Secure Transport | Department of Health Care Policy and Financing

House Bill 21-1085 directs HCPF to implement a behavioral health secure transportation paid benefit by July 1, 2023. This legislation creates a standardized transport benefit to improve access to behavioral health care. It is a collaborative effort between HCPF, the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

Behavioral Health Secure Transportation Capitated Benefit

Behavioral Health Secure Transport (BHST) is currently a fee-for-service benefit billed directly to HCPF. Beginning July 1, 2025, BHST will be included in the capitation and paid by the Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs). This change will require providers to contract with the RAEs in order to bill for payment. Learn more about the new RAE regions on the Accountable Care Collaborative website. Email hcpf_bhbenefits@state.co.us with any questions.

Get Enrolled

To enroll with HCPF, BHST providers must have appropriate licenses and vehicle permits. Please use BHST Licensing/Permitting County Contacts List to identify the point of contact for BHST licensing and permitting processes in each county. This list is updated periodically and should not be considered exhaustive. This information is shared for the benefit of companies who intend to enroll with HCPF as BHST providers. Find more information about provider enrollment on the BHST Billing Manual webpage.

For Members

Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members can call 988 or Colorado Crisis Services if they need help during a behavioral health crisis. This call can activate crisis response that may include BHST providers. BHST providers can help members get to a crisis walk-in center or crisis facility. Members will see that BHST providers use different staff and vehicles than an ambulance provider.

For Providers

Enrollment

To enroll with HCPF, BHST providers must enroll as:

Provider Type: 97 Behavioral Health Secure Transportation
Specialty: 773 Secure Transportation

BHST providers must have appropriate licenses and vehicle permits. Use BHST Licensing/Permitting County Contacts List to identify the point of contact for BHST licensing and permitting processes in each county. The list is updated periodically and should not be considered exhaustive. This information is shared for the benefit of companies who intend to enroll with HCPF as BHST providers. Find more information about provider enrollment on the BHST Billing Manual webpage.

Once BHST providers enroll with HCPF, it is recommended that they alert local agencies that they are ready to serve the community. Some suggestions for connections include:

Local dispatch agencies, also known as Public Safety Answering Points (PASP). It is recommended that you contact the administrative line to notify PASPs.
Mobile Crisis Response teams
Emergency medical transportation services
Community behavioral health services
Facilities

BHST Providers are also required to keep their CDPHE Profile up to date.

If you are a provider or facility needing BHST, please contact the county where the member is based. “Based” means a service area in a county where the member is picked up for secure transportation services. Use BHST Licensing/Permitting County Contacts List to identify the point of contact for BHST licensing and permitting processes in each county or contact the BHST provider directly to confirm their area of operation.

HCPF offers a variety of transportation benefits to members, see how BHST fits into the picture along the HCPF Transportation Spectrum.

Transportation to access behavioral health services may be provided by BHST, Emergency Medical Transportation (EMT) or Non-Emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT) benefits, depending on member needs and circumstances. Additional info about Non-Medical Transport (NMT) is also available.

Reimbursement

The BHST benefit is reimbursed as fee-for-service. See the BHST Billing Manual webpage for information on how to submit claims.
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTS