HCI Primary Care Medical Provider Monthly Newsletter
December 2021
IN THIS ISSUE:

Provider Resources:
  • New Definition of Complex Member
  • National Stress-Free Holidays Month
  • Upcoming Diabetes Webinars
  • Quarterly Primary Care Virtual Learning Collaborative
  • Taking Care of Baby and Me Provider Booklet
  • A Message to Providers Regarding Monoclonal Antibodies
  • Billing Health First Colorado members for Services
COVID Information:
  • Vaccines for Children and Teens
  • Vaccination Toolkit for Ages 5-17
  • State to Provide At-home COVID Tests
  • Primary Care Vaccination Program Grant
  • COVID Health Provider Vaccine Toolkit
Member Resources:
  • Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT)
  • Broadband Discount Program
  • Health Colorado Website
  • New Member Webinar
  • Advanced Directives Workshop
NEW DEFINITION OF COMPLEX MEMBER

As the Regional Accountable Entity (RAE) for Region 4, Health Colorado, Inc. (HCI) is committed to creating a system of care that improves the health of Health First Colorado beneficiaries across our region. For the past few years Health Care Policy and Finance (HCPF) has defined “complex” members as people who have a total cost of care over $25,000 in a rolling 12 months. In an effort to better identify and engage members with complex medical needs and members at risk of advancing illness this definition will change effective January 1, 2022. “Complex” members will be identified using HCI’s predictive analytic tool. Please click on the links below for more information.


If you have any questions, please contact Alma Mejorado at alma.mejorado@beaconhealthoptions.com.
NATIONAL STRESS-FREE HOLIDAYS MONTH

Holidays provide opportunity for celebration, gift-giving, reflection, tradition, relationship and spiritual renewal, and relaxation. However, they often bring about family tension, crowded schedules, remembrances of lost loved ones, and/or additional tasks and expectations. By determining your goals for the holidays and by staying in control of your overall plan, you can help to ward off excessive stress and have more stress free family holiday and a enjoyable time all around. Click here for a list of helpful tips to prevent holiday stress and ward off depression.
UPCOMING DIABETES WEBINARS FOR PROVIDERS
Hosted by Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing

Providers can join a 30-minute Zoom webinar to learn about connecting members with diabetes prevention and management programs:
  • Hear about the program evidence
  • Understand who qualifies to participate
  • Types of insurance coverage
  • How to refer members

Two evidence-based programs can help support members with diabetes and prediabetes:
  • 1) Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) is a trusted, covered way to help members self-manage diabetes. DSMES is a Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program) covered benefit.
  • DSMES Information Sheet
  • DSMES FAQs
 
 
Note: This effort is provided by Colorado’s Diabetes Stakeholder Group who is working to increase awareness among healthcare providers of programs that can help support patients living with diabetes and prediabetes.

Webinar Registration Links:
QUARTERLY PRIMARY CARE VIRTUAL LEARNING COLLABORATIVE

Please join Practice Transformation Professionals and other PCMP clinics in the region.
TAKING CARE OF BABY AND ME PROVIDER BOOKLET

When it comes to our pregnant members, we are committed to keeping both mom and baby healthy. That’s why we encourage all of our moms-to-be to take part in our Taking Care of Baby and Me® program — a proactive care management program for all expectant mothers, offering:

  • Individualized one-on-one case management support for women at the highest risk.
  • Care coordination for moms who may need a little extra support.
  • Educational materials and information on community resources.
  • Incentives to keep up with prenatal and postpartum checkups.

Health Colorado works with providers and mothers to ensure all medical and resource needs are met while aiming for the best possible outcomes for moms and babies. Click here for the booklet and to learn more about how it works.
A MESSAGE TO PROVIDERS REGARDING MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES

Click here for a letter from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Peter Walsh.
ATTENTION! BILLING HEALTH FIRST COLORADO MEMBERS FOR SERVICES

It is important that all health care providers know that Health First Colorado members cannot be billed for services covered by Health First Colorado. Please visit this policy statement for more detailed information.
COVID
VACCINES FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS

Children age 5 years and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine which is the strongest layer of protection we can offer children against COVID-19. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) is partnering with Children's Hospital Colorado in various areas to offer vaccines for children. Click here for more information, resources, and where to get children vaccinated.
VACCINATION TOOLKIT FOR 5-17 YEAR OLDS

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) has created a toolkit with resources for providers, local public health agencies, educators, parents/guardians, and partners to be used for promotion, outreach, and education purposes. The toolkit includes guidance for parents, talking points, and graphics as well as sample texts, emails, social media posts, and letters. The toolkit can be accessed HERE.
STATE TO PROVIDE RAPID AT-HOME TESTS AT NO COST

Colorado is distributing free rapid COVID-19 over the counter (OTC) self tests directly to people’s homes. The program uses Abbott BinaxNOW™ rapid antigen tests that show results within 15 minutes. The program has been specifically designed to provide parents, guardians, and caregivers some peace of mind by making it easy to test school-aged children and help keep schools open. Individuals must apply through the CDPHE rapid at-home testing program website. Share this widely with your patients.
PRIMARY CARE VACCINATION PROGRAM--GRANT FUNDING

Starting September 2, 2021, primary care providers can receive grant funding ranging from up to $60,000 to $120,000 (depending on practice size) to support the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Click here for details on the COVID-19 Primary Care Vaccination Program and how to apply. 
COLORADO COVID-19 HEALTH CARE PROVIDER VACCINE INFORMATION TOOLKIT

In an effort to best organize and make readily available the wide array of health care provider vaccine resources, trainings and materials related to the COVID-19 vaccination program, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment CDPHE has created the online Colorado COVID-19 Health Care Provider Vaccine Information Toolkit. The toolkit has a variety of robust elements. Please share!
Health Colorado Member Resources
Beacon and Health Colorado would like to give their providers important resources to share with members.
EARLY AND PERIODIC SCREENING, DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT (EPSDT)

The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit provides comprehensive and preventive health care services for Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program) members age 20 and under. EPSDT is key to ensuring that children and youth receive appropriate preventive, dental, mental health, developmental and specialty services. Click here for a flyer with more information.
BROADBAND DISCOUNT PROGRAM
 
Please help spread the word about the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB). It gives a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Anyone who gets cellular from the Lifeline program, free and reduced-priced school lunch or school breakfast program, SNAP, or Health First Colorado may qualify. People who have recently lost their job or had a large loss of income, or who receive Federal Pell Grants may also qualify.
 
People who qualify can get:
  • Up to $50 per month discount on broadband service or up to $75 per month discount if their household is on Tribal lands
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
 
For more information, call 833-511-0311 or visit fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.
HEALTH COLORADO WEBSITE

Health Colorado's website provides many resources for members to access to keep up with their health and wellness. Get access to all things member related here and share as needed.
HEALTH COLORADO: WHERE DO I START? WEBINAR

Beacon and Health Colorado will assist with questions new members have regarding Medicaid benefits.
YOUR CHOICE, YOUR VOICE: LIFE CARE PLANNING ADVANCE DIRECTIVES VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

Beacon and Health Colorado invites anyone to participate in this "working" workshop where forms are available for members to state their wishes if they were unable to communicate them.