Spanish Podcast on Asthma Management

"Listen to ACU's (the Association of Clinicians for the Undeserved) Spanish language podcast for families on asthma management.  ACU's Associate Director of Programs, Lois Wessel, FNP participated in Univision radio show "El Consultorio de la Dra. Aliza" in which Lois is interviewed about what families can do to manage their asthma.  Listen to the Podcast."  [Source: ACU]

Grant Offers FREE Self-Management Program to 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.  Click here for a full schedule."  [Source:  COPrevent]

NASHP Launches New Interactive Medical Home Map

"NASHP launched a new map tracking state efforts to advance medical homes for Medicaid and CHIP participants.  Map users can now explore state medical home activity across five interactive maps exploring payments to medical homes, multi-payer initiatives, ACA Section 2703 health homes, medical home payment aligned with qualification standards, and shared practice supports.  NASHP has been tracking and supporting state medical home activity since 2007 with the support of The Commonwealth Fund." [Source:  NASHP]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates

• Gov. John Hickenlooper announced appointments to the Board of Directors.  You can find the announcement and a statement from ED/CEO Patty Fontneau here.
• The federal government announced on July 2, that they are delaying the requirement for large employers to provide insurance to employees for a year.  This affects employers with 50 or more employees.  Connect for Health Colorado will serve employers in Colorado with less than 50 employees and therefore we are not affected by the announcement. Employers with less than 50 employees do not face a federal requirement to provide insurance to their workers.  Our goal is to provide a new and better way for small employers to provide quality health plan options to their employees, and we are on track to provide that service starting in October.
• Our new phone number 1-855-PLANS-4-YOU (1-855-752-6749) is available to Coloradans as a resource to get general information about the Marketplace.  Please let your community know about this resource.
• Check out our events calendar to see where we will be next in Colorado.
• Connect for Health Colorado is offering an overview webinar about the Individual Marketplace, including information about who can use the marketplace, the different ways to shop, the financial assistance application and the ways to support customers.  Join us Thursday, July 11, at 4:00pm.  Register Today.

Colorado Oral Health Plan Survey

"The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Oral  Health Colorado (OHCO) invite you to participate in a short survey regarding the Colorado Oral Health Plan published in 2012.  As part of the ongoing evaluation of the plan, we are interested in learning how individuals use the Colorado Oral Health Plan, how the plan works for you, and ways in which it can be improved to better meet your needs in your efforts to achieve optimal oral health in our state.  Your feedback on the survey is confidential and anonymous and will only be shared with the coalition in aggregate and summary form to improve the plan.  Please complete the survey by Friday, July 26th.  Thank you in advance for your participate - your feedback is important!"  [Source:  Oral Health Colorado]

The Connect Campaign Updates

"Adults without Dependents:  Progress & Lessons

• An UPDATED data dashboard can be viewed here on the current limited enrollment of adults without dependent children in Medicaid.  Let Aubrey (aubrey.hill@ccmu.org) know how this can be more useful for your work!
• Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) will be discussing lessons learned with the limited expansion of Medicaid for adults without dependents over the next few months.  If you want to attend these meetings or call in, email Sonja Madera (sonja.madera@state.co.us).
• HCPF is also gathering names for a communications list regarding the definition of dental benefits for adults on Medicaid.  Email Mary Kathryn Hurd (mk.hurd@state.co.us) if you would like to be included.

Connect Campaign Updates
Save the date for upcoming events.  More details will be provided soon!

• July 22 from 1:00-2:30pm - Monthly meeting to discuss provider readiness and recruitment.  For more information, contact Aubrey (aubrey.hill@ccmu.org).
• July 31 from 11:00am-12:00pm - ACC 101 Webinar:  HCPF will be discussing why the ACC is important and empower you to talk about the ACC with your organization and clients. 
• September 5 all day - Summit jointly convened by Connect Campaign and Covering Kids & Families about upcoming changes in enrollment, coverage, and access to care."  [Source:  The Connect Campaign]

Department of Health Care Policy and Financing June issue of At a Glance

The June At a Glance publication provides updates from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.