The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced April 7, 2021 that federal funding may now be used to purchase rapid fentanyl test strips (FTS) in an effort to help curb the dramatic spike in drug overdose deaths largely driven by the use of strong synthetic opioids, including illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Read the entire article here.

The Colorado Department of Healthcare Policy and Financing Telemedicine Evaluation Report is now available on the Department’s website. This report summarizes the research and work completed by the Department from June 2020 through December 2020. It contains an evaluation of the policy changes in telemedicine since the beginning of the pandemic and what we know thus far about the impacts on access to care and utilization, health equity, quality and member outcomes, and payment and reimbursement.

For more information visit hcpf.colorado.gov/. The fee-for-service telemedicine utilization data is posted on a bi-monthly basis and is on the provider telemedicine webpage.

Providers are reminded that members do not need to present their Health First Colorado ID cards to receive services. The Health First Colorado Member Handbook states that members only need their date of birth and either their Social Security number or Health First Colorado ID Number (Medicaid ID). Providers should check eligibility via the Provider Web Portal, Integrated Voice Response (IVR) System or batch.

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.

Connect for Health Colorado has opened an Uninsured Enrollment Period to help as many people as possible protect their health and safety during this time. Coloradans who are currently uninsured and don’t qualify for Health First Colorado can sign up for a health insurance plan through May 15, 2021.

Community partners can easily find social media graphics/copy, newsletter copy and virtual brochures in the new toolkit.

Have questions? They are available to talk through your ideas and encourage you to connect with them before applying for funding. If you don’t already work with a program officer, please reach out by email at funding@coloradohealth.org or by phone at 303-953-3600, and be sure to note the county you work in and the focus area of interest.

Deadline for application is October 15, 2021. Here is the link to the opportunity.

CULTURAL COMPETENCY--A free, comprehensive online training provided by The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

In accordance with updated guidance and funding from CMS, effective March 15, 2021, the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (the Department) is reimbursing physicians, federally qualified health centers, hospitals, pharmacies and other Medicaid enrolled, qualified immunizers $41.18 to administer each dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.  

All COVID-19 vaccine claims will be reimbursed at $41.18 for each dose for enrolled and qualified providers for administration of COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under their Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) authority. Pharmacists enrolled with Health First Colorado may submit claims for reimbursement of the administration of COVID-19 vaccines to Health First Colorado members. Providers will receive vaccine products from the federal government at no cost. Only the administration fee associated with the vaccines may be reimbursed to providers. These updated rates can be found on the Department’s Provider Rates and Fees website under the “Immunization Rate Schedule” section. Additional information for providers can be found on the Department’s COVID-19 webpage. In order to offer the vaccine to your patients, you’ll first need to enroll in the State’s vaccine program. 

Together We Protect is a partnership of Immunize Colorado and the Colorado Vaccine Equity Taskforce, which will provide on-the-ground technical assistance and support to community-based organization grantees. Learn more about this opportunity, including funding criteria and how to apply.

A webinar is available for additional information.  

On April 2, 2021, Colorado moved into Phase 2 of vaccine distribution, opening vaccine eligibility to the general public. Your patients trust information coming from you, even those who are hesitant to get vaccinated. Find more information on how to answer patients’ questions at covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine-faq. 

The Department needs your help ensuring your Health First Colorado patients and CHP+ patients who are 16 and older get vaccinated. Do your part by letting them know when you have the vaccine available for them, or where they can get it if you don’t offer it. Let them know that the cost is entirely covered; they won’t be charged co-pays or for the office visit. Reassure them that it’s safe to come to your office and that there is transportation available if they need it. 

If a member requires additional support to get the vaccine, please contact the assigned Regional Accountability Entity (RAE) or Managed Care Organization (MCO). Please also encourage your staff to get their vaccines, and refer them to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment for information on vaccine safety. You can get more information on which phase your staff should be vaccinated in and where at covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine.  

How to Build Confidence in COVID-19 Vaccines: A Short Guide for Immunization Coordinators in Medical Centers and Clinics - This informational guide presents six strategies for immunization coordinators to build vaccine confidence within their health system or clinics. It includes tangible actions to promote confidence, communication, and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine, which can help support confidence among providers and patients. 

The COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence Conversation Starter - This conversation starter is a prompt for engaging healthcare providers during an in-person or virtual meeting in order to identify tailored approaches to promote vaccine confidence within a facility.

Slide presentations and scripts are available to help health systems, clinics, and pharmacies educate healthcare personnel, teams and immunization coordinators about COVID-19 vaccination and build vaccine confidence within their organization: Building Vaccine Confidence in Health Systems and Clinics: Tips for Immunization/Vaccine Coordinators and Building Confidence in COVID-19 Vaccines Among your Patients: Tips for the Healthcare Team. 

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) announced that the vaccine data dashboard includes county-level vaccine administration data in beta. The goal of the expanded data dashboard is part of the state's commitment to prioritize data transparency throughout the COVID-19 response, to inform an equitable vaccine distribution process, and ensure accountability. Continue to stay up to date by visiting the Colorado COVID-19 website. 

As a local public health agency, you are a critical and valued partner in slowing the spread of COVID-19, getting the vaccine to Coloradans, and ending the pandemic. Your communities have relied on you throughout the pandemic as a source of reliable information. To support your efforts, CDPHE has developed a statewide mass-media campaign and resources that can be used in your community. Resources to support the COVID-19 vaccine marketing campaign are below.

For vaccine information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, visit this webpage.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have provided guidance, tools and toolkits and other COVID-19 vaccine resources to support vulnerable populations who are a higher risk, to help them make decisions, protect their health and communicate with their communities. 

Toolkit for People with Disabilities - The CDC has created a toolkit to help people with disabilities and those who serve or care for them make decisions, protect their health, and communicate with their communities. This toolkit has several resources including: 

Vaccinating Homebound Persons With COVID-19 Vaccine - COVID-19 vaccination of homebound persons presents unique challenges to ensure safe and effective vaccination. This webpage provides guidance on management of vaccines and vaccination for persons vaccinated at home or in small group settings. 

Toolkit for People Experiencing Homelessness – This webpage provides guidance and tools to help homeless service providers make decisions and protect and communicate with staff and with people who are experiencing homelessness. 

COVID-19 vaccines for patients in dialysis clinics - The federal government is partnering with dialysis organizations, local and state jurisdictions to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines for patients and healthcare personnel in outpatient dialysis clinics. This webpage provides information for dialysis partners and public health jurisdictions to ensure equitable and effective access to COVID-19 vaccines and increase availability of COVID-19 vaccines for patients in dialysis clinics. 

Health Colorado and Beacon host a monthly webinar: WELCOME TO HEALTH FIRST COLORADO Q & A WEBINAR FOR MEMBERS