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
• June is National PTSD Awareness Month
• Men's Health Month
• Mental Health in Colorado's LGBTQ+ Communities
• 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.

JUNE IS NATIONAL PTSD AWARENESS MONTH

There are currently about 8 million people in the United States with PTSD. Even though PTSD treatments work, most people who have PTSD don't get the help they need. Help spread the word that effective PTSD treatments are available. Everyone with PTSD—whether they are veterans or civilian survivors of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or other traumatic events—needs to know that treatments really do work and can lead to a better quality of life. The links below have great resources for you to use and share.

• National Center for PTSD
• Information, Statistics, Brochures, Videos and Shareables from the National Institute of Mental Health

MEN'S HEALTH MONTH

Throughout June, Men’s Health Month focuses on improving the lifestyles of men. Encourage the men in your life to take care of their bodies by eating right, exercising, and working to prevent disease. The official symbol for the month is a blue ribbon and the purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases including cancer, heart disease, and depression. Below are resources for you to use and share.

• US Department of Health and Human Services-Men's Health
• Man Therapy

MENTAL HEALTH IN COLORADO'S LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES

With Pride Month among us, social acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people has expanded dramatically. Many people find love, support, and connection in the LGBTQ+ community. But being LGBTQ+ can also bring unique challenges that can have significant impacts on mental health. The Colorado Health Institute published a report on the mental health struggles the LGBTQ+ communities in Colorado face as well as the opportunity for improvement.

Also, visit Mental Health America's Pride and Mental Health webpage for information, facts and resources.

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 Achieve Solutions, Children Youth Mental Health Treatment Act, and Crisis Service Systems.

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.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY COMMUNITY APPROACHES TO SUICIDE PREVENTION: POSTVENTION AS PREVENTION--WEBINAR

Hosted by Peak View Behavioral Health - Presented by Cass Walton

This virtual presentation will give an understanding that by proactively thinking about postvention, we can manage risk and increase the amount of individuals who are being supported during their time of grief.

• Wednesday, June 22, 2022   11:30am - 12:30pm (MST)
• Click here for more information and to register.

FREE QUESTION. PERSUADE. REFER. (QPR)--WEBINAR

Hosted by Partners for Children's Mental Health

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is a gatekeeper course focused on reducing suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training.

• Friday, June 24, 2022  9am - 10:30am (MST)
• Click here for more information and to register.

THE USE OF EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT--WEBINAR

Hosted by Summit BHC - Presented by Steven Burt, MA, LCAC

This virtual presentation will explore different evidence-based practices in residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment.

• Tuesday, June 28, 2022   10am - 11am (MST)
• Click here for more information and to register.

MENTAL HEALTH AND SUD DOCUMENTATION TRAINING

Hosted by Beacon Colorado Quality Team for Northeast Health Partners Behavioral Health and SUD providers

Topics Covered:

• Standards that apply to Mental Health and Substance Abuse outpatient treatment documentation
• Review of the audit tool and discussion of how standards apply to each section
• Serious Reportable Events and Trending Events issues reporting

Wednesday, June 29, 2022   1pm - 3pm (MST)

Please share with appropriate staff. Click here for more information and to register in advance.

CRISIS RESPONSE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION IN THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY--WEBINAR

Hosted by National Council for Mental Wellbeing

This webinar will discuss the collaborative effort to explore mental health and substance use conditions and wellbeing in the LGBTQ+ community, and the latest clinical practices and policies including crisis response and suicide prevention.

• Thursday, June 30, 2022   11:30am - 1pm (MST)
• Click here for more information and to register.

PROMOTING HEALTHY GROWTH IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & HEALTHCARE SETTINGS

Hosted by the Centers for Disease Control's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity

This webinar will discuss the importance of childhood healthy growth. The seminar will highlight effective approaches that promote healthy growth in early care and education and healthcare settings.

• Thursday, June 30, 2022   12pm - 1pm (MST)
• Click here for more information and to register.

June 15, 2022