The Need
The transformation of Colorado’s case management system is underway, requiring a complete reorganization of a decades-old system. Colorado is the second fastest-growing state for older adults, which is driving increased demand for HCBS services. This, in combination with the fact that 84% of HCBS members have a chronic condition, 31% of whom have 5 or more chronic conditions, is having a measurable impact on state budgets and program demands. As the case management system adapts and transforms in preparation, growing pains could be better addressed if case management agencies were better prepared. To assist with expected organizational and system changes, the 18 | Colorado HCBS Spending Plan Department proposes providing capacity-building funds, change management expertise, and evolving systems support for agencies, members, and their families.
Initiative 5.01. - Case Management Capacity Building
The Department will support case management redesign efforts in the community by developing a framework to support the change management requirements to ensure successful transition from the current system to implementation of a redesign that mitigates the negative impact on members. The Department will work with Case Management Agencies (CMAs), local area organizations, and stakeholders to plan and prepare for Case Management Redesign (CMRD). It will provide support to CMAs to implement CMRD policy changes, transition, legal and corporate structures, change management, strategic and organizational planning, capacity and ensuring member access to a CMA, including developing an infrastructure for a learning collaborative so that CMAs have access to individual resources relevant to their change management needs.
Initiative 5.03. - Case Management Rates
The Department transitioned to a new rate structure for case management agencies (CMAs) in FY 2020-21. The Department will evaluate and identify best practice approaches for rate methodology in case management to ensure they are appropriate for the activities expected of CMAs and then develop a proposed rate structure for these activities and services, including identifying options for tiered rates for supporting members with complex care needs. The Department will also work in coordination with the CMAs to facilitate stakeholder engagement on methodology.
Initiative 5.04. - Case Management Best Practices
Person-centered case management and care coordination requires adapting outreach strategies and support services to the needs of the population and of individuals, which may be different depending on the disability. The Department will research national best practices and develop and pilot these practices through models of care coordination that meet the unique needs of a variety of member profiles such as complex care coordination for those with dual or poly diagnoses. The Department will develop a training plan, including developing appropriate materials, for Case Management Agency (CMA) and Regional Accountable Entity (RAE) staff on their various roles and responsibilities, collaborative roles between the systems, and effective care collaboration across the continuum of care, especially for members with complex needs.
Initiative 5.05. - Case Management Agency Training Program
The Department will develop and implement comprehensive training for case management agencies to improve quality and consistency statewide. The Department will develop a robust training program for CMAs, RAEs, and MCOs for all waiver programs and services, as well as behavioral health services, State Plan benefits, benefits counseling, and CFC. All the training will be incorporated into a Learning Management System allowing the Department to assign and monitor training completion. The Department will also update all existing training materials for content updates and upload them to LMS software to establish competency-based performance requirements of case managers. Any changes to program participation requirements will be supported by the submission of a waiver amendment once training documentation is completed.
Initiative 5.02. - Improve and Expedite Long-Term Care Eligibility Processes
Under this project, the Department will work with stakeholders to identify solutions to barriers to long-term care eligibility, both from a physical eligibility and financial eligibility perspective. Any changes will result in the need for system enhancements as well as training to counties, Medical Assistance sites, and case managers on eligibility requirements for waiver programs and other long-term care programs.
The Department will research and determine appropriate solutions for expedited eligibility processes and manage projects. These changes will require extensive stakeholder feedback and engagement.