Monday, November 10, 2014

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]

Friday, November 7, 2014

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]

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

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]

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

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]