6CB7E524B77629E08725820B00713135 Hearing Summary

Senator Smallwood called the meeting back to order.  Tom Massey, Interim Executive Director, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), presented to the committee and distributed handouts (Attachments I and J).  Director Massey described the mission of HCPF and recent reports and developments within HCPF, including state and federal legislation.  He provided data on Colorado insurance coverage rates.  He noted the programs that HCPF oversees, including Health First Colorado, Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), Old Age Pension Medical Programs, and the Colorado Indigent Care program.  Director Massey went over membership demographics for Health First Colorado and CHP+.  John Bartholomew, HCPF, described the caseload and population costs for Health First Colorado and CHP+.  He explained the different funding sources for the programs, and the providers that receive funds from the programs.

Attachment J

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/HCPF%20Fiscal%20Year%202018%20Department%20Performance%20Plan.pdf

Director Massey briefly discussed the Governor's health goals, which includes improving health coverage.  He explained HCPF's long-range goals and strategic initiatives, which include innovation of delivery systems, transformation tools, partnerships to improve population health, and operational excellence.  Director Massey described updates to the Health First Colorado website to improve customer experience.

Gretchen Hammer, HCPF, explained major HCPF initiatives, including the Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC).  She explained the goal of the ACC, to improve health and life outcomes and to use state resources wisely.  Ms. Hammer discussed regional entities that participate in the ACC, and explained how HCPF collects and utilizes data on outcomes and services related to the ACC.  She described another HCPF initiative: the provision of long-term services and support.  Ms. Hammer explained the eligibility for long-term services and supports and noted that services may be provided in the home, community, or institutions.  She described the eleven waiver programs that allow individuals to receive long-term services and supports through Medicaid.  Ms. Hammer responded to a question on the Children with Autism Waiver.  She discussed a vision for long-term services and supports which includes streamlining access to services, improving service coordination, and increasing service options and quality.

Mr. Bartholomew discussed different value-based payment initiatives for hospitals, federally qualified health centers, primary care, and pharmacies.  Dr. Judy Zerzan, HCPF, discussed hot topics in health care with the committee.  She explained a HCPF policy change to limit initial opioid prescriptions.  Dr. Zerzan responded to questions regarding the Prescription Data Monitoring Program (PDMP).  Chris Underwood, HCPF, updated the committee on the implementation of interChange, which is the new Heath First Colorado claims system.  He discussed common issues with the new system and explained the efforts HCPF has made to resolve problems with the system.  Mr. Underwood responded to questions from the committee regarding rural providers' concerns with the new system and the location of regional field representatives for interChange.

Ms. Hammer provided an update on funding for the CHP+ program.  She described the enrollment, eligibility, and federal funding for the program, which expired in the fall.  Ms. Hammer noted that the federal funds for CHP+ program will expire at the end of January, and she explained stakeholder conversations regarding the program.  She noted that Congress has recently allocated temporary funds for CHP+.  Ms. Hammer explained various options for customers should CHP+ program funding run out.  She responded to a question about customer communication regarding program funding.

Mr. Bartholomew summarized various HCPF budget requests that will result in an overall budget reduction for FY 2018-19.  Director Massey explained HCPF's 2018 legislative agenda.  He summarized the agenda items, including achieving cost savings through transition services; aligning managed care statute with federal regulations; implementing conflict-free case management for Single Entry Points; redesigning the Children's Habilitation Residential Program Waiver; and removing outdated waiver language from statute.  Director Massey described the regulatory review process, and noted that 2017 was the final year of a five year review cycle.  He updated the committee on House Bill 13-1196 to reduce waste through the ACC, and Senate Bill 17-121 to improve Medicaid client correspondence.  In response to questions, Mr. Underwood explained how HCPF tests correspondence for clients.  Committee members expressed concern with confusing Medicaid letters.

Director Massey described the HCPF legislator resource center to the committee and concluded his presentation.

Senator Smallwood initiaited public testimony regarding HCPF.

Douglas Coleman, Colorado Association of Medical Equipment Services, testified regarding HCPF and discussed federal regulation for Medicaid medical equipment. Mr. Coleman responded to committee questions.  Dr. Zerzan came to the table to provide comments. Committee discussion ensued.

Betsy Murray, Home Care Association, testified regarding HCPF and home care technology issues.

Dr. Randell Clark, Colorado Society of Anesthesiologists, testified regarding HCPF and distributed handouts (Attachments K and L).  He discussed provider rates for anesthesiology.  Dr. Clark responded to committee questions.  Ms. Hammer returned to the table to provide comments.  Committee discussion ensued.