In February 2024 the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) entered into a settlement agreement with a law firm on behalf of multiple families in the state of Colorado. The agreement was that HCPF would create an implementation plan that demonstrates how they will build a systematic approach to providing Medicaid members with intensive behavioral health services (ibhs) in their homes and communities.

In June of 2024 the High Acuity Crisis for Children and Youth House Bill 24-1038 was signed and it outlined several of the key factors for developing this implementation plan.

In May of 2019 Senate Bill 19-195 passed by Colorado legislation for Child And Youth Behavioral Health System Enhancements. The bill requires the HCPF, in conjunction with the Department of Human Services, to develop and implement wraparound services for children and youth at risk of out-of-home placement or in an out-of-home placement. HCPF is combining the initiative from Senate Bill 19-195 with the implementation of the Medicaid system of Care for Children and Youth (M-SOC).

We are excited to announce the launch of a new Medicaid System of Care (M-SOC) initiative designed to improve the health and well-being of children and youth under the age of 21. This innovative approach, based on an evidence-based systemic framework, aims to provide comprehensive, coordinated care for children and families, ensuring that intensive services are delivered in an effective, supportive, and family-centered manner.

We completed several Stakeholder engagement sessions to present ideas and get your feedback on what this plan should include. To let you know what we heard please attend our second session: Please register here for January 15, 2025, 10:00-11:00 AM

The M-SOC Plan Includes Key Components to Address the Needs of Our Members

• Identification Tool: A vital first step in recognizing children and youth who need M-SOC services. This tool ensures that the right members are connected to the right services at the right time.
• Enhanced Standardized Assessment: A thorough and robust assessment that not only identifies the challenges our members face but also highlights their strengths, ensuring that care plans are personalized and effective.
• Intensive Care Coordination: A dedicated professional who works closely with the family to coordinate care across various providers and child agencies, ensuring that all aspects of the member’s care are aligned and cohesive.
• Stabilization Services (Mobile Crisis): This service aims to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and residential stays by providing immediate crisis intervention in the home, offering relief and support during critical moments.
• Intensive Home-Based Treatment: Behavioral health interventions delivered directly in the home, ensuring that clinical support is accessible and tailored to the family's environment and needs.
• Support Services: Additional services designed to help families engage in treatment and ensure long-term success, providing extra resources that complement the clinical interventions.
• Behavioral Consultation Services: Expert behavioral consultants work alongside the clinical team to offer specialized strategies that can be incorporated into the treatment plan, supporting both the member and their family in making lasting progress.

Let’s Name it

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is excited to offer you a chance to choose a name for the Medicaid System of Care for children and youth. Please provide your email address and suggested name using this form. The deadline for submitting your suggestion is Friday, January 10, 2025.

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will Convene Three Committees to Support this Work

As part of this effort, we will hold ongoing meetings to guide the development and implementation of the M-SOC initiative. 

The Implementation Advisory Committee 

The Implementation Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and makes recommendations regarding expanding and improving implementation of Intensive Behavioral Health Services that include intensive in-home and community-based mental health services, intensive care coordination, mobile crisis intervention, and stabilization services.

The next meeting is Wednesday, January 22, 2025 · 2:30 – 4:00pm

The Statewide Leadership Committee 

The Leadership Committee is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of care for children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. We strive to create an integrated system that promotes collaborative decision-making and oversight of the comprehensive system of care for children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. Our mission is to ensure that every child and family receives the highest standard of services to meet their high complex needs. We strive to empower stakeholders, foster innovation, and promote evidence-based practices that prioritize the well-being and resilience of those we serve.

The next meeting is Thursday, February 13, 2025

The Lived Experience Committee 

This committee is designed to help amplify the voices of youth, and families who have navigated complex behavioral health challenges in their lives. Our mission is to inform and enhance the development of an effective system of care that truly meets the needs of youth and families in Colorado. 

HCPF is developing a plan for recruitment and updated information can be found on the ibhs website as it becomes available.

Want to Know More?

We encourage stakeholders, families, and community partners to stay informed. Sign up for this newsletter, visit the website for meeting links, agendas, updates and resources, or email us HCPF_MSOC@state.co.us.

We look forward to working together to ensure that children and youth receive the care and support they need to thrive. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to roll out this transformative Medicaid System of Care model.

HCPF_MSOC@state.co.us

https://hcpf.colorado.gov/ibhs