The transformation of Colorado’s case management system is gaining momentum, reorganizing a decades-old system into a new one. ARPA funding has been a critical component of ensuring that the process is well supported and goes smoothly for everyone involved: members, families, existing case management agencies, new case management agencies, and Coloradans at large who interact with this system.

In this issue of the ARPA Project Pulse, we will give an overview of what Case Management Redesign is, feature some of the amazing capacity-building coaches working with Case Management Agency (CMA) leadership, highlight a new member-focused webpage all about LTSS case management including several new educational videos in English and Spanish, and finally make an exciting announcement about the new Case Management Agency designated service area contract awardees.

As always, updates on grant incentives, pilots, and community funding opportunities as well as stakeholder engagement opportunities are at the bottom of the newsletter.

~ The ARPA Team

Join us today, Aug. 17 at 3 p.m. MT for our quarterly ARPA Update Webinar!

Project Category:

Strengthen Case Management Redesign

What is Case Management Redesign? 

Case Management Redesign refers to several initiatives that will help make accessing long-term services and supports (LTSS) easier by changing case management agencies to serve all Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) waivers. The redesign process will also ensure that there are the right number of case management agencies in Colorado to meet demand and will focus on increasing the quality of case management services.

Why is Case Management Redesign happening? 

Single Entry Points (SEPs), Community Centered Boards (CCBs), and private Case Management Agencies currently provide case management for individuals with disabilities who participate in HCPF's 10 HCBS waiver programs. Each agency type serves different waiver programs, creating silos.

In addition to case management services, some Case Management Agencies (CMAs) also provide direct services to program recipients, creating a conflict of interest that is no longer allowed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This federal requirement to separate case management and direct services is called Conflict-Free Case Management.

Individuals who are seeking or receiving LTSS often qualify for multiple programs and end up navigating between systems that are divided by program, making the system difficult for members.

Case Management Redesign is intended to simplify access and remove silos so members can more easily navigate and find the right programs and services that work for them. It will require one case management agency to provide case management services for all waiver programs in each region (or “defined service area”). This change will also create consistency in the quality, accountability and stability of the case management services people receive across the state. It will allow HCPF to provide oversight and support to each agency to ensure a high-performing case management system statewide.

These changes will also meet the federal Conflict-Free Case Management requirement.

Why is Case Management Redesign happening NOW? 

In 2014, CMS, HCPF’s federal partner, released the “HCBS Settings Final Rule.” It included many requirements for providers to make changes to their processes to increase person-centeredness.

This rule also included a requirement for case management agencies to be “conflict free,” which means that they cannot provide services to the same person they are providing case management services to. Colorado risks losing 50% of the budget for HCBS (federal funding) if we do not come into compliance with Conflict-Free Case Management by July 1, 2024. This would mean fewer people in Colorado being able to access these vital services in the future.

Additionally, Colorado’s population is changing. The state has the second fastest aging population in the country and with individuals living longer, many have multiple chronic conditions that make their needs more complex. To meet the needs of the changing demands of members, it is critical that the system be modernized.

What is the timeline for Case Management Redesign?

Case Management Redesign work is already underway. We hope that you can join us in this effort! The work is projected to continue until July 2024 when the newly designed system will be in place. 

Will members still have a choice of case management agency? 

Members will receive case management services from the agency that holds the contract in their catchment area except for in cases where both the individual and agency agree to other terms.

If a person wants to be served by another agency in another service area, if both the individual and the agency agree, this will be allowable.

How is HCPF specifically helping CMAs to prepare for this large system change? 

Through ARPA funding, HCPF is supporting CMAs in a number of ways to ensure that they are prepared for the change that lies ahead. 5 specific ARPA projects are specifically aimed at providing this support:

• 5.01 - Case Management Capacity Building
• 5.02 - Improve & Expedite Long-Term Care Eligibility Processes
• 5.03 - Case Management Rates
• 5.04 - Case/Care Management Best Practices
• 5.05 - Case Management Agency Training Program

CMA Capacity Building: 

Beginning in April 2022, training and educational sessions were launched, focusing on key topic areas relevant to the project of Case Management Redesign. These trainings focused on topics around change management, funding utilization and coaching for case managers. 

In conjunction with the educational sessions, a Culture Change Series started in May 2022. This three-part series was designed to listen and learn from the people whose lives are most affected by case management services. 

Part 1 of this three-part series centered on listening and learning directly from people with disabilities and their advocates. The presenters provided their insights and talked about what CMAs will need to know about working with people with disabilities. Part 2 focused on learning from Older Adults. Finally, Part 3 of the series, titled Balancing Equity and Unique Needs, featured national experts in person-centered thinking and equitable approaches to working with different populations. The presentations and recordings are posted on the CMRD webpage. 

Rates:

HCPF has prioritized evaluating and identifying best practices in case management and developing a proposed rate structure for case management activities and services including tiered rates for supporting members with complex care needs. Case management agencies completed a comprehensive case management activity time analysis that was used to further the evaluation of Colorado’s case management rates. 

Best Practices:

Focusing on people who have long-term disabilities and those with comorbidities, this project is conducting a system mapping activity to further define roles and responsibilities across systems, including Regional Accountable Entities, to support individuals through holistic care management and identifying training/support needs for implementation. 

Case Management Agency Training Program:

In order to ensure CMAs are prepared for the future system, HCPF is developing and implementing comprehensive training for case management agencies to improve quality and consistency statewide. The training program will be for CMAs, Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs), and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) for all waiver programs and services, as well as behavioral health services, State Plan benefits, benefits counseling, and Community First Choice (CFC). All of the training will be incorporated into a Learning Management System (LMS) allowing the Department to assign and monitor training completion.

HCPF is currently undergoing an internal analysis of existing case management training materials to build a new training structure that will be available for case managers through the new LMS. Key foundational training materials are being developed at this time. 

Long-term Care Eligibility Process Improvements

This project will work with stakeholders to identify solutions to barriers to long-term care eligibility, both from a physical eligibility and a financial eligibility perspective. Any changes will result in the need for system enhancements as well as training for counties, Medical Assistance sites, and case managers on eligibility requirements for waiver programs and other long-term care programs. 

Conclusion:

All these projects work together to create a case management system through Case Management Redesign that will bring improved quality, simplicity, accountability and stability for members and their families. For more information about CMRD, go to the CMRD website or the member website for updates on case management agency transitions through CMRD.

Please provide a brief description of HMA's background as it relates to the CMRD capacity-building work you are doing with the CMAs?

Health Management Associates has worked extensively with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing since 2003. As a national consulting firm that specializes in support for publicly funded health and human services systems, HMA consultants have decades of combined experience working for and with the federal government, state Medicaid agencies and waiver operational agencies, counties and regional governments, health plans and other payers, delivery systems and providers, community-based organizations and more, in Colorado and across the country. Our team for the CMA Capacity Building project includes staff members with significant experience and knowledge of the Colorado health care policy and regulatory environment, home and community-based services (HCBS), conflict-free case management, and demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance to public health and human services organizations such as the CMAs. 

How has HMA worked with other states and their Case Management systems? 

HMA has previously worked with, and is currently engaged with, many states in their efforts to improve HCBS case management, including assessment of case management options and authorities, redesign and restructuring of case management services, development of policies and person-centered practices, identifying and implementing quality assurance processes, and providing technical assistance for procurement and use of Medicaid funding for case management information technology. In most cases, stakeholder engagement -- especially hearing from people who receive HCBS -- has been central to all of the work in HCBS case management.   

What are you most excited about as it relates to the future of Colorado's case management system?  

HMA is looking forward to helping each of the new incoming CMAs build their capacity to support Medicaid members from all of the waivers. There is a significant difference across individuals served by each of the waivers, so supporting the CMAs in building their operations to assist all members is really important. We also want to help the outgoing CMAs make the transition to closing out their case management services as smooth as possible. Many of them will continue to provide direct services, so it is important to make sure they have the resources they need to be successful in making those changes. This includes helping their leadership and staff navigate a lot of complex processes and systems.

Let's meet some of the coaches!

What is your background in the world of LTSS and Medicaid? 

I am an expert in providing regional implementation and oversight for the state; of federal and state programs including Medicaid Autism programs, Waivers, and the Home and Community-Based Services Final Rule. 

What motivates you to do this work? 

I believe that all individuals should have access to equal rights and services. I enjoy working with providers to help them provide community access and freedoms to the individuals they serve. 

How would you describe your coaching style? 

My coaching style is focused and team oriented. I find solutions while giving clients space to prioritize their goals and decide on the actions they will take to move forward.  

What has been the most rewarding part of your coaching experience? 

Working with the CMAs and partnering with their dedicated leadership staff to work through challenges and develop plans of action to assist them in providing the best services possible to the individuals they serve. 

What has been the most challenging part of your coaching experience?

Change can be difficult. Although I am confident the CMRD will benefit its members, a change in some members’ case management providers may occur as part of the transition which may not be initially desired. It has been challenging and yet very rewarding to support the leadership of the CMAs to develop strategies to retain staff.

How will the work you are doing impact the member experience throughout the CMRD transition? 

I am confident that through the work of the CMAs I support the member experience will improve. Once services are aligned under the awarded CMAs, members will have greater access and continuity of care.

What is your favorite way to relax on the weekends?

Spending time with my family and dogs. 

What is your background in the world of LTSS and Medicaid? 

I am an experienced health and human services executive with a history of designing and scaling new behavioral health initiatives. Much of my work has been in operationalizing Medicaid based programs including Health Homes and care coordination, Behavioral Health Home and Community Based Services (BH-HCBS), and supported housing models. For more than 20 years before joining HMA, I held leadership positions in behavioral health not-for-profit agencies, teaching hospitals, and the Rikers Island jail system. I have also managed nonprofit organizations where I facilitated change management, strategic development, regulatory adherence, diversity/equity/inclusion, and access to social determinants of health.

What motivates you to do this work? 

I became a psychologist because I was curious about how people think, make decisions, behave and interact. Over time, my curiosity grew to include how these functions impact organizations and broader systems. As a result, I’m motivated to help providers make an impact on their communities and the members they serve.

How would you describe your coaching style? 

I aspire to be like Ted Lasso – encouraging of others, positive in spirit, and self-reflecting. Until I reach Ted Lasso’s status, I’d like to be thought of as supportive, strategic and accountable. It’s possible because I have the easy job, coaching others who already bring excellence to the table. 

What has been the most rewarding part of your coaching experience? 

Coaching allows me to work with the case management agencies that support people who are often least able to advocate for themselves in a challenging healthcare environment that we’ve created. It’s rewarding to facilitate services based on access, integrity and equity. 

What has been the most challenging part of your coaching experience?

Because successful coaching is based on the foundation of a trusting relationship, it’s sometimes a challenge to work remotely. I often wish I could be onsite and spend more time with program staff and members.

How will the work you are doing impact the member experience throughout the CMRD transition? 

The member experience governs every decision and touch point. My goal is to ensure that members are at the center of services, and that quality care is provided without disruption or interruption. 

What is your favorite way to relax on the weekends?  

On the weekends I enjoy downhill skiing; tennis; gardening; the beach (A good day is sea glass. A great day means sea glass and a sand dollar!); listening to classic rock; and spending time with friends, family, and my demanding rescue cat, Leo. 

What is your background in the world of LTSS and Medicaid? 

I am a behavioral health and human services policy and operations leader with a depth of experience and expertise in strategic planning; change management, program and project development and management; accreditation and licensure oversight; federal procurement and grants and contracts life cycle coordination and management; and provider operations development and management. Before joining HMA, I served in the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Division where I oversaw all aspects of federal funding procurement, implementation and oversight along with all phases of the grant and contract life cycle of behavioral health programs and services. Previously, I held a variety of executive and senior management roles in human service organizations building and operationalizing an array of home and community-based services including case management services for individuals with disabilities. 

What motivates you to do this work?

My motivation has always been about how can we serve people better.   

How would you describe your coaching style?

My approach to coaching always starts with listening and then asking questions to clarify what the need is and what challenges are being faced by the client. I generally find that clients already have the solutions - you just need to help them see them and execute. 

What has been the most rewarding part of your coaching experience?

The most rewarding part has been being witness to the passion and resilience that the agencies have as they find ways to not only meet the challenges faced by these significant changes but find ways to improve service delivery. 

What has been the most challenging part of your coaching experience?

The most challenging part of the coaching experience was being a consultant from another state and needing to quickly learn Colorado’s system. However, what I learned through this process is that regardless of the system, similar opportunities and challenges have been faced by other states across the country and as long as you have people that are passionate and dedicated to serving people, like here in Colorado, you will overcome any challenges.

How will the work you are doing impact the member experience throughout the CMRD transition? 

Even though this has been a challenging experience for the agencies involved, I do think having agencies that are dedicated to providing conflict-free case management will improve the member experience ensuring services are member-directed and person-centered. 

What is your favorite way to relax on the weekends?  

I enjoy playing pickleball, spending time with my family and walking my Jack Russell Terrier, Bella. 

Newly Defined Case Management Designated Service Area Providers Announced!

In the future, a single Case Management Agency (CMA) will serve all people with disabilities within their contracted defined service area. 

This is a change as today we have 44 defined service areas in which 24 Single Entry Points (SEP), and 20 Community Centered Boards (CCB) provide services. We also have 4 Private HCBS Case Management Agencies that serve statewide. 

To implement Case Management Redesign the service areas needed to be consolidated. Information was gathered from stakeholders to inform the final decision for what the future catchment areas would be. 

The following were used as key considerations for developing each catchment: 

• Geographic barriers: HCPF considered the presence of mountain ranges, travel route data, and the total size of the geographic region.
• Economy of scale: HCPF evaluated the minimum number of members within a catchment area to best ensure the financial viability of the CMA. 
• Population density: HCPF evaluated the total concentration of members within a specific geographic area. 

To further inform this work, HCPF hired a contractor to provide recommendations on alternative catchment areas and incorporate feedback from stakeholders through listening sessions and surveys.

The map above shows the new Case Management Agency defined service areas that will be fully effective on July 1, 2024. 

On Aug. 11, 2023, Informational Memo 23-024 was issued announcing the agencies which were given intent to award letters for each of the newly defined service areas. Fifteen total agencies were selected to serve the state across the 20 regions:

Defined Service Area 1: Cheyenne, Kit Carson, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Phillips,

Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma Counties – Northeastern Colorado Association of

Local Governments (NECALG)

Defined Service Area 2: Baca, Kiowa, and Prowers Counties – Prowers County Public

Health and Environment

Defined Service Area 3: Bent, Crowley, and Otero Counties – Otero County

Defined Service Area 4: Huerfano and Las Animas Counties – Las Animas County

Defined Service Area 5: Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert Counties – Developmental

Pathways (DP)

Defined Service Area 6: Adams and Denver Counties – Rocky Mountain Human

Services (RMHS)

Defined Service Area 7: Clear Creek and Jefferson Counties – Jefferson County

Defined Service Area 8: Boulder, Broomfield, and Gilpin Counties – Adult Care

Management, Inc. (ACMI)

Defined Service Area 9: Weld County – Weld County

Defined Service Area 10: Larimer County – Foothills Gateway, Inc.

Defined Service Area 11: El Paso, Park, and Teller Counties – The Resource Exchange

(TRE)

Defined Service Area 12: Pueblo County – The Resource Exchange (TRE)

Defined Service Area 13: Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Lake Counties - Rocky

Mountain Health Maintenance Organization, Inc (RMHP)

Defined Service Area 14: Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and

Saguache Counties - Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance Organization, Inc (RMHP)

Defined Service Area 15: Eagle, Garfield, Pitkin, and Summit Counties – Garfield

County

Defined Service Area 16: Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt Counties -

Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance Organization, Inc (RMHP)

Defined Service Area 17: Mesa County – Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance

Organization, Inc (RMHP)

Defined Service Area 18: Delta, Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties - Rocky Mountain

Health Maintenance Organization, Inc (RMHP)

Defined Service Area 19: Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel Counties – Montrose

County

Defined Service Area 20: Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan

Counties – Community Connections, Inc. (CCI)

New Member-focused HCBS Case Management Webpage and Videos

My HCBS Case Management

Funded by ARPA 5.05 - Case Management Agency Training Program

About the My HCBS Case Management Webpage

HCPF is excited to announce the launch of a new a page specifically for members receiving Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) with Case Management Services. Now, members and families have their very own HCBS Case Management Member Page, the My HCBS Case Management page.

About the features on this page

The new page includes the following features:

• Information about how the new Case Management system will benefit you
• NEW ARPA-funded informational videos for members and families on topics such as:
• What is Long-Term Care?
• What is Case Management?
• Long-Term Care Rights and Responsibilities
• Notice of Action and Appeal Process
• Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)
• LTSS - Level of Care
• Waivers 101
• Benefits of CDASS
• Medicaid Buy-In Program
• Information about Case Management Redesign
• Links to other pages that may be of interest to members and families receiving LTSS and case management services.

Grant Incentives, Pilots, and Community Funding Opportunities

6.06 “Dollars to Digitize” Provider Digital Transformation and Electronic Health Record (EHR) Upgrades Grant Program

NEW! $350K max (increased due to additional funds)

Who is Eligible: Medicaid-enrolled home and community-based services (HCBS) providers, Medicaid-enrolled behavioral health providers, and ‘outgoing’ Case Management Agencies (CMAs); not participating in the CMA redesign.

Summary of project: The purpose of this project is to provide funding to home and community-based providers to digitally transform their care delivery. Funding will include investments in upgrading or implementing electronic health record systems to be able to better coordinate care, access real-time information through health information exchanges, and the purchase of tools necessary for the delivery of virtual services. This project will leverage lessons and processes from HCPF’s Electronic Health Record incentive program and the Office of eHealth Innovation’s telemedicine projects, with a focus on inclusive and equitable approaches and solutions. These funds will be provided through a competitive grant program that is aligned with other developing efforts, such as HB 21-1289, “Funding for Broadband Deployment.”

Application Due Date: Aug. 31, 2023, at 5 p.m. MT

Visit the 6.06 Webpage for more details and to apply

4.03 - Child/Youth Step-Down Options Program and Provider Recruitment - CHRP Track

This track will support the expansion of HCBS-Children’s Residential Habilitation Program (CHRP). The CHRP Waiver supports children & youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or extensive adaptive needs. Through this grant program, CHRP providers may apply for funds for start-up activities that will support increased access to services that are not already billable. These funds are not for the purpose of directly providing ongoing services. The CHRP Waiver includes residential habilitation services which may be provided to children & youth in a number of settings. This grant seeks to expand the HCBS-CHRP Residential Habilitation service capacity, particularly in the geographic north, west, and south regions of the state.

Total Award Amount: $1,500,000

Maximum Award Amount: $1,000,000

Who is Eligible:

Applicants selected for the CHRP Track, must, at a minimum, meet the following requirements:

• Currently enrolled with CO HCPF as a CHRP provider; or 
• Currently enrolled with CDPHE as a PASA; or 
• Currently licensed as a CPA with the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS); or 
• Currently operates at least one Residential Child Care Facility licensed by CDHS; or 
• Currently is an enrolled Medicaid provider licensed and operating an equivalent to Residential Child Care Facility in another state.

Application Due Date: Aug. 31, 2023, at 5 p.m. MT

For more information about grant eligibility and application requirements read the Request for Application (RFA) or visit the grant information page

4.03 - Child/Youth Step-Down Options Program and Provider Recruitment - QRTP Track

This track will support the expansion of HCBS-Children’s Residential Habilitation Program (CHRP). The CHRP waiver supports children & youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or extensive adaptive needs. Through this grant program, CHRP providers may apply for funds for start-up activities that will support increased access to services that are not already billable. These funds are not for the purpose of directly providing ongoing services. The CHRP waiver includes residential habilitation services which may be provided to children & youth in a number of settings. This grant seeks to expand the HCBS-CHRP Residential Habilitation service capacity, particularly in the geographic north, west, and south regions of the state.

Total Award Amount: $2,400,000

Maximum Award Amount: $340,000

Who is Eligible:

• Medicaid enrolled QRTP providers in the state of Colorado; or  
• Be currently providing services to at least one child or youth with specialized behavioral health needs, such as: 
• Children and youth with multi-system involvement 
• Children and youth with barriers to discharging to community in Colorado 
• Children and youth with barriers locating accepting treatment facilities in Colorado 

Application Due Date: Aug. 31, 2023, at 5 p.m. MT

For more information about grant eligibility and application requirements read the Request for Application (RFA) or visit the grant information page

7.02 - Member Emergency Preparedness

Battery-based, Power Backup Systems

HCPF recognizes the importance of reliable and safe power backup in the event of an emergency power outage. As a result, this project is focusing on distributing battery-based, power backup systems to eligible Coloradans.

In order to apply for this program you must:

• Be enrolled in Health First Colorado, Colorado's Medicaid program,
• Utilize life-sustaining equipment that requires electricity to operate,
• Complete an application where you will be asked about your life-sustaining device(s) that require electrical power to operate. This includes equipment prescribed by a doctor for mobility and/or home use. Devices used for therapy generally do not qualify.

Examples of life-sustaining equipment include, but are not limited to:

• Chair Lift
• Dialysis Machine
• IV Infusion Pump
• Medication Refrigeration
• Oxygen Concentrator
• Power Wheelchair
• Ventilator

If a member lives in a licensed residential setting such as a group home, supported living program, or alternative care facility, they won't be eligible because these facilities are already required to have backup power supplies for residents. Each application will be reviewed by staff from the Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering and HCPF. Applications will be approved based on medical needs and the availability of Backup Power Supplies.

Application Due Date: Ongoing while devices are available

For more information about eligible devices and details about the program, visit the Surviving in Place website.

Apply Today!

7.02 - Member Emergency Preparedness

"Go-Kits"

HCPF recognizes the importance of being prepared for an emergency or evacuation. With funding made available through ARPA and in collaboration with The Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE), HCPF will be distributing pre-assembled, starter Emergency Go Kits to eligible Health First Colorado members. An Emergency Go Kit is a collection of essential items specific to your needs that you can quickly grab and take with you in an emergency or evacuation. 

You must be enrolled in Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) to qualify for this program. If you are interested in receiving an Emergency Go Kit, please complete the brief application. Once received, the application will be reviewed, information verified, and an eligibility determination is made. There is a limited supply and a final decision will be made on eligibility and the availability of the kit materials. All applicants will be notified of their determination within two months of receipt of the application. Send all questions to Julia Beems at 303-315-1284 or julia.beems@ucdenver.edu.

Application Due Date: Ongoing as supplies are available

For more information, visit the Surviving in Place website.

Apply Today!

1.05 Training Fund Grants Open for Individual Direct Care Workers and HCBS Providers 

HCPF is offering short-term grant funding to incentivize and expand training opportunities for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) workforce. The grants will fund higher-level skills that will promote greater retention within the HCBS workforce. The maximum award amount per application for direct care workers is $500 and for HCBS providers is $100,000.

Eligible applicants include:

• Individual, age 18 or older, who is currently working in a direct care role within any of Colorado’s Home & Community-Based Service (HCBS) Waivers; or
• Individual, age 18 or older, who desires training to enter direct care within Colorado’s HCBS Waiver workforce; or
• Also included within this workforce, are Certified Nurse Aides and Home Health Aides within Long-Term Home Health; or
• Currently enrolled Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver providers; and
• Training vendor/provider that develops/delivers training/specialization for the HCBS workforce. 

Interested in learning more about how this grant could support higher-level skills for the HCBS workforce?

Application Due Date: Ongoing as funds are available

Visit the grant program information page to get more details and apply today!

Questions? Email us at hcpf_dcworkforce@state.co.us 

Featured Opportunity

Webinar: Quarterly ARPA Updates - All Stakeholders

An update for all interested stakeholders on key projects specifically funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 within the Office of Community Living and the Health Policy Office.

Audience: Members, Family, Advocates, Case Management Agencies (CMAs), Community Centered Boards (CCBs), Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Providers, Nursing Facilities, Providers, Single Entry Point (SEP) Agencies

Webinar documents are on the OCL Webinar Page and the ARPA Stakeholder Engagement Page.

The webinar will be held:

Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023

3 - 4:30 p.m. MT

Register via Zoom

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ARPA 2.02 Statewide Mobile Crisis Response Bi-Weekly Technical Assistance

This is an opportunity for Administrative Service Organizations (ASO) and Regional Accountable Entities (RAE), community and members, providers, and any interested stakeholder to ask questions and receive technical assistance related to implementing the Mobile Crisis Medicaid Benefit.

For more information, contact Emily Holcomb at Emily.Holcomb@state.co.us.

The meetings will be held:

Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023

and

Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023



11 a.m. to 12 p.m. MT

Register Here

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Listening Sessions: Justice-Impacted Communities

As a part of ARPA project 8.10 - Criminal Justice Partnership (read more about this project in the April 2023 edition of this newsletter!), HCPF is hosting a series of listening sessions for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members and family members who are impacted by the criminal justice system. HCPF staff want to hear feedback, suggestions, and member experiences to help identify gaps in services and needs of this community. HCPF staff will ask questions about your experience enrolling in Health First Colorado and using your benefits.

Virtual and in-person sessions are available to give as many people as possible the opportunity to join. There also will be opportunities for people to give anonymous feedback.

Virtual Sessions

Register here for any of the one-hour virtual sessions:

• Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 9 a.m. MT
• Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 9 a.m. MT
• Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. MT
• Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 9 a.m. MT
• Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 9 a.m. MT
• Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 9 a.m. MT

In-Person Sessions

Register here for in-person sessions:

• Sterling: Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 5:30 p.m.
• CSU Northeast Regional Engagement Center 304 Main Street, Sterling, CO 80751

• Steamboat Springs: Thursday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m.
• Old Town Hot Springs Community Center Community Room at 136 Lincoln Avenue Steamboat Springs, CO 80477

• Longmont: Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m.
• The Reentry Initiative 402 Kimbark Street, Longmont CO 80501

• Colorado Springs: Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 4:30 p.m.
• Penrose Aspen Room at Penrose Library 20 N Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Accommodation Requests for these Listening Sessions

Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request. Auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities and language services for individuals whose first language is not English may be provided upon request. Please notify hannah.hall@state.co.us or the 504/ADA Coordinator at hcpf504ada@state.co.us at least one week prior to the meeting to make arrangements.

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Direct Care Workforce Collaborative (DCWC) Training and Career Advancement Action Group

This Action Group works collaboratively with stakeholders to identify and move forward strategies to support the recruitment and retention of Colorado's direct care workforce. This group intends to meet every other month on the first Friday of the month from 9 to 10 a.m. MT.

The meeting will be held:

Friday, Sept. 1, 2023

9 to 10 a.m. MT

Join via Zoom

Join via Phone:

(Toll-free) 1-877-853-5257

Meeting ID: 969 4053 6000, Passcode: 115140



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Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request for persons with disabilities. Auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities and language services for individuals whose first language is not English may be provided upon request. Please notify John Barry at 303-866-3173 or John.R.Barry@state.co.us or the 504/ADA Coordinator at hcpf504ada@state.co.us at least one week prior to the meeting to make arrangements.