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Committees, Boards, and Collaboration

We need your help! Learn more about the many ways you can get involved in shaping the Department's future below.

Access to Care

Through ongoing monitoring and evaluation, the Department ensures that Health First Colorado members receiving fee-for-service benefits have timely access to relevant and appropriate health care. The Department considers all levels of access issues, from single rate/procedure code access issues to geographic specific issues through to broader demographic access issues (such as access to care for LGBTQ+ members or for non-English speaking members). The Department also prepares access reports in line with federal access requirements.

Learn more about Health First Colorado Member Access to Care

Accountable Care Collaborative Phase II

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (Department) is committed to creating a high-performing, cost-effective system that delivers quality services and improves the health of Coloradans. The next iteration (Phase II) of the Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) seeks to leverage the proven successes of Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) to enhance the member and provider experience.

Learn more about Accountable Care Collaborative Phase II

Accountable Care Collaborative Phase III

The mission of the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing is to improve health care equity, access, and outcomes for the people we serve while saving Coloradans money on health care and driving value for Colorado. The ACC Phase III features are designed in support of achieving this mission.

Learn more about Accountable Care Collaborative Phase III

Accountable Care Collaborative Program Improvement Advisory Committee

Stakeholders and participants involved with this committee provide guidance and make recommendations to help improve health, access to care, cost and satisfaction of members and providers in the Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC). These committee meetings are open to the public.

Learn more about the Accountable Care Collaborative Program Improvement Advisory Committee

Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Methodology Stakeholder Meetings

The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) invites organizations and individuals to attend one of two public meetings that will present information about possible changes to the Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) payment methodology. HCPF staff will review the current methodology and present a small number of alternative payment methodologies. All attendees will be invited to ask questions. The meetings are informational only.

Learn more about the Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Methodology Stakeholder Meetings

American Rescue Plan of 2021

Information about the Department's work to implement the recently passed federal law, American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), Home and Community Based Services Enhanced Federal Match provision

Learn more about the American Rescue Plan of 2021.

Behavioral Health Hospital Engagement Forum

The purpose of these meetings is to provide a forum for hospitals and RAEs to discuss behavioral health issues in hospital settings.

Learn more about the Behavioral Health Hospital Engagement Forum

Child Health Plan Plus Prenatal Waiver

Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Section 1115 waivers allow states to test new approaches to administering Medicaid and CHIP programs beyond what is required by federal statute. These waivers give states flexibility to design and improve their programs to better serve Medicaid and CHIP populations through experimental, pilot, or demonstration projects.

Learn more about the Child Health Plan Plus Prenatal Waiver

Children's Disability Advisory Committee

The Children's Disability Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Department and makes recommendations regarding issues related to benefits for children and youth with disabilities age 20 and younger, provider education interventions, and application of standards.

The Committee consists of parents of children with disabilities, representatives from other state agencies, children's advocate and policy organizations, and Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) staff.

Learn more about the Children's Disability Advisory Committee

Children's Services Steering Committee

The Children's Services Steering Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Department and makes recommendations regarding issues related to benefits for children and youth age 20 and under, provider education interventions and application of standards.

Learn more about the Children's Services Steering Committee

Colorado Healthcare Affordability and Sustainability Enterprise (CHASE) Board

The Colorado Healthcare Affordability and Sustainability Enterprise Board is responsible for working with the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and the Medical Services Board to develop the hospital provider fee model, monitor the implementation of the bill, help with preparation of annual reports on this program, and ensure that the Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) eligibility expansions are implemented as intended.

Learn more about the Colorado Healthcare Affordability and Sustainability Enterprise Board

Colorado Hospital Transformation Program Community Advisory Council

The Colorado Hospital Transformation Program Community Advisory Council meetings will provide valuable consumer input to all parts of the Hospital Transformation Program.

Learn more about the Colorado Hospital Transformation Program Community Advisory Council

Colorado Indigent Care Program Stakeholder Advisory Council

This Colorado Indigent Care Program Stakeholder Advisory Council makes recommendations to the Medical Services Board regarding rules for the program.

Learn more about the Colorado Indigent Care Program Stakeholder Advisory Council

Community Health Workers

​The Colorado Legislature passed Senate Bill 23-002 in May 2023 to add community health worker (CHW) services as a Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) benefit starting July 1, 2025. HCPF will conduct a series of stakeholder meetings to get input on how to meet federal requirements to add CHW services.

Learn more about the Community Health Workers

Complementary and Integrative Health Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Complementary and Integrative Health (formerly Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Advisory Committee) is to advise the Department as it reviews elements of the Complementary and Integrative Health waiver (formerly the SCI waiver).

Learn more about the Complementary and Integrative Health Advisory Committee

Conflict Free Case Management

Conflict Free Case Management prohibits an agency or entity to deliver both Case Management Support and Home and Community Based Direct Services to qualified individuals.

Learn more about Conflict Free Case Management

Cover All Coloradans

HB22-1289, known as Health Benefits for Children and Pregnant Persons or the Cover All Coloradans bill, expands health coverage to children and pregnant persons regardless of immigration status. 

Learn more about Cover All Coloradans

Direct Care Workforce Collaborative

Office of Community Living is working collaboratively with stakeholders to identify and move forward strategies to support the recruitment and retention of Colorado's direct care workforce.

Learn more about the Direct Care Workforce Collaborative

Drug Utilization Review

The Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board serves in an advisory capacity to the Department and makes recommendations regarding issues of drug utilization, provider education interventions, and application of standards. The Board meets once quarterly. The Board consists of nine members appointed by the Executive Director, four physicians, four pharmacists licensed and actively practicing in Colorado, and one non-voting pharmaceutical industry representative.

The DUR Board also determines the prior authorization criteria for drugs with special prescribing guidelines and the prior authorization criteria for non-preferred drugs, those that don't make the Preferred Drug List (PDL).

Learn more about The Drug Utilization Review Board

eHealth Commission

The eHealth Commission was created to provide advice and guidance to the Office of eHealth Innovation on advancing Health IT in Colorado.

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) serves as the fiscal agent leveraging the state's procurement, contracting, and accounting established processes to manage solicitations, contracts, and payments to vendors and organizations on behalf of the new eHealth Innovation Office.

Learn more about the eHealth Commission

Electronic Visit Verification Stakeholder Workgroup

The 21st Century CURES Act, passed in December 2016, requires Medicaid programs to implement an Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) system for Personal Care and Home Health services. Per section 12006, all states must implement an EVV system to avoid a reduction in federal Medicaid funding, which could have a negative impact on Personal Care and Home Health services received by Health First Colorado members.

The purpose of this stakeholder meeting is to engage providers, members, and other stakeholders as the Department works to implement EVV for home and community based services offered through both the State Plan and Waivers.Learn more about the Electronic Visit Verification Stakeholder Workgroup

Gender-Affirming Care Stakeholder Engagement

The Department is updating its gender affirming care policy and will be presenting proposed changes. Stakeholders are invited to ask questions and provide feedback to help inform and refine the final policy.

Learn more about Gender-Affirming Care Stakeholder Engagement

HCBS Final Settings Rule Implementation in Colorado

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule effective March 2014 to ensure that the provision of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) occurs in settings that meet certain criteria. States have until March 2019 to ensure that their HCBS settings are compliant with the final rule which ensures that HCBS participants have access to the benefits of community living, and that services are true alternatives to those provided in an institutional setting and are delivered in the most integrated setting possible.

Learn more about Ways to be involved in the Final Settings Rule Implementation Process

HCBS Public Comment Opportunities

An opportunity for the public to provide comments and input on Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver amendments and/or renewals.

Learn more about HCBS Public Comment Opportunities

 

Health First Colorado Provider Rate Review Advisory Committee

The Health First Colorado Provider Rate Review Advisory Committee was created to establish a process for the periodic review of provider rates under the Colorado Medical Assistance Act.

Learn more about the Health First Colorado Provider Rate Review Advisory Committee

Health Services Initiatives (HSI) 

Through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), states can develop Health Services Initiatives (HSIs) to improve the health of low-income children and youth. In Colorado, CHP+ is our Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Learn more about Colorado HSI.

Home Care Information Exchange Meeting

We host quarterly meetings in partnership with the Department Public Health and Environment to discuss regulatory compliance issues with providers.

Learn more about the Home Care Information Exchange Meeting

Hospital Facility Fee Steering Committee

The adoption of House Bill (HB) 23-1215 creates a Steering Committee to develop a report detailing the impact of outpatient facility fees, which are fees hospitals charge for using their facilities in addition to treatment costs and fees charged, individually, by doctors. This report will be delivered to the state House of Representatives Health and Insurance Committee and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, or their successor committees. 

Learn more about the Hospital Facility Fee Steering Committee

 

HRCC (HCPF, RAEs, Child Welfare, Counties) Collaborative Forum

The purpose of the HRCC Collaborative forum is to improve coordination and alignment of policies and practices across the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), the Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs), the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), and the Colorado Counties to ensure timely service delivery to child welfare involved children and their families.

Learn more about the HRCC Collaborative Forum

Human Rights Committee

The Human Rights Committee (HRC) is a third-party mechanism to safeguard the rights of persons receiving services. The Human Rights Committee is an advisory and review body to the administration of the community center board or regional center.

Learn more about the Human Rights Committee

Implementation of a Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program

In accordance with Senate Bill 19-005, the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (Department) will be developing an application to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a Canadian prescription drug importation program.

Learn more about Implementation of a Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program

In-Home Support Services Subcommittee

The In-Home Support Services (IHSS) Subcommittee is a subcommittee of the Participant Directed Programs Policy Collaborative (PDPPC). The Workgroup includes IHSS stakeholders and is tasked with planning, implementation, and policy review for IHSS.

Learn more about the In-Home Support Services Subcommittee

Institutes for Mental Disease (IMD)

This page provides information and resources related to Institutes of Mental Disease (IMD). Policies related to IMDs impact multiple provider types. The page serves as a library for communications from the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding IMD guidelines and opportunities, research and reports conducted on behalf of the Department, and source documents and summaries of Colorado IMD policy. The page includes a list of Department staff who can answer IMD-related questions for specific provider types.

Learn more about the Institute for Mental Disease (IMD)

 

Integrated Quality Improvement Committee Meeting

The Integrated Quality Improvement Committee Meeting (IQuIC) will work on issues involving quality of physical and behavioral health managed care services and potential opportunities for improvement.

Learn more about the Integrated Quality Improvement Committee Meeting

Long-Term Services and Supports Assessment and Person-Centered Support Plan

The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing, in collaboration with stakeholders, has developed new processes for eligibility determinations, needs assessments, and support planning for all individuals seeking or receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS). The new processes will be person-centered, enhance self-direction, and facilitate greater coordination of services, as well as be equally applicable to adults with disabilities and children. The new process will be automated in a new case management IT solution.

Learn more about Long-Term Services and Supports Assessment and Person-Centered Support Plan

Maternity Advisory Committee

The Maternity Advisory Committee will review program data, provide input on member quality and experience metrics, and give recommendations to help improve member experiences and maternity outcomes.

Learn more about the Maternity Advisory Committee

Medicaid Provider Rate Review Process

The Rate Review Process was enacted in June of 2015 (Senate Bill 15-228) and operates in accordance with the Colorado Medical Assistance Act, Section 25.5-4-401, C.R.S. (Colorado Revised Statutes).

Learn more about the Rate Review Process

Medical Services Board

The Medical Services Board sets forth the rules that govern the Department's programs. The Board was established by law effective July 1, 1994 and consists of eleven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Medical Services Board meetings are open to the public.

Learn more about the Medical Services Board

Member Experience Advisory Council

The Department created a Member Experience Advisory Council (MEAC) to help us integrate a person-and family-centered approach into Department business practices, policies and partnerships by engaging with Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members and family members/caretakers. The MEAC serves as a way for members and their families/caretakers to work collaboratively with the Department to identify and implement person-centered practices, and create sustainable culture change in the Department.

Learn more about the Member Experience Advisory Council

Nursing Facility Advisory Council

The purpose of Nursing Facility Advisory Committee is to identify challenges in providing Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) services in nursing facilities. This committee provides an opportunity for Department staff, recipients, and providers to discuss issues unique to nursing facilities and their residents.

Learn more about the Nursing Facility Advisory Council

Nursing Facility Provider Fee Advisory Board

The Nursing Facility Provider Fee Advisory Board (PFAB) serves as a forum where the Department and stakeholder community can discuss the Nursing Facility Provider Fee program. The PFAB will explore alternative modeling options and approaches to improving and maintaining the program. The Board consists of community volunteer members who are familiar with the Nursing Facility Provider Fee program and reflect the diverse interests of the stakeholder community.

Learn more about the Nursing Facility Provider Fee Advisory Board

Nursing Home Innovations Grant Board

The function of the Board is to promote improved quality of life at nursing facilities through grants that support progressive culture change.  As of 2021, this board is now hosted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in cooperation with HCPF.

Learn more about the Nursing Home Innovations Grant Board

Office of Community Living (OCL) Stakeholder Engagement

The Office of Community Living is working on a variety of policy and rule changes related to its Home and Community Based Services waivers and programs. The engagement of clients and stakeholders throughout these changes is a critical part of this process. This page provides information about a variety of projects.

Learn more about Office of Community Living Stakeholder Engagement

Participant Directed Programs Policy Collaborative

The Participant-Directed Programs Policy Collaborative (PDPPC) is a stakeholder/Department meeting that replaced the Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) Advisory Committee in January 2012. The PDPPC is a place where CDASS stakeholders and the Department work together, with transparency, on CDASS issues going forward.

Learn more about the Participant Directed Programs Policy Collaborative

Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee

The Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee performs clinical reviews of drug classes and makes recommendations which help the Department develop and manage the Medicaid Preferred Drug List (PDL). The P&T Committee is required to consider clinical criteria such as drug safety and efficacy when making its recommendations and considers public comments and testimony related to the drug classes being reviewed or other PDL-related agenda items.

Learn more about the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee

Public Emergency Medical Services Supplemental Payment Stakeholder Forum

The purpose of the Colorado Public Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Supplemental Payment Stakeholder Forum is to provide an informal environment for the EMS Program participating providers and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, review policies and other pertinent information that relates to the EMS Program. The group can make recommendations to the Department for improvement and changes to the EMS Program that address processes and services.

Learn more about the Public Emergency Medical Services Supplemental Payment Stakeholder Forum

Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) Stakeholder Engagement

Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs) are residential trauma-informed treatment programs designed to meet the behavioral health needs of children. QRTPs were created in compliance with the federal Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), and in collaboration with other State agencies and providers to support the spectrum of treatment.

Learn more about Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs) Stakeholder Engagement

Reproductive and Maternal Health Programs and Resources

Updates and information related to new legislation for Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health (SB 21-194, SB 21-009, SB 21-025 and SB 19-195), the Maternal Opioid Misuse (MOM) Grant, and the Maternal Advisory Committee (MAC).

Learn more about Reproductive and Maternal Health Programs and Resources

Residential Hospice Payment Stakeholder Engagement Meeting

Senate Bill 21-214 created state payments for residential care provided by licensed hospice facilities through June 30, 2022. The bill outlines implementation, including eligibility confirmation, billing, payment distribution, allocation, and notification of when state funds are exhausted.  

Learn more about the Residential Hospice Payment Stakeholder Engagement Meeting

Rural Provider Access and Affordability Stimulus Advisory Committee

The Rural Provider Access and Affordability Stimulus Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing on the rural grants awarded through SB 22-200. These recommendations will assist the Department in selecting qualified rural hospitals that will receive grant payments aimed at improving health care affordability and access to care in rural Colorado.

The advisory committee will advise and make formal recommendations to the Department on the rural grants including: procedures and timelines for a qualified rural provider to apply for a grant, criteria to determine grant eligibility and amounts, grantees' reporting requirements, and permissible uses of the grant funds.

Learn more about the Rural Provider Access and Affordability Stimulus Advisory Committee.

School Health Services Stakeholder Forum

The purpose of the School Health Services (SHS) Stakeholder Forum is to provide an informal environment for the SHS Program participating providers and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, review policies and other pertinent information that relates to the SHS Program. The group can make recommendations to the Department for improvement and changes to the SHS Program that address processes and services.

Learn more about the School Health Services Stakeholder Forum

Senate Bill 23-174: Coverage Policy

Colorado currently requires behavioral health providers to identify the clinical diagnosis of a member receiving care, and include that diagnosis on a claim for reimbursement. The Colorado Legislature passed Senate Bill 23-174 requiring HCPF to provide access to a limited set of behavioral health services to members under the age of 21 without a covered diagnosis. The policy goes into effect July 1, 2024. Find out more.

Learn more about the Senate Bill 23-174: Coverage Policy

Senior Dental Advisory Committee

The purpose of this program is to promote the health and welfare of Colorado's low-income seniors by providing access to dental care to individuals age 60 and over who are not eligible for dental services under any other dental health care program, such as Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program).

Learn more about the Senior Dental Advisory Committee

State Agency Telehealth Funding Dashboard

Through a collaborative partnership between OeHI and Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), a state-funded telehealth project dashboard was developed to provide information on state-funded telehealth activities and interventions occurring throughout Colorado. 

Learn more about the State Agency Telehealth Funding Dashboard

State Medical Assistance and Services Advisory Council

The Colorado State Medical Assistance and Services Advisory Council exists to improve and maintain the quality of Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) by contributing specialized knowledge and experience and providing a two-way channel of communication with the individuals, organizations, and institutions in the community that provide medical care and services. State Medical Assistance and Services Advisory Council meetings are open to the public.

Learn more about the State Medical Assistance and Services Advisory Council

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Benefits House Bill 18-1136

In accordance with House Bill 18-1136, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (Department) will be working to provide the full continuum of substance use disorder (SUD) benefits to Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) enrollees. The Department will be adding the inpatient and residential components, including withdrawal management, to the continuum of outpatient SUD services currently available. The Department's objective is to make these services available for individuals who meet nationally-recognized evidence-based level of care criteria without shifting care from outpatient settings when they are more appropriate.

Learn more about Ensuring a Full Continuum of SUD Benefits

Telemedicine and eConsult Policy Development

The Telemedicine and eConsult Policy Development page offers information regarding upcoming events, resources, and responses to stakeholder feedback.

Learn more about Telemedicine and eConsults Stakeholder Information.

Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model Grant Public Meeting

The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) invites organizations and individuals to attend a public meeting that will present information about the possible HCPF application to a federal Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Learn more about the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model Grant Public Meeting

Transitions Stakeholder Advisory Council

The primary function of this council is to provide guidance and recommendations regarding operational policy and procedural changes to the transition program and to create solutions to streamline community transitions. The council will analyze barriers for transitions and provide recommendations for improved practices.

Learn more about the Transitions Stakeholder Advisory Council

University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM) Interagency Agreement

The University of Colorado School of Medicine (CUSOM) in partnership with the Department works to increase access to health care for Health First Colorado members through this Supplemental Funding Program.

Learn more about the CUSOM Interagency Agreement

Waiting Lists and Enrollment - Services for People with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

This page exists to provide and exchange information with members, stakeholders, providers, legislators, and policymakers about the Department's efforts to ensure qualified individuals receive the services they need at the time they're needed, within the constraints of the state's limited financial resources.

Learn more about Waiting Lists and Enrollments