HCI Primary Care Medical Provider Monthly Newsletter
November 2021
NOVEMBER IS DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH

The American Diabetes Association promotes American Diabetes Month in November to raise awareness about diabetes and share helpful resources. Check out and share these resources from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). It’s also a great time to explore the Healthy People 2030 Diabetes objectives, which aim to reduce the burden of diabetes and improve the lives of people living with the condition. Finally, be sure to share our consumer-friendly MyHealthfinder diabetes resources.
HEALTH COLORADO COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT GRANT OPPORTUNITY

Health Colorado is excited to announce an opportunity to collaborate with our community to develop innovative, diverse, multi-disciplinary programs that will improve the health of members we serve. The Community Reinvestment Program is funded using incentive payments Health Colorado earned for achieving State defined key performance indicators (KPIs) set by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF).
 
HCI is seeking regionally specific, community-oriented, and innovative projects that will improve existing Medicaid services to expand access to needed services, promote a more connected health neighborhood, avoid duplication of services, improve quality of care and outcomes, improve member experience, and impact the total cost of care. We are also seeking programs that support HCIs regional focus on improving the health and well-being of all residents by addressing social determinants of health.   
 
We encourage all questions and inquiries to be addressed during the HCI-hosted open hours. November 2nd and November 16th 1:00pm-2:00pm. 
 +1 253 215 8782    Meeting ID: 830 4821 9379  Passcode: 016214

 
If you have any questions, please contact Health Colorado at: hcadmin@healthcolorado.health.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING PROGRAM AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
From the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies

Effective October 1, 2021, Medicaid providers permitted to prescribe controlled substances must query the Colorado Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) before prescribing controlled substances to Medicaid members, in accordance with Section 5042 of the “Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and the Communities Act (SUPPORT Act)”.
The requirement to check the PDMP do not apply when a member:

  • Is receiving the controlled substance in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, residential facility, or correctional facility
  • Has been diagnosed with cancer and is experiencing cancer-related pain
  • Is undergoing palliative care or hospice care
  • Is experiencing post-surgical pain that, because of the nature of the procedure, is expected to last more than 14 days
  • Is receiving treatment during a natural disaster or during an incident where mass casualties have taken place
  • Has received only a single dose to relieve pain for a single test or procedure

Visit the About the PDMP Program web page for more information about the PDMP Program.
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.
EXTENSION OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY (PHE)

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has formally extended the Public Health Emergency (PHE). The PHE can be extended for up to 90 days at a time.
 
This extension started October 18, 2021, and would end, unless extended again, on January 16, 2022.
 
The Biden administration has indicated they will continue extending the PHE throughout 2022 and there will be a 60-day notice period before any end to the PHE.
TAKING CARE OF ORAL HEALTH

Share with your Health First Colorado patients that their mouth plays a big part in keeping them healthy. Oral health has a direct impact on their heart, lungs, and brain! Dentaquest offers this one-pager to prove how intertwined the mouth is to the rest of the body and demonstrates the importance of oral health on the whole body.
COVID
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.
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.
RESOURCES FOR MANAGING PREGNANCY

Health Colorado provides extensive resources on their website for expecting mothers. Click here to access those resources.