The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing is dedicated to building a high-performing and cost-effective Medicaid system. This system aims to deliver superior quality services and enhance the overall health outcomes for Coloradans. The second phase of the Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) builds upon the established successes of Colorado Medicaid programs. It is specifically designed to improve both the member and provider experience within Health First Colorado, which is Colorado’s Medicaid program.
Stay informed about the most recent developments in the Accountable Care Collaborative! Sign up today for regular updates to receive timely information directly.
Core Goals and Objectives of the Accountable Care Collaborative
The Accountable Care Collaborative program in Colorado is driven by two primary goals:
- Improve Member Health: To ensure that Health First Colorado members receive the necessary care and support to improve their health and well-being.
- Reduce Costs: To create a more efficient healthcare system that delivers high-quality care while effectively managing and reducing costs.
To achieve these overarching goals, the ACC program focuses on several key objectives:
- Integrated Care Model: To unify physical and behavioral health services under a single accountable entity, promoting a holistic approach to healthcare.
- Enhanced Service Coordination: To strengthen the coordination of healthcare services through the advancement of Team-Based Care and Health Neighborhoods, ensuring seamless and integrated care delivery.
- Member Empowerment and Choice: To promote informed decision-making by offering members greater choice and actively involving them in their healthcare journey.
- Value-Based Provider Payment: To shift from fee-for-service models to paying healthcare providers based on the value and quality of care they deliver, incentivizing better outcomes.
- Accountability and Transparency: To ensure greater accountability across the healthcare system and enhance transparency in program operations and performance.
Regional Accountable Entities: Key Players in Colorado’s ACC
In November 2017, the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing announced the selected entities for the seven Regional Accountable Entity (RAE) contracts. These entities are crucial to the ACC program, acting as regional hubs for coordinated care. The awarded entities are detailed below, and further information is available in the dropdown links:
- Contact Information for each Regional Accountable Entity
- Proposals Submitted by each Regional Accountable Entity
- Executed Contracts for each Regional Accountable Entity
| Region | Entity, Proposals and Contracts | Contact Information for Providers | Contact Information for Health First Colorado Members |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rocky Mountain Health PlansProposalContract | Email: [email protected]Phone: 1-800-421-6204 | 1-888-282-8801Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.State Relay: 711 for callers with hearing or speech disabilitiesEmail: [email protected]Live chat at: https://www.rmhp.org |
| 2 | Northeast Health PartnersProposalContract Attachments: | 9925 Federal Drive, Suite 100Colorado Springs, CO 80921Phone: 1-888-502-4191 Email:[email protected] | 1-888-502-4189Care Coordination Line: 1-888-502-4190Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.State Relay: 711 for callers with hearing or speech disabilitiesNortheast Health Partners Website |
| 3 | Colorado AccessProposalContract | Provider Engagement720-744-56671-844-430-6684Email: [email protected] | 1-800-511-5010Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.State Relay: 711 for callers with hearing or speech disabilitiesColorado Access Website |
| 4 | Health Colorado, Inc.ProposalContract Attachments: | 10855 Hidden Pool Heights, Ste 260Colorado Springs, CO 80908Phone: 1-800-804-5040 Email:[email protected] | 1-888-502-4185Care Coordination Line: 1-888-502-4186Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.State Relay: 711 for callers with hearing or speech disabilitiesHealth Colorado Website |
| 5 | Colorado AccessProposalContract | Provider Engagement720-744-56671-844-430-6684Email: [email protected] | 303-368-0038 (Denver County) or 1-855-384-7926 (toll free)Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.State Relay: 711 for callers with hearing or speech disabilitiesColorado Access Website |
| 6 | Colorado Community Health AllianceProposalContract | Phone: 303-256-1717 (local)or 1-855-627-4685 (toll free)Contact Us | 303-256-1717 or 1-855-627-4685 (toll free)Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.State Relay: 711 for callers with hearing or speech disabilitiesColorado Community Health Alliance Website |
| 7 | Colorado Community Health AllianceProposalContract | Phone: 719-598-1540 (local)or 1-855-627-4685 (toll free)Contact Us | 719-598-1540 or 1-855-627-4685 (toll free)Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.State Relay: 711 for callers with hearing or speech disabilitiesColorado Community Health Alliance Website |
A visual representation of the seven Regional Accountable Entities across Colorado, ensuring ADA accessibility.
Provider and Stakeholder Resource Center: Your Go-To Information Hub
The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing has established a dedicated Provider and Stakeholder Resource Center to keep partners informed about the Accountable Care Collaborative. This comprehensive resource center is regularly updated with essential information, including fact sheets, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), webinars, and other valuable materials specifically for providers and stakeholders involved in the Accountable Care Collaborative Program Colorado.
You can access this resource center at Provider and Stakeholder Resource Center.
Member Messaging Resource Center: Communication Tools for Health First Colorado Members
To ensure clear and consistent communication with Health First Colorado members, the Department has also developed a Member Messaging Resource Center. This center provides a range of resources for partners to use when communicating with members about the ACC program. These resources include sample letters, key talking points, frequently asked questions tailored for members, and more. All materials are designed with Health First Colorado members in mind to enhance understanding and engagement.
Access these valuable communication tools at Member Messaging Resource Center and utilize these resources when communicating ACC updates to Health First Colorado members.
Section 1915(b) Waiver: Federal Authority for the ACC Program
The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing has obtained a crucial Section 1915(b) Waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for ACC Phase II. This waiver grants the federal authority necessary to establish the Accountable Care Collaborative as a mandatory program within Colorado. It also enables the creation of single Regional Accountable Entities that are responsible for integrating and managing both physical and behavioral health services for Health First Colorado members. This waiver is a significant step, replacing the previous Behavioral Health Organization (BHO) waiver and strengthening the framework for integrated care. The CMS approved this waiver on May 21, 2018, marking a major milestone for the ACC program.
For detailed information, you can review the Section 1915(b) Waiver Proposal.
Stay Updated: Stakeholder and Provider Updates
The Department is committed to keeping stakeholders and providers informed about the Accountable Care Collaborative program Colorado. Regular updates are disseminated via email to ensure you receive the latest news and information. Don’t miss out on important announcements and program developments.
Sign up for our updates now to stay connected.
Regional Accountable Entities Request for Proposal Development: Shaping the Future of ACC
Draft Request for Proposals and Stakeholder Collaboration
An infographic illustrating the collaborative process of developing ACC Phase II, highlighting stakeholder engagement.
The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing extends its gratitude to the extensive community of over 255 providers, advocates, potential vendors, and stakeholders who contributed valuable feedback on the draft Accountable Care Collaborative Phase II Request for Proposals (RFP) and its appendices. The Department actively sought targeted comments on the draft RFP from diverse stakeholders to refine the content before its formal release in Spring 2017.
Since April 2014, the Department has engaged in continuous dialogue with stakeholders throughout Colorado regarding the future direction of the Accountable Care Collaborative. A focused comment period on the draft RFP was conducted between November 4, 2016, and January 13, 2017. This engagement was crucial in shaping the formal RFP released in Spring 2017. The snapshot above visually represents the Department’s comprehensive outreach efforts during the draft RFP phase.
The Department has diligently analyzed and incorporated the comments received on the draft RFP, where feasible. Feedback indicated widespread support for enhanced integration of behavioral and physical health systems, a stronger focus on member responsiveness, and increased efforts to strengthen health neighborhoods within the Accountable Care Collaborative program Colorado.
While the Department successfully integrated numerous updates into the RFP, some recurring comments could not be incorporated directly into the final RFP document. These included requests for expanding Health First Colorado benefits, modifications to federal managed care regulations, and recommendations more suited for program implementation rather than the contracting phase. Stakeholder feedback has been invaluable in shaping the ACC program and will continue to inform its ongoing development and implementation.
Key Concepts and Fact Sheets: Understanding the ACC Program Colorado
Accountable Care Collaborative Phase II Key Concepts provides a foundational understanding of the program’s principles.
In mid-October 2015, the Department published the ACC Phase II Concept Paper. This Concept Paper served as a platform to share the Department’s preliminary plans for Medicaid reform and to initiate crucial conversations with federal, state, and local partners. From the outset, the Department intended to adapt certain proposed policies based on ongoing research and valuable stakeholder feedback. Current policy and program decisions are accessible under the section “ACC Model Details, Policy and Program Decisions, Whitepapers and Fact Sheets.”
Further insights can be gained from the ACC Phase II Overview Presentation (updated April 2016).
Explore these fact sheets for concise overviews:
- ACC Phase II Overview of Key Concepts (updated February 2016): A summary of the Phase II key concepts. Refer to the Concept Paper for comprehensive details.
- ACC Phase II Overview of Stakeholder Engagement: Highlights the different stages of stakeholder involvement in ACC Phase II.
- ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) Structure: Outlines the structure of the PIAC, a vital committee in the development of ACC Phase II.
- ACC Budget and Legislative Authority Timeline: Presents a timeline of budget and legislative actions related to the ACC program.
- ACC Phase I Request for Proposals (RFP) from 2010: The original RFP from 2010, laying the groundwork for the ACC Program.
Fact Sheets and Policy Decisions: Delving Deeper into ACC Program Colorado
- Framework for Behavioral Health Reimbursement: Details the Department’s approach to behavioral health reimbursement under Phase II of the Accountable Care Collaborative program Colorado.
- Behavioral Health Reimbursement Program Decision: Updates stakeholders on revisions to the Department’s behavioral health service reimbursement proposal within the ACC framework.
- ACC Phase II Program Decision Reimbursement for Behavioral Health Services Presentation: A recorded presentation providing an overview of ACC Phase II, key behavioral health concepts, the procurement timeline, and methods to stay informed.
- April 2015 ACC Model Details and Policy Decisions: Explains fundamental structural decisions for the future ACC Model, covering RCCO-BHO Administrative Structure, Regional Maps, and Payment models.
- Q and A from the ACC Model Details and Policy Decisions Document: Addresses questions related to the April 2015 Model Details and Policy Decisions document, offering clarifications and further information.
Stakeholder Meeting Summaries: A Timeline of Engagement
The following table summarizes key meetings hosted or attended by the ACC Phase II Team, reflecting ongoing stakeholder engagement and collaboration in shaping the Accountable Care Collaborative program Colorado.
| December 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stakeholder Engagement Webinar | Stakeholder Engagement Webinar Slides Recorded Stakeholder Engagement Webinar | December 15, 2016 |
| CDPHE Medical Home Forum | Slide Presentation | December 13, 2016 |
| Medical Services Board | Slide Presentation | December 9, 2016 |
| Durango | Slide Presentation | December 3, 2016 |
| Colorado Springs | Slide Presentation | December 1, 2016 |
| Alamosa | Slide Presentation | December 1, 2016 |
| November 2016 | ||
| Fort Collins | Slide Presentation | November 30, 2016 |
| State Medical Assistance and Services Advisory Council (NiteMAC) Meeting | Slide Presentation | November 30, 2016 |
| Pueblo | Slide Presentation | November 30, 2016 |
| Grand Junction | Slide Presentation | November 30, 2016 |
| Stakeholder Engagement Webinar | Stakeholder Engagement Webinar Slides Recorded Stakeholder Engagement Webinar | November 29, 2016 |
| Glenwood Springs | Slide Presentation | November 29, 2016 |
| Burlington | Slide Presentation | November 29, 2016 |
| Aurora | Slide Presentation | November 29, 2016 |
| Stakeholder Engagement Webinar | Stakeholder Engagement Webinar Slides Recorded Stakeholder Engagement Webinar | November 21, 2016 |
| Golden | Slide Presentation | November 18, 2016 |
| Greeley | Slide Presentation | November 18, 2016 |
| Longmont | Slide Presentation | November 17, 2016 |
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) Meeting | Slide Presentation | November 16, 2016 |
| June 2016 | ||
| ACC Client Perspective, COMMIT Presentation | June 15, 2016 | |
| Provider and Community Issues Subcommittee Meeting | June 9, 2016 | |
| May 2016 | ||
| EPCM Review Findings, MMP Recommendations for Phase II RFP | May 18, 2016 | |
| Provider and Community Issues Subcommittee Meeting | May 12, 2016 | |
| April 2016 | ||
| ACC Program Improvement Committee * | April 20, 2016 | |
| March 2016 | ||
| March 2016 Behavioral Heath Transformation Council * | March 14, 2016 | |
| ACC Program Improvement Committee * | March 16, 2016 | |
| ACC Provider and Community Issues – ACC Program Improvement Committee Subcommittee Meeting | March 10, 2016 | |
| ACC: Medicare-Medicaid Program Subcommittee | March 3, 2016 | |
| February 2016 | ||
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee | February 17, 2016 | |
| January 2016 | ||
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee | January 20, 2016 | |
| December 2015 | ||
| Presentation at All Kids Covered Meeting* | December 4, 2015 | |
| ACC Phase II Behavioral Health Community Meeting | December 7, 2015 | |
| Presentation at Disability Community Representatives / Department Meeting* | December 8, 2015 | |
| Colorado Medical Home Forum* | December 8, 2015 | |
| Presentation at Colorado Community Health Network Board Meeting* | December 9, 2015 | |
| ACC Provider and Community Issues – ACC Program Improvement Committee Subcommittee Meeting* | December 10, 2015 | |
| Presentation at Medical Services Board* | December 11, 2015 | |
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee | December 16, 2015 | |
| November 2015 | ||
| ACC: Medicare-Medicaid Program Subcommittee* | November 5, 2015 | |
| ACC Phase II Open Forum | November 10, 2015 | |
| ACC Provider and Community Issues – ACC Program Improvement Committee Subcommittee Meeting* | November 12, 2015 | |
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee | November 18, 2015 | |
| Presentation at State Medical Assistance and Services Advisory Council Meeting* | November 18, 2015 | |
| Presentation at Alliance/State Forum Meeting* | November 19, 2015 | |
| Presentation at Colorado Health Institute’s Safety Net Advisory Committee (SNAC) Lab* | November 19, 2015 | |
| October 2015 | ||
| ACC Provider and Community Issues – ACC Program Improvement Committee Subcommittee Meeting* | October 8, 2015 | |
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee | October 21, 2015 | |
| ACC Health Impact on Lives: Health Improvement – ACC Program Improvement Committee Subcommittee Meeting* | October 28, 2015 | |
| ACC: Medicare-Medicaid Program Learning Symposium* | October 29-30, 2015 | |
| September 2015 | ||
| ACC Provider and Community Issues – ACC Program Improvement Committee Subcommittee Meeting* | September 10, 2015 | |
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee | September 16, 2015 | |
| ACC Health Impact on Lives: Health Improvement – ACC Program Improvement Committee Subcommittee Meeting* | September 23, 2015 | |
| August 2015 | ||
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee | August 19, 2015 | |
| July 2015 | ||
| Larimer County Meeting | July 8, 2015 | |
| Larimer County Meeting | July 9, 2015 | |
| Weld County Meeting | July 13, 2015 | |
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee | July 15, 2015 | |
| Elbert County Meeting – Kiowa | July 15, 2015 | |
| June 2015 | ||
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee | June 17, 2015 | |
| May 2015 | ||
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee | May 20, 2015 | |
| April 2015 | ||
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee to discuss ACC Regional map and care coordination * | April 15, 2015 | |
| ACC Provider and Community Issues Subcommittee Meeting to discuss regional map * | April 16, 2015 | |
| March 2015 | ||
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee | March 18, 2015 | |
| January 2015 | ||
| Preliminary findings from ACC Request for Information presented to ACC Program Improvement Committee | January 21, 2015 | |
| December 2015 | ||
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee | December 17, 2014 | |
| November 2014 | ||
| ACC Program Improvement Advisory Committee | November 19, 2014 | |
| October 2014 | ||
| Ongoing Stakeholder Engagement Strategy – Discussion at ACC Program Improvement Committee | October 15, 2014 | |
| September 2014 | ||
| RFI Question Review – Discussion at ACC Program Improvement Committee | September 17, 2014 | |
| August 2014 | ||
| Practice Support Requirements – Discussion at ACC Program Improvement Committee | August 20, 2014 | |
| July 2014 | ||
| Care Coordination Requirements – Discussion at ACC Program Improvement Committee | July 16, 2014 | |
| June 2014 | ||
| Meeting at RCCO 1 (Durango) | June 19, 2014 | |
| May 2014 | ||
| Meeting at RCCO 3 and 5 (Denver) | May 6, 2014 | |
| Meeting at RCCO 1 (Fort Collins) | May 9, 2014 | |
| Meeting at RCCO 7 (Colorado Springs) | May 27, 2014 | |
| April 2014 | ||
| Meeting at RCCO 1 (Glenwood Springs) | April 14, 2014 | |
| Meeting at RCCO 6 (St. Anthony’s Hospital, Lakewood) | April 15, 2014 | |
| Strategy Session at ACC Program Improvement Committee | April 16, 2014 | |
| Meeting at RCCO 4 (Pueblo) | April 22, 2014 | |
| Meeting at RCCO 2 (Evans) | April 23, 2014 |
2014 Request for Information: Initial Stakeholder Input
The Accountable Care Collaborative Request for Information (RFI), released in 2014, marked an early and crucial step in defining the future direction of the ACC program. RFIs are essential tools used to gather public advice and expertise before developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a contract. Participation in RFIs is open to everyone, with sections often tailored to specific groups such as providers, clients, or potential vendors.
The Department collaborated with the Colorado Health Institute (CHI) and conducted numerous public meetings statewide to understand stakeholder concerns and aspirations. These dialogues played a significant role in shaping the RFI process.
The RCCO RFI utilized a “question-only” format, focusing on targeted questions rather than presenting extensive draft contract language. This approach offered two key advantages: it allowed respondents greater flexibility to concentrate on areas they deemed most critical, and it ensured that the insights and perspectives shared by respondents could shape the conversation before specific contract requirements were formulated.
Released in late October 2014, the RFI had a response deadline of November 24, 2014. The RFI questions remain accessible on Colorado BIDS and are also available below for review.
This comprehensive overview of the Accountable Care Collaborative program Colorado highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare quality, improve member health outcomes, and manage costs effectively within the state’s Medicaid system. Stay informed and engaged with the ACC to contribute to a healthier Colorado.
