In this issue:

• COVID-19
• COVID-19 Therapeutics Program for Health Care Providers
• FREE COVID-19 Self Tests
• Stay Up To Date With the Public Health Emergency Declarations
• Colorado COVID-19 Health Care Provider Vaccine Information Toolkit
• Statewide COVID-19 Vaccine Information
• Provider Resources and Information
• July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
• Coming in July: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• New National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
• Incorrect Health First Colorado Member Billing
• Diabetes Study Patient Recruitment
• Health First Colorado Member Redetermination Process
• Spread the Word: Members Need to Update Their Contact Information
• Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) Providers: Update to ACC Member Disenrollment Rules
• Home and Community Based Services for Persons with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities Waiver Programs
• UPDATED Behavioral Health Outpatient Authorizations
• Billing Responsibility for Licensed and Non-Licensed Staff
• Home and Community Based Services Rate Increases
• Colorado's Youth Have Extended Access to Therapy
• ICYMI: RAE Roundtable Behavioral Health Resources
• Behavioral Health Claims and Billing Information
• Provider Handbooks
• Care Coordination and Behavioral Health Providers Fact Sheet
• Upcoming Events and Webinars

COVID-19 THERAPEUTICS PROGRAM FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

In an ongoing effort to decrease hospitalizations for at-risk Coloradans by ensuring access to COVID-19 therapeutics, we are sharing information provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for health care providers. Included here is updated National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommendations, as well as provider eligibility and enrollment information for both the CDPHE Therapeutics program and Health and Human Services (HHS) Test to Treat program, Health care providers are encouraged to learn more about these lifesaving treatments and talk about them with patients who may be eligible to receive them.

FREE COVID-19 SELF TESTS

Residential households in the U.S. are now eligible for another order of free COVID-19 self- tests on USPS.com.

• Each order now includes 8 rapid antigen COVID-19 tests
• Orders will come in 2 separate packages (4 tests in each package), each with its own tracking number and will ship for free

Self- tests for COVID-19 give rapid results and can be taken anywhere, regardless of your vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms. They give your result in a few minutes and are different from laboratory-based tests that may take days to return your result. 

STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS

Keep updated on the public health emergency declarations for COVID-19 by visiting this site.

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, the 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 for providers to use.

JULY IS NATIONAL MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Even though most of the things we need to be mentally healthy are universal — like safe housing, supportive relationships and good health care — a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health care just isn’t enough. We know that people from ethnic and cultural communities are, in general, less likely to receive necessary mental health services and those who are in treatment often receive poorer-quality care. Those who do seek help also may have difficulty obtaining mental health care from professionals who speak their language and/or understand and respect their cultural values. What can you do to promote better mental health in diverse communities?

Visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health webpage for extensive information and resources. You can also find some great information from NAMI on the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month webpage.

COMING IN JULY: 988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE

As the nation continues to prepare for the July 16, 2022, transition to 988 as the easy-to-remember, three-digit dialing, texting, and chat code for anyone experiencing a suicidal or mental health related crisis or emotional distress, it's important that messaging efforts are aligned, coordinated, and consistent. To help achieve this, the Action Alliance encourages partners to continue to use the recently released 988 Messaging Framework as you are planning for and developing your 988-related messages. In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) developed a 988 Partner Toolkit to equip the field with key messages, answers to frequently asked questions, branding guidelines, etc.

NEW NATIONAL MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE

The new National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support, resources and referrals to any pregnant and postpartum mothers facing mental health challenges and their loved ones. The service is available via phone and text in English or Spanish.

Call or text, 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) to connect with counselors at the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.

Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. In fact, many women feel overwhelmed, sad, or anxious at different times during their pregnancy and even after the baby is born. For many women, these feelings go away on their own. But for some women, these emotions are more serious and may stay for months. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline’s counselors provide real-time emotional support, encouragement, information, and referrals. Pregnant and postpartum women can get the help and resources they need, when they need it. For more information, visit this webpage.

INCORRECT HEALTH FIRST COLORADO MEMBER BILLING

From Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing

Health First Colorado members cannot be billed for services covered by Health First Colorado.

Providers cannot bill members in the following circumstances:

• Third-Party Liability (TPL) co-pays and deductibles – Providers cannot bill members

for the difference between commercial health insurance payments and the billed 

charges when Health First Colorado does not make additional payment. The provider 

also cannot bill members for co-pay or deductibles assessed by Third-Party Liability 

(TPL) (commercial insurance). Refer to the General Provider Information Manual for more 

information.

• Delayed Notification of Eligibility from the member - Providers must verify eligibility 

within a timely manner.

• Claim denials - Timely filing, place of service invalid, contract invalid, or other 

denials for the line item or the entire claim are not valid reasons to bill the member.

• Provider is not enrolled with Health First Colorado - Once the services have been 

rendered to the member, the provider must enroll with Health First Colorado in order 

to receive payment. The provider may not bill the member if they choose to not 

enroll.

Providers shall not send overdue Health First Colorado member accounts to collection 

agencies unless the billing is for a non-covered service and the member has reneged on a 

written payment agreement.

Visit the Policy Statement: Billing Health First Colorado Members for Services web page for more information.

DIABETES STUDY PATIENT RECRUITMENT

A diabetes study is being conducted by Tamara Oser, MD and Sean Oser, MD, MPH of the Department of Family Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Your patients may qualify if they:

• Are over 18 years of age
• Have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes
• Have an interest in diabetes technology

Eligible participants are adults 18-89 years old with Type 1 Diabetes diagnosed at least 1 year ago, treated with injections (not an insulin pump). Study participation will consist of two 14-day periods as outpatients, virtually or in-person. 

Please review this flyer. If providers need more information or have questions, please reach out to either:

Sean Oser sean.oser@cuanschutz.edu  717-552-6333 

Tamara Oser tamara.oser@cuanschutz.edu  717-552-6334

HEALTH FIRST COLORADO MEMBER REDETERMINATION PROCESS

In March 2022, a new redetermination process to determine eligibility for all Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members was implemented.  For more information, see the Renewal Revamp presentation, workbook and FAQ on HCPF's Eligibility Partner Trainings webpage or view the Renewal Guidance for Medical Assistance Memo. 

SPREAD THE WORD: MEMBERS NEED TO UPDATE THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION

Please help spread the word to Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members to update their contact information. During the public health emergency (PHE), members stay enrolled in health coverage even if they have household or income changes. At the end of the PHE, many Health First Colorado members will receive a packet to renew their coverage. Members who fail to fill out necessary information may lose their benefits.

Many members have moved over the past few years. It is crucial that they have updated their address so that they get the information they need to keep or change their coverage. Please use this flyer, English and Spanish, to share with your Health First Colorado members. More information about this campaign can also be found here.

ACCOUNTABLE CARE COLLABORATIVE (ACC) PROVIDERS: UPDATE TO ACC MEMBER DISENROLLMENT RULES

From Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF)

Effective June 15, 2022, ACC disenrollment rules will be updated. Previously, when a Primary Care Medical Provider (PCMP) updated their accepted age ranges for member enrollment, the change would not affect enrolled members. Beginning June 15, when a PCMP updates the accepted age ranges, all geographically attributed members who fall outside the PCMP’s accepted age ranges will be disenrolled at the end of the month in which the updates are made. This change will not affect members who are attributed via client choice or via claims history. PCMPs should work with the Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) to ensure that all accepted age ranges are accurate.

Contact HCPF_accenrollment@state.co.us for more information.

HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND/OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES WAIVER PROGRAMS

The Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs provide Health First Colorado members who meet special eligibility criteria access to additional services in their homes and communities as an alternative to institutional care. Level of care determinations are made annually by the case management agencies (aka Community Centered Boards). Members must meet financial and medical eligibility, as well as program-specific criteria to access services under a waiver. The applicant must be at risk of transition to a nursing facility, hospital, or Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID). To utilize waiver benefits, members must be willing to receive services in their homes or communities. For more information, click here to be taken to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing's webpage regarding this program.

UPDATED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OUTPATIENT AUTHORIZATIONS

Northeast Health Partners (Regional Accountable Entity) is contracted with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to manage Health First Colorado behavioral health benefits through the Colorado Community Behavioral Health Services Program. NHP is contracted with Beacon Health Options and has delegated oversight of utilization management programs to Beacon. HCPF will continue to manage and pay for physical health benefits. HCPF will handle appeals for a Notice of Adverse Benefit Determination related to any physical health denial.

Outpatient services which are considered "routine" do not require prior authorization. Those include the following codes: 0510, 0513, 90791, 90792, 90832, 90834, 90837, 90839, 90846, 90847, 90849, 90853, 96372, H0001, H0002, H0004, H0005, H0006, H0018, H0020, H0023, H0025, H0031-34, H0036-38, H2000, H2014-18, H2021, H2022, H2027, H2030, H2031, S9445, S9453, S9454, T1017, T1023 and all E&M codes. 

• Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) no authorization (for in-network providers)
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) needs authorization

This information can be found in the Behavioral Health Provider Handbook located on the NHP website.

BILLING RESPONSIBILITY FOR LICENSED AND NON-LICENSED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDERS

Providers should review the Uniform Services Coding Standards Manual (USCSM), page 8, Section IV, for billing and coding guidance as it relates to licensed and non-licensed behavioral health staff. 

HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES (HCBS) RATE INCREASES

A temporary rate increase using Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding was implemented on Nov. 4, 2021. A 2.11% increase has been applied retroactively to April 1, 2021, and will be in effect through July 31, 2022, but providers must submit or adjust previously paid claims.  

Do not lose out on the increase. Be sure to submit your claims or adjust your paid claims ASAP!

Operational Memo 21-072 outlines how providers go about billing the increased amounts. 

COLORADO'S YOUTH HAVE EXTENDED ACCESS TO THERAPY



The I Matter program will receive an additional $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding following the passage of House Bill 22-1243. Colorado’s youth will now have continued access to free therapy sessions until at least June 30, 2023. The program, which launched last Oct. 27, provides accessible, confidential and non-judgmental behavioral health services to any Colorado youth.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: RAE ROUNDTABLE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Here is a link to resources that were offered in previous Beacon RAE Roundtables, including information on Zero Suicide, the Public Health Emergency (PHE), and authorizations.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLAIMS AND BILLING INFORMATION

Beacon Colorado Provider Relations team previously hosted a training on behavioral health billing and claims. If you missed the training or need a refresh, please click here and it will take you to the NHP webpage where you can access the Zoom recording and slides.

RAE ROUNDTABLE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH---2nd Fri of every month at 11am

Please join the Beacon Colorado Provider Relations team every month for relevant behavioral health trainings, resources, and discussion. 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.

PROVIDERCONNECT OVERVIEW--WEBINAR

Hosted by Beacon Health Options

This webinar is intended for providers and office staff becoming familiar with ProviderConnect, Beacon's provider portal, for the first time.

• Wednesday, July 13, 2022   12pm (MST)
• Click here to register.

HEALTH CARE POLICY & FINANCING (HCPF) ANNUAL STAKEHOLDER WEBINAR

Join Health Care Policy & Financing leaders for a virtual webinar where they will share what has been accomplished together last year, address priorities for next fiscal year, and invite stakeholder feedback and comments. 

• Tuesday, July 19, 2022   9am - 11am (MST)
• Click here to register.

CLAIM SUBMISSION GUIDELINES--WEBINAR

Hosted by Beacon Health Options

This live training provides an overview of billing and claims information and how to submit claims to Beacon Health Options along with reviewing best practices and avoiding claim denials.

• Wednesday, July 20, 2022   12pm (MST)
• Click here to register.

CREDENTIALING AND RE-CREDENTIALING FOR BEACON PROVIDERS--WEBINAR

Hosted by Beacon Health Options

This webinar will be an overview of credentialing for solo practitioners, facilities and groups.

• Wednesday, July 27, 2022  12pm (MST)
• Click here to register.

BRIEF CBT AND CRISIS RESPONSE PLANNING ONLINE WORKSHOPS

The Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP) has finalized dates for Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) and Crisis Response Planning (CRP) Workshops for Colorado providers. 

The BCBT Workshop will be held on Thursday, July 28th, and Friday, July 29th, 2022. Each day will be an 8-hour, online format. The CRP Workshop will be held on Friday, July 29th, and will be an 8-hour, online format as well. Please note: the CRP Workshop is a component of the BCBT Workshop, so registrants for the BCBT Workshop who wish to also hear about CRP do not need to register separately for the CRP session.

Please feel free to register yourself, or share the below registration links with your partners. 

Application deadlines: Friday, July 8th

- Registration Link for BCBT Workshop on July 28th - 29th from 8:30am to 4:30pm MST

- Registration Link for CRP Workshop on July 29th from 8:30am to 4:30pm MST

Registration norms, expectations, and kind asks:

As a reminder, this training is being offered for Colorado clinicians (psychologist, psychiatrist, counselors, etc.) and/or other behavioral health providers working in clinical settings and providing ongoing behavioral health care. We are encouraging interested participants to apply as soon as possible for priority consideration, as we have a very strict capacity limit for each training.

If you feel there is a high likelihood you won't be able to attend a training, we kindly ask that you do not register at this time. Our office provides this training free of charge, and no-shows and last-minute cancellations unfortunately take away opportunities for others to participate. We want to be sure everyone has an equitable opportunity to take advantage of this highly sought-after opportunity.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and thank you for your interest!

Conlin Bass, MPH

Zero Suicide Coordinator

Office of Suicide Prevention

conlin.bass@state.co.us

2022 ANNUAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TRAINING CONFERENCE

Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council (CBHC) is hosting the largest Behavioral Health Conference in the state of Colorado. Each year, hundreds of behavioral health specialists, members of the state and criminal justice system, physical health providers, and university students attend CHBC’s annual behavioral health conference. The conference focuses on best clinical and business practices in behavioral health. They have a great lineup of presenters, including keynote speakers, Dr. Morgan Medlock and Daniel Lerner.

• September 21, 2022 through September 24, 2022
• Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center in Breckenridge, Colorado
• Click here for detailed information and to register.

July 5, 2022