Secure Transport | Department of Health Care Policy and Financing

HCPF is proud to partner with the following BHST providers:

Adlan Transportation (720-477-9758)
Aspen Ride, LLC (720-220-5703)
Centennial Mental Health Center (833-591-0454)
Citadel Security (970-216-4384)
Colorado Secure Transportation, LLC (877-743-3988)
Delta County Ambulance District (970-250-3531)
Diversus Health Services (719-635-7000)
Eagle County Paramedic Service (970-479-2201)
First Response K-9 (719-849-3994)
Guardian Transport & Security LLC (970-640-5957)
Legacy EMS, Inc (844-886-3339)
Met Transport LLC (719-666-2618)
Mind Springs Health (970-201-4299)
North Range Behavioral Health
Poudre Valley Health Care, Inc. (970-237-7919)
SkyRide LLC (720-957-2024)
UTE Pass Regional Ambulance District (719-687-9262)
Zin Transportation (720-299-3524)

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).

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.

Graphic shows Medicaid transportation benefit options. Scheduled transportation includes Non-Medical Transportation (NMT) and Non-Emergent Medical Transport (NEMT). NMT is scheduled trips to non-medical places that support member health and community integration and is eligible to Medicaid waiver members only with an approved prior authorization request (PAR). NEMT is scheduled trips to provide continuity of care to members, including planned outpatient or inpatient appointments. Note, Urgent NEMT is scheduled in under 48 hours. Unscheduled transportation includes: Behavioral Health Secure Transport (BHST) and Emergency Medical Transport (EMT). BHST is Urgent transportation to members in behavioral health crisis to appropriate behavioral health facilities. EMT is Emergent transportation due to medical emergency that demands immediate medical attention to prevent permanent injury or loss of life.

Venn diagram showing overlap of Urgent Non-emergency Medical Transport (NEMT), Behavioral Health Secure Transport (BHST), and Emergency Medical Transport (EMT). All services transport to access behavioral health services. Urgent NEMT can be scheduled in under 48 hours and fits all other definitions of NEMT. BHST is unscheduled and must be used for members in behavioral health crisis. EMT is unscheduled and for acute needs.

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