1

Behavioral Health

Behavioral Health Continuum of Care

A strong behavioral health system is vital to making sure every Coloradan can access the behavioral health care they need when they need it. The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) is working with other state agencies, advocates and stakeholders to enhance the behavioral health continuum of care. Behavioral health includes mental health and substance use issues.

About BHIC

The Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) Behavioral Health Initiatives and Coverage (BHIC) office governs HCPF’s specific behavioral health policies, benefits, special projects and strategies. The office also ensures that HCPF is fully aligned and engaged to support the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and its vision. This includes implementing elements of federal and state legislation while ensuring that HCPF continues to improve the behavioral health care access, quality, equity and service provided to Medicaid and CHP+ members.

Updates/News

  • Mental Health Parity Request for Public Comment: The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) has begun work on the annual Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) Report to assess the compliance of the Medicaid benefit with mental health parity laws. HCPF is gathering stakeholder insights and experiences related to mental health parity that will be used to design the mental health parity analyses and inform an annual report.
  • Individuals interested in submitting written comments can do so using the Mental Health Parity Public Comment form. The form will be open until March 16. The purpose is to collect feedback from stakeholders; HCPF will not be responding to submitted comments.
  • HCPF has published the final version of the Health First Colorado Behavioral Health Rendering Provider Oversight (RPO) policy. All Medicaid enrolled providers who are subject to this policy must submit this attestation annually by January 1st to any RAE the billing provider is contracted with, confirming adherence to rules and standards outlined in the policy.
  • HCPF prepared the Medicaid Sustainability: Behavioral Health and Managed Care Actions memo to share with the Regional Accountable Entity managed care entities expectations for the coming 2025-26 fiscal year to maintain alignment with the Medicaid Sustainability Framework.

Calendar

Events listed on this calendar include all public-facing BHIC-hosted events regarding behavioral health topics. To sign up, select the individual event listings for more information and registration links.

Becoming a Medicaid Behavioral Health Provider

As a Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) provider, you have the opportunity to improve the health and well-being of more than a million Coloradans.
There are three steps to becoming a Medicaid Behavioral Health Provider:

  1. Obtain appropriate licensure for the services you provide. Colorado Behavioral Health services are regulated by the BHA, though certain specialized services may require other regulatory licenses.
  2. Enroll with HCPF.
  3. Contract with a Managed Care Entity (either a Regional Accountable Entity or a Managed Care Organizations) for behavioral health services outlined in the State Behavioral Health Billing Manual.  

Why Become a Medicaid Behavioral Health Provider

  • Health First Colorado Programs Serve People In Your Community
  • Continuity of Care For Your Patients
  • We Pay Fast - Health First Colorado pays faster than most private payers! Claims are paid weekly and deposited directly into your business account.
  • You Are In Control - as a Health First Colorado provider, you have full control of the number of Health First Colorado patients you see.
  • Incentive Programs and Provider Support - Colorado's Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) Program - Primary care practices that enroll as Primary Care Medical Providers (PCMPs) in the ACC receive practice support, member-level health data, and help coordinating both medical and non-medical care for their members.

Health First Colorado Behavioral Health Updates Library

Behavioral Health Accountability Dashboard

Stay Informed