We've been advocating for the needs of a diverse, competent, and sustainable behavioral healthcare workforce. Below you can see what we've done and how we've grown in 2021 and 2022.
We
helped draft the bipartisan Medicaid Rate Report (HB22-1268), introduced by Reps.
Amabile (D) and Rep. Holtorf (R), and "The Medicaid Mental Health Care Prior
Authorization and Recoupment Regulation" bill (SB22-156) sponsored by
Senate President Fenberg, Senator Kolker, Rep. Amabile, and Rep. Young. SB22-156 provides protection for providers
from recoupment of paid claims, and limits prior authorization for
outpatient care.
Advocated for dual enrolled Medicaid/Medicare patients to receive care
from LPCs, who cannot participate in Medicare. Approved January 2022.
Clarified with OBH, CDPHE, HCPF, BHA,
and the RAEs which mental healthcare clinics have to apply for
expensive Behavioral Health Entity licensing in 2022.
Automatic
denials of F64 (gender dysphoria and associated codes) rescinded as of
July 2022.
CCHA stopped prior authorization for outpatient counseling, required from March 2021 to September 2021.
Rocky Mountain Health Plans stopped its preauthorization requirements.
CCHA dropped November 2021 recoupment in December 2021.
Colorado Access allows for supervision billing.
On January 20, 2022, 10 members of COMBINE testified in front of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC).
HCPF now meets with COMBINE.
CCHA has amended their clawback period to 1 year from time of payment.
In February of 2022 members of COMBINE met with Gainwell regarding HCPF
"validation" timelines, after requesting a meeting from Veritas hedge
fund CEO (the owner of Gainwell). We've received assurance of a 5 day
time frame and an end to the back-and-forth practice of fixing one
thing at a time.
As of February 2022, we have established twice-a-month executive level meetings with CCHA and Colorado Access.
HCPF put recoupment limits into RAE contracts (limits to 365 days).
Worked with Colorado Access to establish an 'endorsement' so clinics may employ pre-licensure counselors.
Increased press coverage on the state of mental health in Colorado.
We passed 100 members in February 2022.
Colorado Academy of Physician Assistants (COPA) requested COMBINE endorsement of their
legislation, HB22-1268.
Colorado Medicaid Behavioral Health Provider Network