Welcome to the Health First Colorado Behavioral Health Updates

Health First Colorado Behavioral Health Updates provides content relevant to the full spectrum of behavioral health services in Colorado. Feel free to forward this newsletter to other interested stakeholders!   

All editions will be available on the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing’s (HCPF) Behavioral Health Reform webpage.   

Share your feedback, ideas, and questions at hcpf_safetynetforum@state.co.us

Legislation Updates   

House Bill 22‐1268 Action Plan Update 

In compliance with Colorado HB 22-1268, HCPF submitted to the Joint Budget Committee an Action Plan as a companion to the Behavioral Health Provider Rate Comparison Report. On October 1st, HCPF submitted the Action Plan Update which provides new information on the progress or changes made to each of the action steps from the original action plan. This update and other reports are published on the Legislator Resource Center webpage. 

Billing Updates

State Behavioral Health Services (SBHS) Billing Manual Updates 

HCPF publishes an updated SBHS Billing Manual each quarter (July, October, January, April).  This Billing Manual has significant content intended to help BH providers bill for services accurately, as well as understand a wide range of BH policies, standards and resources. The updated Billing Manual for October, and the Changes Tracking Log, can be found on the SBHS website.  Additionally, updates have been made to the SBHS website that now includes a link to specific Behavioral Health Policies, Standards, and Billing References in a website format with an index at the top of the page. This website will continue to be expanded with content and is designed to help providers find resources easily. 

Behavioral Health Secure Transportation (BHST) Reimbursement of Trips Over 250 Miles 

HCPF is pleased to share that Colorado received approval from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reimburse BHST trips over 250 miles. This is a vital update for providers who transport members to necessary care across our vast state.   

For BHST trips over 250 miles one-way, BHST providers must submit the BHST 250+ Mileage Verification form with their claim. The form must be filled out by the behavioral health provider who requested the BHST trip.  The behavioral health provider can be the same professional types who establish member eligibility.  See the BHST Billing Manual for more information. 

Coverage Spotlight

Special Connections: Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Services for Pregnant and Parenting Women 

Special Connections provides gender-responsive treatment for pregnant and parenting women who are Medicaid eligible in order to maximize the chance of a healthy birth and to provide postpartum treatment services to maintain gains made during pregnancy. Special Connections providers offer pregnancy risk assessments, care coordination services, group counseling sessions, individual counseling sessions, health education groups, and residential SUD treatment in a women-only setting. 

Special Connections services are billed by including the HD modifier on the claim form. This should be added to all services provided to pregnant women and/or women with dependent children by approved Special Connections providers. 

Does your agency provide specialized SUD services for this population? Are you interested in learning more about becoming a Special Connection provider? If so, please reach out to hcpf_sudbenefits@state.co.us to learn more. 

If you are currently a Special Connections provider and you have questions about using the HD modifier to bill for Special Connections services, please contact: hcpf_bhcoding@state.co.us. 

Independent Provider Network (IPN) Satisfaction Survey Results 

HCPF contracted with Arrow Performance Group (APG) to conduct a third annual Independent Provider Network (IPN) satisfaction survey. Results of the survey reflect improvement over the last 2 years with both overall satisfaction and in the specific touch points between providers and the RAEs. A Key Drivers analysis identified specific areas that would bring the most improvement in the relationship between providers and RAEs. Additional results looked at feedback from the providers related to improvements they have seen over the last year, as well as improvements they desire to see.  Finally, the analysis looked at demographic data submitted by providers related to their satisfaction with HCPF and the RAEs.  The results of this year's survey will be posted on HCPF’s IPN Website. 

Did You Know?

Agencies can (and are encouraged to) enroll with Medicaid to deliver ASAM 3.7 (Medically Monitored Inpatient) level of care services.  



Confusion may be stemming from misinformation about the impact of changes under ASAM 4th Edition Criteria, which Colorado plans to adopt effective July 1, 2026. Under ASAM 4th Edition, withdrawal management (WM) services will be integrated across the continuum and will no longer be a standalone level of care. More information regarding this transition and its impact on providers will be forthcoming. If you have questions, please contact hcpf_sudbenefits@state.co.us.  

Other Things Happening in Behavioral Health

HCPF is committed to continuing to provide support to behavioral health providers. Visit the Safety Net Provider landing page for access to the latest information, resources, and FAQs. The Training Library page is your one-stop-shop for all trainings, including foundational and introductory training materials. Don’t miss out on these trainings added at the end of September including: 

• CCBHCs: Learnings from Changing the Landscape of Behavioral Health Services
• Equity Diversity & Inclusion for Organizational Leadership 
• Introduction to Behavioral Health Entity Licensure: On your Mark, Get Set… Go! 
• Paying Differently in Colorado 
• Safety Net Providers: Reaching Those That Need Your Help 
• The Intersection Between Behavioral Health and Law Enforcement: Building Strong Relationships to Support the Community 

The Provider Communication Toolkit has been updated in English and Spanish to help providers continue to share trainings and resources among their networks. The toolkit includes content and graphics to simply copy and paste into communication channels including social media, e-newsletters, presentations, and more! 

Please email hcpf_safetynetforum@state.co.us if you need assistance finding the right training for you.  

Connect with Us

Medicaid & CHP+ Public Policy Forum Announcement 

HCPF is pleased to announce the creation of a monthly Medicaid and CHP+ Public Policy Forum.  

The purpose of the forum is to facilitate discussion on new or changing state and federal policies that impact Medicaid and CHP+ members. The forum will be a facilitated space for advocates and stakeholders to discuss and provide input on potential policy, sharing their experience and feedback. The goal is to understand issues, hear from multiple stakeholders, and gain insight into policy decisions. This is not a voting or advisory body, and any state comments in the meeting should not be used to determine the state position on a specific policy or analyze fiscal impact.  

The forum will be held on the third Wednesday of each month, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM MST. Zoom will be used to facilitate this virtual meeting. Please register in advance.  

Please reach out to scott.bennett@state.co.us with any questions.  

Behavioral Health Provider Engagement Opportunities 

Behavioral health providers are encouraged to participate in provider forums, meetings and office hours. Below are a series of ongoing opportunities available. Many of these sessions require registration to allow for planning based on attendance and to prepare responses and presentations designed to address questions often submitted in advance.  

Forums: Designed to be a space for presentation of information and discussion:  

• Independent Provider Network Forum - Quarterly First Friday 1:00 – 2:00 PM. Register in advance.    
• SUD Forum – Quarterly First Wednesday 2:00 – 3:00 PM. Register in advance.   
• Peer Support Workforce Collaborative Meetings led by BHA – Quarterly First Thursday 12-1:30 PM. Register in advance through the BHA’s Stakeholder Calendar.   
• Behavioral Health Hospital Engagement Forum – Quarterly Second Friday 10:00 -11:00 AM. Register in advance.  
• CCBHC Forum – Wednesdays every two weeks 1:00 PM. Register in advance 

Office Hours and Technical Assistance: Designed to be a “drop in” space for quick answers to issues best addressed by a brief discussion:   

• Crisis Provider TA – Monthly Second Tuesday 11:00 a.m. - noon. Register in advance.    
• SUD Provider TA - Monthly on the 1st Wednesday 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Register in advance.    
• Housing Provider TA - Monthly on the last Thursday 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Register in advance.   
• Peer Providers TA - Monthly on the 4th Thursday 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Register in advance. 

Share your feedback, ideas and questions: hcpf_safetynetforum@state.co.us