Ensuring and increasing access to medical and behavioral health care services in rural areas has been a longstanding challenge in many Colorado communities, including Teller and Park counties, as well as areas of El Paso County. At Colorado Community Health Alliance (CCHA), we are dedicated to developing and maintaining innovative collaborations with providers and community partners to change the dynamic and increase access.

Who we are

CCHA is the regional organization that administers physical and behavioral health benefits and coordinates care for more than 270,000 Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members in Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, El Paso, Gilpin, Jefferson, Park and Teller counties. Our approach revolves around whole-person care. We expand access and strive to connect members with tailored services spanning medical, behavioral, dental and specialty care. Recognizing that a significant portion of health outcomes are influenced by social drivers such as access to transportation, affordable housing, childcare, and nutritious food, we extend our efforts beyond traditional health care.

Collaborating to address diverse health needs

CCHA team members are deeply ingrained in the communities we serve because we live and work there, too. This allows us to work closely with local trusted community partners, health care providers and government agencies to create a sustainable and accessible network of care for our members. We’ve built strong, lasting relationships with these partners over time, which helps us to better serve our members and the community. For years, we have invested in programs that address physical and behavioral health while eliminating barriers to care.

Both Aspen Mine Center in Southern Teller County and Rocky Mountain Rural Health in Park County received $59,422 and $21,732, respectively, through this year’s CCHA Community Incentive Program funding to increase education, outreach and engagement with members. Both organizations serve as liaisons for those who need additional support to maintain health insurance coverage. Last year, both organizations helped nearly 260 members successfully renew their Medicaid coverage and also helped 255 individuals transition from Medicaid to Connect for Health Colorado when their circumstances changed. Research shows that adult Medicaid members are five times more likely to have regular sources of care and four times more likely to access preventative care services than individuals without coverage. Continuous health insurance coverage means healthier communities.

CCHA also awarded Ute Pass Regional Health Service District $149,998, allowing them to expand behavioral health engagement services to more than 500 square miles of mountainous area in El Paso, Park and Teller counties. For example, the organization reached out to all Medicaid members living in Teller County who had been discharged from a behavioral health facility. This direct outreach connected members to follow-up services in their community with trusted local providers and reduced unnecessary behavioral health and substance use emergency room visits. Despite challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 36 follow-up visits were completed and 30 members received additional support. Twenty of these members also received Medication-Assisted Treatment. After the success of this initial project, CCHA awarded Ute Pass with an additional $150,000 this year to expand its nurse practitioner services to include 24-hour crisis response and follow-up.

Through provider support and strategic collaborations with community organizations like Aspen Mine Center, Rocky Mountain Rural Health and Ute Pass Regional Health Service District, we are making significant strides in overcoming barriers to health care access in rural communities. CCHA’s commitment to collaboration, innovation and expanding access paves the way for a brighter future in which every member of our community has the opportunity to access the care and resources they deserve despite the challenges they face. To learn more about CCHA and our commitment to expand health care access in Colorado Springs and beyond please visit CCHAcares.com.

About the Authors

Together, Amy Yutzy (left), Plan President, Behavioral Health; and Colleen Daywalt (right), Vice President, Government Programs, lead the Colorado Community Health Alliance.