JANUARY 5, 2022
INSPIRE WELLNESS
NHP Provider Newsletter
In this issue:
  • COVID
  • Omicron Resources
  • Vaccines for Children & Teens
  • Vaccination Toolkit for Ages 5-17
  • A Message to Providers Regarding Monoclonal Antibodies
  • State to Provide Rapid At-Home COVID Tests
  • Colorado COVID-19 Health Care Provider Vaccine Information Toolkit
  • Statewide COVID Vaccine Information
  • Provider Resources and Information
  • Behavioral Health Provider Contracting Opportunity for Family First Program
  • Important Provider Information: HEDIS Measures for Adherence
  • EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2022: Updated Coding Manual
  • Beacon Health Options Transition to Availity Essentials Multi-Payer Portal
  • Are You Using the Prescriber Tool?
  • Taking Care of Baby and Me Provider Booklet
  • Private Duty Nursing and Pediatric Long Term Home Health PARS
  • Focus on the Member Resources
  • Upcoming Events and Webinars
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.
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.
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.
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!
STATEWIDE COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides extensive resources and up to date information regarding the COVID vaccine. 
PROVIDER RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
ATTENTION BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDERS! CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILY FIRST PROGRAM
 
Beacon is looking for independent assessors for Family First Program (FFPSA). Learn more by reviewing the links below.
 
IMPORTANT PROVIDER INFORMATION: HEDIS MEASURES FOR ADHERENCE

Beginning in 2022, Beacon’s primary monitoring method will shift from a focus on treatment record reviews to monitoring performance on select Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) measures. Please review this document for more detailed information.
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2022: UPDATED CODING MANUAL

Please review the attached documents for revisions to the Uniform Service Coding Standards (USCS) Manual. Providers must implement the January 2022 edition by January 1, 2022 for dates of service January 1st and thereafter, regardless of submission date.
BEACON HEALTH OPTIONS TRANSITION TO AVAILITY ESSENTIALS MULTI-PAYER PORTAL

Beacon Health Options (“Beacon”) will be transitioning to the Availity Essentials Provider Portal. This portal provides a secure platform where providers can submit ANSI and HIPAA, as well as perform eligibility and benefit inquires, and check claim status. As we work to continuously improve the overall provider experience, Beacon will continually expand the platform to offer increased functionality.

Effective March 1, 2022, Availity Essentials will become the preferred portal for verifying eligibility and benefits, claim status and other secure transactions for Beacon.

On January 1, 2022, providers and facilities may begin submitting claims through the Availity Essentials Portal. Providers and facilities that are submitting through a clearinghouse other than Availity Essentials (i.e. Change Healthcare, Office Ally) can continue to do so as all existing clearinghouse trading partners will route claims through Availity Essentials to Beacon. Please be aware that it may take Beacon longer to process claims that are submitted through clearinghouses other than Availity Essentials. It is important to note that Beacon transactions through Availity Essentials are available at no charge to providers.

Please review the links below and share with those who need to know!
ARE YOU USING THE PRESCRIBER TOOL?
The Prescriber Tool gives providers real-time information on prescription drug costs and affordable alternatives. The goals of the Prescriber Tool are to help improve patient health outcomes and service, reduce administrative burden for prescribers, improve prescription drug affordability for Coloradans, employers and the state, and support providers with value-based payments  that reward them for addressing the number one contributor to rising health care costs – rising prescription drug costs.
The following affordability functionalities are in approximately 100 electronic health records (EHRs), representing 85% of Medicaid providers, with no click charges:
  • Real-Time E-Prescribing: Prescribers can now send prescriptions electronically to pharmacies for Medicaid patients, increasing convenience and saving time for patients, prescribers and pharmacies.    
  • Real-Time Benefits Inquiry: Prescribers now have rapid insight into preferred medications from the Medicaid preferred drug list, empowering them with drug affordability and cost options.    
  • Real-Time Prior Authorization: Prescribers can now get rapid prior authorizations, reducing workload and avoiding manual entry, forms, faxes, lists and rework.  
Enabled for both your Medicaid and commercially covered patients, the Prescriber Tool reduces rework and administrative burden for providers by enabling e-Prescribing and e-Prior Authorization while improving convenience for patients, too. Our intention is to reward prescribers beginning in July of 2022 for using the tool and generating savings during this fiscal year beginning July 2021.
 
Contact your IT Support Staff, EHR Training Team or EHR vendor to access the “Real-Time Prescription Benefit” or “Real-Time Benefit Check” and get training and education materials.
Please visit The Prescriber Tool Project for more information.
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.

Northeast Health Partners 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.
PRIVATE DUTY NURSING AND PEDIATRIC LONG TERM HOME HEALTH PRIOR AUTHORIZATIONS

Please take a moment to review the operational memo provided by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing related to Private Duty Nursing services and Pediatric Long Term Home Health Prior Authorization Requests.
Northeast Health Partners Focus on the Member Resources
Beacon and Northeast Health Partners would like to give their providers important resources to share with members.
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.
HELP GET THE WORD OUT! FREE HIGHER EDUCATION FOR HEALTH FIRST COLORADO MEMBERS

Did you know Health First Colorado members may qualify to get their degree for free? Members can keep their coverage even if they receive grants, scholarships or work study placements. Money received for education does not count as income.
 
Members can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA.gov or on the myStudentAid mobile app in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Anyone who does not have lawful immigration status or does not qualify for FAFSA can apply for the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA). Please note: students cannot get free money from both FAFSA and CAFSA.
 
For more information, visit My Colorado Journey or email MCJ@dhe.state.co.us.
MONTHLY TAX CREDIT RESOURCES FOR PARENTS & STAKEHOLDERS

This toolkit was created for anyone to use to spread the word that expanded tax credits can help lift up to 40% of Colorado families out of poverty. The toolkit contains English and Spanish language messages, a flyer for distribution in physical settings, and sample newsletter and text message content. Please share with your networks and families who could benefit from these new cash-back resources!
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.
NORTHEAST HEALTH PARTNERS WEBSITE

Northeast Health Partners 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.
WHERE DO I START? WEBINAR--FOR NEW NORTHEAST HEALTH PARTNERS MEMBERS

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

Beacon and Northeast Health Partners 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND WEBINARS
RAE ROUNDTABLE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH---2nd Fri of every month at 11am

Click here to join the webinar.

Or By Telephone:1-669-900-6833---Webinar ID: 995 7438 8100---Passcode: 173943
Visit the NHP website for details on previous calls.
IMPROVING THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT EXPERIENCE FOR SUICIDAL PATIENTS AND PROVIDERS--WEBINAR

Jaspr Health, Zero Suicide Institute’s first digital health partner, is a digital suicide-care platform developed collaboratively by suicide prevention experts, people with lived experience, and healthcare providers. Its automated, evidence-based protocols improve the patient experience, optimize provider care, and empower health systems to reduce their risks and costs, ultimately saving lives.
 
Please join as they review Jaspr’s recent randomized control trial data and tour its features, including:
  • Automated Assistant that helps people in suicide crisis with immediate, on-demand evidence-based suicide risk assessment, lethal means counseling, and crisis stability/safety planning
  • Comfort & Skills library with activities drawn to help patients stabilize the crisis and learn coping strategies for the future 
  • Shared Stories library from survivors with lived experiences to give guidance, inspire hope and create meaningful connections 
  • Jaspr At Home, a free companion mobile app that provides ongoing evidence-based support during the high-risk period that follows hospital discharge.

Tuesday, January 11, 2022 10am (MST) Click here to register for this free webinar.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 101--WEBINAR
Hosted by Beacon Health Options

This 2-hour long training will provide a high-level, introductory overview of Behavioral Health and will provide statistics, common disorders, symptoms & treatments associated. This training is intended for healthcare professionals who are not already knowledgeable and/or experienced in behavioral healthcare. Experienced behavioral health providers are also welcome to attend as a content refresher. No CE Credit is available for this training.

  • Wednesday, January 12, 2022 1pm - 3pm (MST)
  • Click here to register.
PROVIDERCONNECT CLAIMS--WEBINAR
Hosted by Beacon Health Options

This webinar is designed for providers and office billing staff who submit claims electronically by either batch or directly through ProviderConnect. 

  • Wednesday, January 26, 2022 12pm (MST)
  • Click here to register.
QUESTION, PERSUADE, REFER (QPR) FREE ONLINE TRAINING
Hosted by Jefferson Center for Mental Health

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — 3 simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Those who attend will learn to:

  • Recognize the warning signs of suicide
  • Know how to offer hope
  • Know how to get help and save a life

Thursday, January 27, 2022 11am - 12:30pm Click here for more information and to register.
APPLIED SUICIDE INTERVENTION SKILLS TRAINING (ASIST) FREE IN-PERSON TRAINING

Partners for Children’s Mental Health will be hosting a free Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) in Colorado Springs early next year. ASIST is an internationally acclaimed two-day workshop in suicide first aid featuring powerful audiovisuals, discussions, and simulations. Participants learn how to recognize signs of suicide risk, effectively intervene, and develop a safety plan to keep someone alive. 
Seating is limited so sign up today!

  • Date/time: Feb. 2-3; 9am – 4pm (MT)
  • Location: Penrose House, 1661 Mesa Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
  • Cost: Free! (course valued at $300/participant)
  • Click here to learn more and register.
YOUTH MARIJUANA AND SUICIDE PREVENTION--LIVE EVENT
Hosted by Johnny's Ambassadors, Inc.

Johnny's Ambassadors educates the public about the dangers of today's high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide. Join Laura Stack, Founder and CEO of Johnny's Ambassadors:

  • Learn About the High-Potency Marijuana Products Used by Today’s Youth
  • See the Results of Legalizing Medical Marijuana for 18-Year-Old’s in Colorado
  • Understand How Adolescent Marijuana Use Can Lead to Mental Illness and Psychosis
  • Understand the Connection Between Marijuana and Suicide in Youth

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 6pm-7:30pm (MST)
LIVE EVENT: Cornerstone Church, 9941 Lone Tree Pkwy, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Click here for more information and to register. Livestream is also available on the link.