Health First Colorado Behavioral Health Updates | | |
Welcome to the Health First Colorado Behavioral Health Updates from the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF).
Health First Colorado Behavioral Health Updates provides content relevant to the full spectrum of behavioral health services in Colorado. Feel free to share this information with other interested stakeholders!
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Commission on Medicaid Update
Colorado’s Commission on Medicaid continues to meet with state agencies and stakeholders with the purpose of identifying, considering, and evaluating legislative and executive branch action options to implement a sustainable Medicaid program.
The intent of the Commission is to draft a report of recommendations by December 11, 2026, containing recommendations on the implementation of new federal Medicaid policy changes that go into effect in 2026, 2027, and 2028, and to support Coloradans impacted by those policy changes.
Upcoming meetings will discuss H.R. 1 operations and county administration. Previous Commission sessions topics included Medicaid delivery, managed care and the contractor layer; financing and program integrity; Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS), behavioral health and the areas of growth.
The Colorado Legislature established the Commission on Medicaid with the passage of Senate Bill 26-167. The Overview of the Commission on Medicaid document provides an overview of the 2026 membership of the Commission on Medicaid, the origin and charge of the commission, procedures, and information regarding commission staff and the commission website. Meeting materials, summaries, and staff documents are available on the Colorado State Legislature’s Commission on Medicaid webpage.
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Medicaid Reentry and Community Health (M-REACH) Phase 2 Anticipated July 1, 2027
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is engaging with local correctional facilities to implement Phase 2 of the Medicaid Reentry and Community Health (M-REACH) program. Phase 2 is anticipated to launch on July 1, 2027, pending approval of Facility Readiness Assessments for Cohort 1 facilities.
Phase 2 will expand M-REACH to participating local correctional facilities. The updated timeline provides additional time to prepare jails and partners for implementation. HCPF will continue to share guidance, and offer training and technical assistance to participating facilities as the July 2027 launch approaches.
M-REACH expands Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) coverage for eligible individuals transitioning from correctional facilities back into the community. Through M-REACH, eligible members can receive certain services prior to release, including case management and medication-assisted treatment, as well as a 30-day supply of prescription medications upon release.
Find more information on the Medicaid Reentry and Community Health (M-REACH) web page.
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Colorado System of Care Implementation Plan Version 2 Stakeholder Engagement Sessions
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) is excited to announce the release of the Colorado System of Care (CO-SOC) Implementation Plan Version 2 and the CO-SOC Implementation Plan Version 2 Executive Summary.
HCPF will be hosting two public stakeholder forums highlighting updates and implementation milestones reflected in the Implementation Plan Version 2.
During these sessions, HCPF, the Behavioral Health Administration, and the Workforce Capacity Center will provide an overview of the progress made under Implementation Plan Version 1, highlight key accomplishments and milestones from the past year, and share what stakeholders can expect as CO-SOC implementation continues in the coming years.
All members of the public are welcome to register and participate.
- Monday, October 26, 2026, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Registration
- Friday, November 6, 2026, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Registration
| | Benefit and Billing Policy Updates | |
Update: Clarification on Billing Requirements for Services Delivered Under Oversight of a Rendering Provider
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) would like to thank all providers and community members that submitted feedback for the Clarification on Billing Requirements for Services Delivered Under the Oversight of a Rendering Provider policy. Originally, we had delayed the National Provider Identifier (NPI) portion of this policy until January 2027, but based on what we have learned, we will not be moving the Box 19 requirement forward as HCPF policy. Providers should check in with the Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) they are contracted with to determine if there are additional rules.
Providers should be aware that the Modifier U9 portion of this policy went into effect on July 1, 2026, and there are no changes to this. For dates of service beginning July 1, 2026, billing providers will be required to utilize Modifier U9 on all claim lines submitted for behavioral health services delivered by a pre-licensed clinician or an unlicensed professional.
Contact hcpf_bhbenefits@state.co.us with any questions about this policy.
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New: Health First Colorado Behavioral Health Recovery Residence Policy
The Supportive Services Sustainability Strategy is being implemented by HCPF to provide guidance and clarity regarding appropriate use of behavioral health supportive services, monitor utilization trends to ensure utilization aligns more closely with standards and expectations, and ensure that Medicaid funds are spent appropriately.
A policy statement is being issued as part of this strategy to clarify that a Recovery Residence is not an eligible place of service for the delivery of Medicaid reimbursable behavioral health services. Please visit the Behavioral Health Policies, Standards, and Billing References webpage for the full policy statement and details. Effective October 1, 2026, Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) will enforce this guidance.
Any behavioral health provider that holds a certification from Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH) and is contracted with one or more RAEs must sign and submit this Attestation to the Health First Colorado Behavioral Health Recovery Residence Policy to their RAE or RAEs by October 1, 2026, indicating that the provider will not submit claims to the RAEs, nor to fee-for-service, for any behavioral health service delivered within a recovery residence setting.
Contact the RAE with any concerns about past billing and allowability. Contact hcpf_bhbenefits@state.co.us with any questions about this policy.
| | Other Things Happening in Behavioral Health | |
H.R. 1 Medicaid Coverage, Eligibility, and Implementation Updates Webinar
About This Meeting
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) invites stakeholders to register for a webinar on Monday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., to provide updates on federal changes to Medicaid coverage due to H.R. 1, formerly called the 2025 "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." H.R. 1 introduces several changes to Medicaid, including adding a work requirement and renewal checks every 6 months for certain members.
In this webinar, staff will review what is changing, describe how HCPF is preparing for those changes, and share what stakeholders can expect in 2027. Staff will review stakeholder resources, including communication tools designed to support members. Staff will also share key updates regarding system changes and how HCPF plans to track the impact of H.R. 1.
Given anticipated high attendance, attendees are encouraged to submit questions at registration. The webinar will address questions submitted at registration, frequently asked questions, and some live questions.
Meeting Details
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Meeting date and time: Monday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Intended Audiences: Providers, Advocates, Case Managers, and other stakeholders who work with members.
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Registration and location: Register for this virtual Zoom meeting in advance or at the start of the meeting. After registering, you will receive a unique link tied to your registration.
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Additional information: Live Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be available.
If you are unable to attend, the meeting recording will be posted to the H.R. 1 Stakeholder Support Hub webpage after the meeting.
Meeting Accommodation and Language Access Notice
Auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities and language services for individuals whose first language is not English may be provided upon request. Please notify the meeting organizer at hcpf_stakeholders@state.co.us or the Civil Rights Officer at hcpf504ada@state.co.us at least one week prior to the meeting to make arrangements.
Aviso sobre adaptaciones para la reunión y acceso lingüístico
Las ayudas y servicios auxiliares para individuos con discapacidades y servicios de idiomas para individuos cuyo idioma materno no sea inglés pueden estar disponibles por solicitud. Comuníquese con organizador de reuniones a hcpf_stakeholders@state.co.us o con el oficial de derechos civiles a hcpf504ada@state.co.us al menos una semana antes de la reunión para hacer los arreglos necesarios.
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Senate Bill 26-188 Carve-In Steering Committee
The Senate Bill 26-188 Carve-In Steering Committee convened on July 1, 2026, in accordance with Senate Bill 26-188. The committee will support the transition of services provided in Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP), Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF), and Out-of-State High Intensity Residential Treatment (OHIRT) from a fee-for-service benefit to a behavioral health capitation benefit for members who are either in the custody of a County Department of Human Services/Child Welfare or committed to the Division of Youth Services (DYS).
The committee will meet monthly and public attendance is welcome. A public comment period will be held at the end of each committee meeting.
Visit the Children and Youth Behavioral Health web page for more information.
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Behavioral Health Provider Engagement Opportunities
Behavioral health providers are encouraged to participate in provider forums and office hours. Registering and submitting questions in advance for office hours allows HCPF to plan appropriate staffing and be prepared to discuss the requested topics. Forums are designed to be a space for presentation of information and discussion. Office hours are designed to be a “drop in” space for quick answers to issues best addressed by a brief discussion.
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Behavioral Health Benefits Provider Forums
All previous behavioral health forums have been discontinued and consolidated into two new forums.
- Behavioral Health Inpatient and Residential Bedded Facilities Forum
- Quarterly on the second Wednesday of the month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Register in advance.
- Behavioral Health Outpatient Benefits and Policy Forum
- Quarterly on the third Wednesday of the month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Register in advance.
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Behavioral Health Benefits and Policy Office Hours
All previous behavioral health office hours have been discontinued and consolidated into the new Behavioral Health Benefits and Policy Office Hours.
- Behavioral Health Benefits and Policy Office Hours.
- Monthly on the fourth Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Register in advance and include questions you have so HCPF staff are prepared to assist.
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