HCI Primary Care Medical Provider Monthly Newsletter
August 2021
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LOOKING TO IMPLEMENT TEAM BASED CARE?
The Colorado Health Foundation is offering funding opportunity to support safety net clinics in receiving technical assistance (TA) to improve their clinical and business capacity so they can offer high-quality, team-based comprehensive primary care. The Foundation will fund clinics up to $125,000 over the two-year period to support clinic staff participation in the funding opportunity and any education and travel-related expenses associated with implementing team-based care.
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.
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JOIN THE DISCUSSION
The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) is hosting public listening sessions to provide updates on the APM 1 program and solicit feedback from stakeholders to inform changes for 2022.
These sessions are intended for stakeholders to learn more about the APM and potential updates, ask questions, and share feedback. Stakeholders include primary care medical providers, provider associations, Health First Colorado members, and organizations that advocate for improved health for members.
Click here for the flyer with more information and to register for the learning sessions.
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ONLINE PCP TOOLKIT AVAILABLE FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT
The Beacon Quality team in collaboration with Medical, Clinical, Peers, Provider Relations and additional key stakeholders across the organization expanded our PCP toolkit online resource. The PCP toolkit is intended to support primary care clinicians by providing a quick guide to access behavioral health resources. This toolkit is also beneficial for behavioral health providers and Beacon health plan partners. The toolkit is useful for managing populations with co-occurring disorders. The toolkit promotes an integrated healthcare approach encouraging whole person health by providing PCPs and other practitioners additional resources beneficial to clients, including screening tools.
The toolkit includes enhanced resources for the management of:
· Depression
· Substance use disorders
· Anxiety
· Schizophrenia
Additionally, four new topics have been added: Social Determinants of Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder, COVID 19, and Medication. We are committed to continuing to promote the integration of medical and BH services with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
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INTELLIRIDE NO LONGER STATEWIDE BROKER FOR NEMT SERVICES EFFECTIVE AUG 1st
Last July, the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing expanded its contract with IntelliRide to manage all NEMT trip referrals, scheduling, and claims submission throughout the state. Local transportation providers and Health First Colorado members expressed concerns about the statewide approach shortly after its July 2020 implementation. The Department evaluated the feedback with IntelliRide and decided to restore the relationship between members and their local community transportation providers for those members outside IntelliRide's original nine-county service area. As a result, IntelliRide will no longer serve as the statewide broker for NEMT services effective Aug. 1, 2021.
IntelliRide will reduce its NEMT service area to its original nine-county region — Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld Counties — effective Aug. 1, 2021.
Therefore, effective Aug. 1, 2021:
- NEMT service in the 55 counties outside of IntelliRide’s nine-county region will return to local transportation providers.
- IntelliRide will no longer transfer NEMT trip requests for Health First Colorado members residing in any of the 55 counties outside of IntelliRide’s service area.
- These Health First Colorado members must contact a local transportation provider directly (rather than IntelliRide) to schedule travel Aug. 1, 2021, forward.
IntelliRide will continue to process mileage reimbursement claims for Health First Colorado members, no matter where they live in Colorado. IntelliRide will also continue scheduling air, train, and out-of-state travel for members statewide. Members should call IntelliRide at 1-855-489-4999 or 303-398-2155 (State Relay 711) or visit gointelliride.com/colorado/ for more information.
It is important to note that there will be no changes to NEMT service for Health First Colorado members living in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer or Weld County. Additionally, counties will not be required to take on additional work for this transition of service. However, the Department will provide counties a list of local transportation providers to support Health First Colorado members when they call county offices. Additional resources and information will be provided in future communications. Contact Ryan Dwyer with policy-related questions.
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HEAR HER CAMPAIGN: NEW MATERNAL HEALTH MATERIALS
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 700 women die each year in the U.S. from problems related to pregnancy or delivery complications. CDC’s Hear Her Campaign seeks to raise awareness of potentially life-threatening warning signs during and after pregnancy and improve communication between patients and their healthcare providers.
Last month, the campaign released exciting new resources including posters and palm cards in multiple languages, PSAs, and website content syndication. The new materials highlight key information about urgent maternal warning signs and tips for talking about concerns with pregnant and postpartum people, their families and friends, and with healthcare providers.
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COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE POLICY & FINANCING PROGRAMS
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing offers many different programs for members, each with a set of benefits.
The List of Programs web page is a useful resource for members and providers which includes links to information about the programs offered.
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MEMBERS NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE TO GET TO THEIR APPOINTMENTS
A Health First Colorado (Medicaid) member who needs transportation through IntelliRide to get to their appointment with you will not be approved for the transportation if the servicing address is not listed with the state. Please take a moment to ensure your service locations match with the state’s database so members can get to their appointments with you. Should you need to make updates, visit the Provider Enrollment webpage and contact the Provider Services Call Center listed on the enrollment page if you need assistance. IntelliRide’s toll-free phone 1-855-489-4999.
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VERIFY MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY WITHOUT ID CARD
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.
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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.
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REMINDER REGARDING PCMP PRACTICE AND/OR PROVIDER UPDATES
To be able to provide our Health First Colorado Medicaid members with accurate provider information and to ensure network adequacy, we ask that providers notify Beacon of changes to their practice and practitioners within 30 days of change. Please complete the PCMP Adds, Changes and Deletes f orm and submit to Healthcolorado@beaconhealthoptions.com. Please make sure to fill in all the fields noted in each section as this will ensure timely processing of your submission.
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Upcoming Events and Webinars |
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HCI PRIMARY CARE MEDICAL PROVIDER LEARNING COLLABORATIVE
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PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (PIAC)
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CULTURAL COMPETENCY--A free, comprehensive online training provided by The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
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MANAGED CARE 101--WEBINAR
Join Beacon as they host this provider webinar, reviewing managed care terms, definitions and general guidance on working with Beacon.
- Wednesday, August 4, 2021 12pm (MST)
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Click here to register.
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POTENTIAL QUALITY OF CARE AND SERIOUS REPORTABLE EVENTS--WEBINAR
Join Beacon as they host this provider webinar, covering potential quality of care concerns, including serious reportable events and how to report them to Beacon.
- Tuesday, August 10, 2021 10am (MST)
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Click here to register.
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SUMMER HEALTH CABINET SUMMIT--WEBINAR
Join Lt. Gov. Primavera, Health Cabinet Executive Directors and industry leaders for the Summer Health Cabinet Summit hosted by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. This FREE virtual event is designed for policy makers, advocates, payers, care providers, health care leaders and other industry stakeholders. Presentations, topics and panels will include:
- State Trends in Hospital Costs and Solutions
- Prescription Drug Affordability Progress and Opportunities
- Behavioral Health Priorities and Progress
- Solutions to Improve Health Equity
Thursday, August 19, 2021 8am - 12:30pm (MST)
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ENROLL YOUR PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE IN THE COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM
As a trusted source of information for their patients, primary care providers play an important role in the effort to increase COVID-19 vaccination uptake in our state. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is inviting your primary care practice to enroll in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program as part of its efforts to quickly mobilize additional COVID-19 vaccine providers across the state and to increase access to COVID-19 vaccination for all Coloradans. As we transition from a mass vaccination model to more provider-focused efforts, we need your help now more than ever. Click here for more information and the program requirements.
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STATE BEGINS OUTBOUND CALLS TO ENCOURAGE VACCINATION
On June 21, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) began making outgoing phone calls to Colorado residents age 18 and older who had not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine. Callers will provide information about vaccination, help with scheduling appointments at local vaccine locations, and answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. Click here to read more.
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LIFE CARE PLANNING ADVANCE DIRECTIVES VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
A monthly workshop hosted by Health Colorado and Beacon
- Providers, Care Coordinators, and Members are invited to participate in this "working" workshop where forms are available for members to state their wishes if they were unable to communicate them.
- The last Thursday of each month
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2 sessions are available: 11:30am-1:00pm AND 6:30pm-8:00pm
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Click here for the call-in information and to access to the materials.
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HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES LAUNCHES HOTLINES TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO COVID VACCINES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind national hotline to connect people with disabilities to information and services to improve access to COVID-19 vaccines. The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is now available to help people with disabilities find vaccination locations in their communities, assist callers with making vaccination appointments, and connect callers to local services – such as accessible transportation – to overcome barriers to vaccination. The hotline also can provide information and resources to answer questions and address concerns about the vaccines and can connect callers to information and services that promote independent living and address fundamental needs, such as food, housing, and transportation.
For more information, visit acl.gov/dial or call 888-677-1199.
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EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT PROGRAM COMING SOON
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the application window for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) will open soon. The EBB Program was created to help households struggling to pay for internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The benefit will provide up to $50 per month for broadband service for eligible households, up to $75 per month for households on tribal lands, and a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a single laptop, desktop computer or tablet. Eligibility criteria includes one or more members of a household:
- Qualifies for the FCC's existing Lifeline program
- Receives benefits under a free and reduced-price school lunch program or school breakfast program
- Lost employment or experienced a substantial loss of income since Feb. 29, 2020
- Is a student who receives a Federal Pell Grant
- Meets the eligibility criteria for your participating internet provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program
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