test group would help with rheumatology access for some clients and also help the evaluate the eConsult system. The Department will be paying PCMPs $10 for each eConsult and the only requirement is that the practice must already be registered with CORHIO. The flexibility of this program allows it to fit into the current workflows of any providers, referral coordinators and/or staff that would be involved. The eConsult test is an available resource to be used whenever it’s helpful; no big commitment required from participants.

If you are interested in participating, please contact JD Belshe at JD.Belshe@state.co.us or 303.866.2184, or Matt Vedal at Matt.Vedal@state.co.us.” [Source: HCPF]

ECHO Colorado Learning Collaboratives

As a collaborating organization, ClinicNET is pleased to provide ClinicNET affiliates with information on the statewide Extension for Community Health Outcomes in Colorado (ECHO Colorado) program. ECHO Colorado is a statewide professional education initiative aimed at connecting health workforces to topic experts to increase access to specialty care and expert knowledge across underserved and rural areas using bi-directional video-conferencing technology.

There are three ECHO series, or learning communities, started in October, with a focus on pediatric epilepsy, patient navigation, and pediatric developmental spectrum. Upcoming topics include: neurology, food safety, diabetes & endocrinology, hepatitis C, cancer survivorship, integrated addiction & psychiatry, tobacco control, obesity prevention & nutrition, child abuse prevention, and population health. Click here to view a one-page overview.

ECHO Colorado’s learning opportunities can help ClinicNET affiliate clinics:

• Enhance capacity to provide whole person health care within the context of families and communities.
• Enhance capacity to improve disease prevention outcomes.
• Increase access to specialty care, and services such as mental, oral and public health.
• Allow all providers to practice at the top of their scope.

Visit the website http://www.ECHOColorado.org to learn more about this program.  If you would like to be an expert for a topic, have a topic suggestion, or would like to participate as a learner, please contact the ECHO Colorado staff through email at ECHOColorado@ucdenver.edu. [Source: ECHO Colorado]

Patient Navigator Trainings and Volunteer Request

“Register for upcoming January 2016 Patient Navigation courses:
Level 2: Advanced Health Behavior Change: Jan 29, 9 am - 5 pm (New date!) at Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora. This course focuses on chronic disease, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention and control. It is hybrid course which includes an online component and a one day skills practice workshop designed for patient navigators, care coordinators, clinical and non-clinical practice staff. Register for Advanced Health Behavior Change.

For supervisors: Using Evaluation for Program Improvement and Capacity Building for Patient Navigation: Jan. 13-14, 2016, 9 am - 5 pm at Red Rocks Community College Arvada campus. This two-day course offered by the Denver Prevention Training Center is designed to meet the needs of Patient Navigator Supervisors who want to increase basic evaluation skills. Register for Using Evaluation for Program Improvement.

Please visit our event calendar and news section for the most up-to-date information on workshops and trainings.

Volunteers needed to pilot-test scenarios with mock patients: As an experienced patient navigator, you are invited to participate in the development of a skills exam that will be used in the voluntary credentialing process for patient navigators. This will be held January 23, 2016 at the Center for Advancing Professional Excellence (CAPE) on the Anschutz Medical Campus, 13070 E 19th Ave, Aurora CO, 80045. PN volunteers will be asked to meet with up to 15 patient actors during a 3.5-hour session; available time slots are 8:30am, 11:50am, and 2:30pm.  Click here for more information.

Participants will receive a Certificate of Appreciation, free parking and lunch, a $25 gift card and travel reimbursement (including for participants outside metro Denver). Most importantly, your participation offers the opportunity to provide feedback and obtain experience related to the future testing procedures! To sign up: Contact Pat Uris at Patricia.uris@state.co.us or 303.692.2577 by Dec. 18, 2015.” [Source: Patient Navigator Training Collaborative]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates – extension of enrollment periods

• “Colorado HealthOp and Colorado Access customers, along with some customers of Rocky Mountain Health Plans (those who no longer have access to plans in their area), have been granted an extension of the enrollment period, or Special Enrollment period, allowing more time to enroll for coverage effective Jan. 1. These customers have until Dec. 31, 2015 to enroll for January 1, 2016 insurance.
• To support the needs of all our customers we are expanding the Customer Service Center hours to:  7 a.m. -10 p.m. Sunday; 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday; and 7 a.m. to midnight Tuesday.
• The penalty for not having coverage will be going up again next year and it is approaching the cost of buying insurance, for some. A new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation calculated the average household tax penalty in 2016 will be nearly $1,000.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

New Publications - Department of Health Care Policy and Financing

Click here to view the December Provider Bulletin. The bulletin covers topics of interest to providers and billing professionals.

Click here to view the November edition of At a Glance. This publication provides information on major initiatives including policy changes and program updates. [Source: HCPF]

Colorado Medicaid and CHP+ Provider Revalidation & Enrollment - available tools

"Colorado Medicaid and CHP+ Provider Revalidation & Enrollment Began September 15, 2015! New federal regulations established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require enhanced screening and revalidation for all Medicare, Medicaid, and CHP+ providers. All Colorado providers who want to continue, or begin, providing services to Medicaid and CHP+ members after March 31, 2016, are required to be validated and enrolled under new federal enrollment screening criteria. To meet these new requirements, as well as to ensure enrollment in the new claims processing system, Colorado providers must revalidate using the new Online Provider Enrollment (OPE) tool. Colorado Medicaid asks that providers complete your revalidation during your assigned revalidation and enrollment wave. The enrollment application is the same whether you are newly enrolling or revalidating.

• Click here for application instructions.
• Click here for an introduction to the application process" [Source: HCPF]

Medicaid Provider Revalidation & Enrollment Update

“New federal regulations established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require enhanced screening and revalidation of all Medicare, Medicaid, and CHP+ providers. All Colorado providers who want to continue, or begin, providing services to Medicaid and CHP+ members after March 31, 2016 are required to enroll and revalidate their licensure and business information under new federal enrollment screening criteria.

Click here for detailed instructions and Frequently Asked Questions for the new Colorado Online Provider Enrollment (OPE) tool. Click here for Top 5 Reasons Your Application Will be Returned for Correction. More Questions? Email Provider.Questions@state.co.us” [Source: HCPF]

Register to Attend: Applying 42 CFR Part 2 to Behavioral Health and Primary Care Providers

“You are invited to an upcoming webinar – "Applying 42 CFR Part 2 to Behavioral Health and Primary Care Providers" – sponsored by the Colorado State Innovation Model (SIM) Office and the Oregon Health Authority. This webinar is December 17, 2015, 11:00am – 1:00pm. Register for the webinar here. If you are unable to attend the recording will be posted on the Colorado SIM website shortly after. 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 2 outlines special privacy protections afforded to alcohol and drug abuse patient records.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Colorado SIM Office are interested in identifying strategies that will support integrated care delivery and services by enabling the electronic sharing of behavioral health information between providers. This is a critical step in supporting care coordination and realizing the goal of better health, better care and lower costs for everyone.

The webinar will provide an in-depth review of 42 CFR Part 2 and include:

• Review of the exceptions to the General Rule 
• Clarification of the relationship of Part 2 to other privacy laws
• Explanation of consent under privacy laws and protections for minors
• Application of Part 2 in physical and behavioral health care settings 
• Intersection of Part 2 with HIT/HIE and the confidentiality challenges for alcohol and drug treatment programs.” [Source: Colorado SIM]

IRS Form 1095-B: new requirement impacts Medicaid and CHP+ members

“This new requirement impacts Medicaid and CHP+ members:
IRS Form 1095-B is a new federal tax document that the Department is required to send to individuals who were enrolled in Medicaid or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) for even one day in 2015.  The Department will start mailing these forms in mid to late January 2016. All forms are scheduled to be mailed by February 1, 2016.

Under the Affordable Care Act, most individuals are required to have MEC, or pay an IRS federal tax penalty, the Individual Shared Responsibility Payment. Nearly all Medicaid and CHP+ programs count as MEC.  Form 1095-B is proof that individuals had qualifying health coverage, known as minimum essential coverage (MEC), during the month(s) they were enrolled in Medicaid or CHP+ in 2015.

Want to learn more about Form 1095-B?
There is an introductory webinar and a fact sheet for stakeholders, including eligibility partners! These resources are posted here under IRS Form 1095-B: Health Coverage. For Medicaid and CHP+ member information, go to Colorado.gov/Health/IRSForm1095B.  The Department will be posting more resources for stakeholders and members to these websites, as they become available. Please email Nina Schwartz at Nina.Schwartz@state.co.us with any questions.” [Source: HCPF]

Dental Advisory Committee for the Dental Health Care Program for Low-Income Seniors

“The Colorado Dental Health Care Program for Low-Income Seniors (Senior Dental Program) went live on July 1, 2015 and has been very successful in promoting the health and welfare of Colorado’s low-income seniors by providing access to dental care to individuals age 60 and over who are not eligible for dental services under any other dental health care program, such as Medicaid or the Old Age Pension Health and Medical Care Program. One of the reasons this program has been so successful is because of the work of the Senior Dental Advisory Committee (DAC).

The Department is seeking candidates to fill the following interest areas on the Committee:  (1) One (1) of the two consumer advocate seats and (2) a senior who is eligible for services under the Senior Dental Program.

If you, or someone else you may know, is interested in filling one of these positions and would like the opportunity to participate on the DAC, please send a detailed email describing the following:

• Which interest area you would fill;
• A brief description of your relevant experience;
• Your role with your current organization and your relationship with low-income seniors; and
• Why you would like to serve on the Committee. 
• In addition to the information requested above, feel free to include a current resume or any supplemental information you think would be helpful for our decision.

Please email your expression of interest and any supporting materials to Chandra.vital@state.co.us with the subject: Senior Dental Program Advisory Committee Membership.  Please respond by January 4, 2016.  If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Chandra Vital directly via email or at (303)866-5506.” [Source: HCPF]

New Publications - Department of Health Care Policy and Financing

Click here to view the December Provider Bulletin. The bulletin covers topics of interest to providers and billing professionals.

Click here to view the November edition of At a Glance. This publication provides information on major initiatives including policy changes and program updates. [Source: HCPF]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates

• “The deadline to have coverage in place Jan. 1 is 11 days away and the call volume is going up at our Customer Service Center. Keep in mind that if you call between 7 am and 9 am your wait time will be shorter. The time to avoid is late morning and early afternoon, when the number of incoming calls tends to peak.
• We are extending Customer Service Center hours in anticipation. The center will be open: Sunday, Dec. 13, 7 am to 8 pm; Monday, Dec. 14, 7 am to 10 pm and Tuesday, Dec. 15, from 7 am to midnight.
• A reminder: Last month the state Insurance Commissioner determined it would be in the best interest of Colorado HealthOP small business customers to move to new coverage by Jan. 1 as the HealthOP winds down. The reasoning and details are explained in this letter.
• Two years into healthcare reform memories are fading on what the health insurance market looked like before the legislation passed. The Kaiser Family Foundation provides some perspective on the change the law brought with some historic context in this white paper.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

Applications: Person-Family-Centeredness Advisory Councils

“The Department has recently updated the position descriptions and selection criteria for both Advisory Councils and is actively recruiting new members. The In-Person Advisory Council meets no more than once a month in Denver. Mileage reimbursement and cash or gift card incentives for participation are available. Check out the position description of the In-Person Advisory Council for more information.

The Virtual Advisory Council will have up to 20-30 Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members, and/or family members/caretakers who will provide feedback to the Department via email or through other online forums. In-person meetings are not required and incentives for participation are not available. For a list of qualifications, please see the Virtual Advisory Council Member position description.

We need your help recruiting Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members and/or their family members/caretakers, to apply for both Advisory Councils. More information can be found online at Colorado.gov/HCPF/MFAC. You can also direct questions about the Advisory Councils to HCPF_PeopleFirst@state.co.us. Please encourage Medicaid and CHP+ members in your community to apply.” [Source: HCPF]

Impact Funding Symposium, January 22

“Click here to register for the Impact Funding Symposium on January 22, 2016, 9:00am-12:00pm, at University of Denver, 2199 South University Boulevard, Denver, CO 80208. Click here for more information.

The agenda includes:

• Philanthropy by the Numbers: Hear the latest reports and trends in philanthropic giving. Determine if you are dedicating your time proportionately in the areas that are proven to provide greater development success.
• Meet the Funders: Hear best practices directly from the funders and experts as they share nuggets of insight into their world of philanthropic giving.
• The Digital Giving Lab: From this session you will walk away armed with an executable plan to increase your fundraising dollars through developing a solid and sustainable online giving program.” [Source: Impact Funding Symposium]

Contribute to ClinicNET on Colorado Gives Day, December 8th

Please consider supporting ClinicNET on Colorado Gives Day! On Tuesday, December 8, 2015, Coloradans will come together again to raise millions of dollars for nonprofits like ours.  Your donation will help ClinicNET continue to strengthen Colorado’s health care safety net for people in need by advancing health equity, health care access and innovative care delivery!

We are grateful for support received from our current funders, affiliates, and friends. Please consider making a contribution to ClinicNET at any time during the 24 hour period of December 8th or pre-schedule your donation now!

Thank you for your support!

HCPF develops county-by-county Medicaid fact sheet

“The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing offers a new resource that provides information about the impact of Medicaid expansion and Medicaid spending by county.  The county fact sheets contain Medicaid caseload information and the local RCCO and BHO data.  Medicaid funding is broken out by medical spending on children, Non-Expansion and Expansion adults. The Department will update the fact sheets on an annual basis.  The next update will likely be in late March/early April 2016 (after claims run out for the 2015 calendar year).” [Source: HCPF]

Primary Care Scholarships and Loan Repayment

“The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Bureau of Health Workforce has many exciting loan repayment and scholarship programs for primary care students and providers interested in a rewarding career in primary care.

To prepare for these opportunities, you can view the Application Bulletin which outlines the eligibility requirements, disciplines and estimated open dates for all of our programs. Sign up to receive email alerts for when each of the 2016 application cycles open.” [Source: HRSA]

Meaningful Use in 2015 and Beyond: Changes to Stage 2 – CORHIO’s recorded webinar

Jennifer Boaz, CORHIO Transformation Support Services Manager, details the final published Meaningful Use rule, including changes for stage 2 of the program in this recorded webinar. Visit CORHIO’s website for more resources on Meaningful Use. [Source: CORHIO]

Colorado Medicaid Receives Behavioral Health Planning Grant

“The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services recently announced that Colorado Medicaid will receive a $982,372 planning grant to expand access to behavioral health by certifying community behavioral health clinics and exploring prospective payments for clinics that meet required standards.  Colorado was one of 24 states receiving the funding.

"Improving access to behavioral health care is a critical need for Colorado and an important step towards being the healthiest state in the nation," said Susan E. Birch, MBA, BSN, RN, executive director for the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. "This funding will help us focus on improving the way we deliver and coordinate physical, mental and substance use disorder services."

The funding is the first of a two phased process.  The initial planning funding from November 2015 - September 2016 allows Colorado to examine services paid for by Medicaid to include a focus on veterans and their dependents.  The funding will help develop an approach to align medical, mental health and substance use disorder services, enhance quality measure reporting, standardize clinic qualifications and improve the rate structures.  After the initial phase of the process, Colorado could be invited to participate in a two year demonstration program.

Visit the website for more information about the grant and how it will be implemented. For information about the SAMHSA grants, visit samhsa.gov.” [Source: HCPF]

CDC Social Determinants of Health website

The CDC social determinants of health (SDOH) website is now live with SDOH data access tools as well as guidance, program and policy resources that have been produced across the agency. Learn more about what social determinants of health means and what toolkits exist. Please send comments or suggestions to healthpolicynews@cdc.gov.