Health First Colorado Behavioral Health Updates February 2026

[Colorado Dept. of Health Care Policy and Financing]

Health First Colorado Behavioral Health Updates

March 20, 2026 Health First Colorado Behavioral Health Updates Welcome to the Health First Colorado Behavioral Health Updates from the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF).  Health First Colorado Behavioral Health Updates provides content relevant to the full spectrum of behavioral health services in Colorado. Feel free to share this information with other interested stakeholders! What’s New Public Comment Opportunity: CCBHC Demonstration Application The State of Colorado is preparing an application for the federal Section 223 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Demonstration. This demonstration supports expanded access to comprehensive, community-based behavioral health services for Medicaid members. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was released on March 6, 2026, and applications are due April 1, 2026. A draft of the application narrative is available here for public review. The public comment period will be open from March 20 through March 24, 2026. We invite stakeholders—including providers, advocates, individuals with lived experience, and community members—to review the draft and share feedback. All comments will be reviewed and considered as the State finalizes the application. Submit comments using the public feedback form. FAQs/Clarifications of Coverage and Billing Questions Fact Sheet Available to Clarify Children’s Wraparound Services The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) has developed guidance relating to coordination across the Children’s Habilitation Residential Program (CHRP) Waiver and Colorado System of Care (CO-SOC) specific to Enhanced High Fidelity Wraparound (EHFW). CHRP and CO-SOC both provide health coverage and community support through programs designed specifically for children and youth with complex or co-occurring conditions. This document provides guidance regarding the distinction between CHRP Wraparound Services and CO-SOC EHFW services.  The fact sheet and other informational resources are available on the CO-SOC web page. For more information, please contact hcpf_...@state.co.us and HCPF_HCBS...@state.co.us. Feedback Requested: Clarification on Scope of Behavioral Health Peer Recovery Groups Draft Policy HCPF created a draft policy to clarify the scope of Behavioral Health (BH) Peer Recovery Groups. The draft policy outlines criteria that must be met for services facilitated by BH Peer Support Professionals in a group setting to be covered by Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program). The draft policy is available on the BH Policies, Standards, and Billing References web page under the BH Peer Support Policy section.   HCPF welcomes feedback on this draft policy. Please send questions and feedback to hcpf_pee...@state.co.us by April 15, 2026. A final version of the policy will be published once finalized. Other Things Happening in Behavioral Health Behavioral Health Administration Funding Opportunities When available, Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) posts official announcements regarding open, upcoming, and recently closed solicitations and grants on their Funding Opportunities web page. This page also includes further information regarding these specific grant opportunities such as the status of these solicitations and their numbers. Those interested in grants or solicitations are encouraged to check the solicitation statuses on the VSS Colorado website for the most up-to-date information. Instructions on how to send in a proposal, or apply, will also be included on VSS. Connect with Us Behavioral Health Provider Engagement Opportunities Behavioral health providers are encouraged to participate in provider forums, meetings, and office hours. Below are a series of ongoing opportunities available. Many of these sessions require registration to allow for planning based on attendance and to prepare responses and presentations designed to address questions often submitted in advance.  View the full calendar of events on the Behavioral Health Initiatives and Coverage Office webpage. Forums: Designed to be a space for presentation of information and discussion:  Behavioral Health Hospital & Residential Facility Forum. Quarterly (First month of the quarter) on the third Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Register in advance.   Independent Provider Network (IPN) Forum. Quarterly on the first Friday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Register in advance. (March, June, September, and December)   SUD Forum. Quarterly (first month of the quarter) on the first Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Register in advance. Office Hours and Technical Assistance: Designed to be a “drop in” space for quick answers to issues best addressed by a brief discussion:  Behavioral Health Hospital & Residential Facility Office Hours. Monthly on the third Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Register in advance.   Independent Provider Network (IPN) Office Hours. Monthly on the first Friday of the month from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Register in advance.   Safety Net and Crisis Office Hours. Monthly on the second Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Register in advance.   Supportive Housing Provider Office Hours. Monthly on the last Thursday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Register in advance.   Peer Support Office Hours. Monthly on the fourth Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register in advance.  SUD Provider Office Hours. Monthly on the first Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Register in advance.  Share your feedback, ideas and questions with HCPF at hcpf_bh...@state.co.us

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