January 2021
This newsletter provides implementation updates from the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (the Department) on House Bill (HB) 18-1136 and is distributed periodically during the benefit development process.
Information for Providers
SUD Residential and Inpatient Benefit now open
On Jan. 1, 2021, coverage for residential and inpatient substance use disorder (SUD) services became available to Medicaid members in Colorado. We continue to enroll providers, and the Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) are contracting with treatment providers across all available levels of care. Since Jan. 1, RAEs have approved over 208 authorizations for services, which include over 1,712 authorized days of treatment. The RAEs are working closely with providers to help them learn the authorization process.  

Provider Support
The Department is actively refining processes related to the benefit and welcomes stakeholder feedback to make improvements. Please reach out directly to the SUD team at [email protected]. In addition to the support RAEs are extending to providers, the Department is continuing to hold provider office hours twice per month, on the first and third Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Please see the Department’s SUD website, Ensuring a Full Continuum of SUD Benefits, for additional information.
First Wednesday of the month
Meeting Link:
Call-in number: (419) 812-2582
PIN: 931 626 035#

Feb. 3, 2 - 3 p.m.
March 3, 2 - 3 p.m.
Third Wednesday of the month
Meeting Link:
Call-in number: (419) 812-2582
PIN: 931 626 035#

Feb. 17, 2 - 3 p.m.
March 17, 2 - 3 p.m.
PROVIDER ACTION NEEDED: Provider Bed Count Data Collection
In order to update rates for the SUD benefit for the coming year, the Department has begun the rate setting process. Obtaining accurate counts of the number of SUD treatment and withdrawal management beds across the state is a critical component of rate setting. The Department is requesting provider assistance in updating bed counts at each facility. Victoria Laskey reached out to all providers in January to request updated information on program capacity. If you have not completed the survey for your program, please complete the survey here.

MAT Toolkit
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires that all providers receiving Medicaid reimbursement for residential and inpatient SUD services offer Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) onsite, or facilitate access to MAT offsite. The Department has partnered with the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) at the Colorado Department of Human Services to develop a MAT Toolkit for providers incorporating MAT into their programs.
Helpful Links