Community Innovation Pool Program: Application Process3b0c642hkugknal3z1xrpau1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/up… · 2020-05-01 · COLORADO ACCESS COMMUNITY INNO VATION POOL

COLORADO ACCESS COMMUNITY INNOVATION POOL PROGRAM

01 06-147 0520A coaccess.com | 800-511-5010

Community Innovation Pool Program: Application Process

OverviewColorado Access is the Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) Regional Accountable Entity (RAE) that serves the following counties:

• Region 3: Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert• Region 5: Denver (City and County of Denver)

Colorado Access administers physical and behavioral health benefits and coordinates care and services for more than 500,000 Health First Colorado members.

Community Innovation Pool ProgramColorado Access is committed to making regional investments to support community programs that serve Heath First Colorado members. The Community Innovation Pool is funded by a portion of earned RAE Pay-for-Performance incentive dollars. Depending on the total incentives earned, Colorado Access contributes 10-20% of earned incentives (key performance indicators within physical health and the behavioral health incentive program) into the innovation pool. The idea originated in the RAE Region 3 Governing Council and RAE Region 5 Governing Council, and the operational structure was developed collaboratively with the governing councils, the Region 3 and 5 Program Improvement Advisory Committees (PIACs), and the Colorado Access Member Advisory Council. With representatives from each of these bodies, a steering committee was formed to work with Colorado Access to successfully launch the innovation pool and to make award decisions at least annually. The operational structure will ensure dollars will be spent in a collaborative, fair and transparent manner, and will be reinvested in the region within a reasonable amount of time.

InnovationColorado Access encourages applicants to think creatively and differently regarding issues and opportunities that can bring innovation to the way we all envision how health can be achieved and advanced. Innovation typically focuses on transformation and experimentation asking the question, “if it works, would it matter?” rather than “is this going to work?” An innovative solution can be:

• Novel and useful• Incremental (improves upon and/or brings to scale an already existing idea or program)• A positive disruptor• Worthy of trying and failing (a calculated risk with fail forward learning opportunities)• If successful, offers a high benefit relative to the cost to implement

COVID-19 & InnovationCOVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives as we know it. Vulnerable populations and communities of color are disproportionately suffering from COVID-19 and its associated economic fallout. This disease and its impacts have magnified already existing inequities and disparities and further marginalized certain communities within our regions. The dedicated providers that serve Health First Colorado members are adapting the ways they care for Medicaid members through new telehealth options that offer convenience, safety, and comfort to them. The providers are also helping members find resources to enable them to pick up their medication, find food and housing, and apply for unemployment or other assistance.

The current COVID-19 pandemic can serve as a great catalyst of innovation when resources are used creatively and constructively. The Community Innovation Pool Program offers an opportunity for community organizations to propose innovative solutions that address COVID-19 and its impact on the communities served with two focus areas: (1) health equity and (2) telehealth.

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COMMUNITY INNOVATION POOL PROGRAM

Community Innovation Pool ProgramFocus Area #1 – Health EquityFunding Goals:

• To support innovative initiatives, programs and/or services that aim to address and lessen health inequities and health disparities which are being exacerbated by COVID-19.

• To identify innovative ideas that address social determinants of health by emphasizing diversity and inclusivity.

Recognizing the need for clarity, please review definitions for health disparity and health equity. Health Disparity: A particular type of health difference that is closely linked with economic, social, or environmental disadvantage. Health disparities adversely affect groups of people who have systematically experienced greater social or economic obstacles to health based on their racial or ethnic group, religion, socioeconomic status, gender, age, or mental health; cognitive, sensory, or physical disability; sexual orientation or gender identity; geographic location; or other characteristics historically linked to discrimination or exclusion (Healthy People, 2020).

Health Equity: Health equity is the principle underlying a commitment to reduce—and, ultimately, eliminate—disparities in health and in its determinants, including social determinants. Pursuing health equity means striving for the highest possible standard of health for all people and giving special attention to the needs of those at greatest risk of poor health, based on social conditions (NCBI, 2014).

Funding Examples:Below are examples of programs, initiatives, and services that could receive funding under this focus area. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list.

• COVID-19-related education and public service announcements that promote prevention and dispel myths.

• Increased access to COVID-19-related resources and supports for communities of color, and other vulnerable communities, such as testing sites.

• Social Health Information Exchange (SHIE) initiatives. • Programs and services that address human needs, especially food and housing insecurity, on the rise

due to the economic crisis created by COVID-19.• Social determinant of health programming influencing health disparity resulting from COVID-19.

Focus Area #1 – TelehealthFunding Goals:

• To support innovative member access to telehealth for their physical, social and emotional health and well-being.

• To expand provider capacity and capabilities to innovatively serve members through telehealth.• To enhance member participation in telehealth delivery through direct member feedback.

Telehealth is a catch-all term that includes a number of subcategories and specific types of technology and delivery methods. The four most common categories are:

1. Live videoconferencing visits: These appointments take place between a patient and provider using modern audiovisual telecommunications devices (like a camera-enabled computer).

2. Remote Patient Monitoring: Technology to enable monitoring of patients outside of conventional clinical settings, such as in the home or in a remote area, which may increase access to care and decrease health care delivery costs.



3. Electronic Consultation or eConsult: Technology to transmit clinical data between two medical providers, such as a primary care doctor and a specialist. An eConsult can consist of just the transmission of data (store-and-forward) or real-time video consultations (synchronous telehealth). This can be used for most specialties.

4. Mobile health or mHealth: The use of mobile and wireless technologies, such as cell phones, tablet computers, PDAs, and associated software applications, to support the achievement of health objectives. This can range from targeted text messages that promote healthy behavior to wide-scale alerts about disease outbreaks. This is a great way to educate/connect with patients especially during our current crisis.

Funding Examples:Below are examples of expenses related to these four categories of telehealth. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Other expenses will be considered if their primary use is to support telehealth.

• Permanent changes in new telehealth technologies and care protocols that emerged for telehealth connectivity and access due to COVID-19. This could include contact tracing technology or solutions.

• Investments in hardware and equipment: laptop/computer, monitor, camera, microphone, wearable patient monitoring devices, home health monitoring kits associated with an innovative solution.

• Investments in software and licenses: Video software licenses, software platforms with interconnectivity to Electronic Health Records (EHRs) associated with an innovative solution.

• Innovative partnerships between providers and community organizations to expand access into hard to reach communities and vulnerable populations.

• Education and telehealth literacy campaigns for members.• Education and telehealth training for providers and support staff.• Other associated expenses:

- Office space – Expenses related to create space to expand telehealth capacity - IT support

• Evaluation of the provider and member experience.

Eligibility• Organizations currently serving Health First Colorado members in Region 3 or Region 5 or with historical

experience serving Health First Colorado members in Region 3 or Region 5.• Entities within the community:

- Providers: A network of entities who bill Medicaid or are directly funded by Medicaid though a contract. - Community-Based Organizations: Entities who do not bill Medicaid, nor are supported by Medicaid funding, however, the entities do work with Medicaid members (or eligible populations) in the community.

• Programs, services, initiatives not already covered by a Health First Colorado benefit.• Programs that align with at least one focus area listed above.• Entities must have a nondiscrimination policy.• Collaborations and partnerships (informal/formal) among entities are strongly encouraged.



Exclusions• Capital requests focused solely on building/office renovations unrelated to innovation proposal• State and federal lobbying• Individuals• Programs that require membership in a certain religion or advance a particular religious faith

(faith-based organizations may be eligible for funding if they welcome and serve all members of the community regardless of religious faith, and provided that they do not require participation in activities that are specifically religious)

• Debt retirement• Fundraising events• Endowments

Funding and TermColorado Access is committed to making regional investments to support programs that serve Heath First Colorado members in the counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas and Elbert counties. Re-investing the Pay for Performance incentives dollars back into the community.

Applicants can apply for funds based on three tiers of funding:1. Tier 1: $101,000 - $250,0002. Tier 2: $51,000 - $100,0003. Tier 3: Up to $50,000

• Awards could be given partial or full amount requested depending on other requests and justification for dollars spent.

• Number of awards will depend on total funds and total applications received.• Organizations may submit multiple applications across all three tiers of funding.• Funding term is flexible for a term of two (2) years or less.• Up to 15% of the total budget may be used for general operating/administrative overhead expenses.

The 15% should be included as part of the total cost of the project.• At the end of the award period, you will be asked to provide a report demonstrating how funds were

used and how effective the proposal was. For Tier 1 and 2 awards, you will be asked to provide a status report midway through as well.

Application & Selection TimelineStep 1: June 1, 2020 - June 22,2020 – Colorado Access issues a request for community organizations to submit funding proposal (application must be completed on Colorado Access website and must be submitted by 8:00 AM on Monday, June 22, 2020).

Step 2: June 1, 2020 - June 22,2020 – Colorado Access staff reviews all applications and contacts organizations for any additional supporting information needed.

Step 3: June 1, 2020 - June 22,2020 – Community Innovation Pool Program Steering Committee will review applications on a rolling basis.

Step 4: Week of June 22, 2020 - Voting member-ONLY meeting will be held to review and vote on approved applications.

Step 5: June 22, 2020 – June 30, 2020 - Award recipients and non-award recipients notified of selection.

Step 6: June 22, 2020 – June 30, 2020 – Grant agreements signed, and funds awarded.


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Information requested from applicant:Applications must include the following information submitted using the form below. If you have questions about the application, please contact [email protected].

☐ Non-discrimination Policy

☐ Current W-9

☐ Most recent annual statements (audited if available) *

☐ Current operating budget

☐ A detailed budget of this project

☐ Budget narrative

☐ A copy of your current IRS determination letter indicating tax-exempt status, if applicable

☐ Any additional supporting attachments

Legal name of organization:

DBA name (if applicable):

Mailing address (and physical address if it is different and not confidential):

Phone: Fax: EIN:

Website:

Organization email address:

Name of CEO or Executive Director:

Phone: Email:

Application contact & title (if not the CEO or Executive Director):

Phone: Email:

Application Information


Year founded:

Mission Statement:

Geographic area served (List any and all applicable counties i.e., Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas or Elbert, specific to this proposal):

Tax exemption status:

☐ 501(c)(3)

☐ Using a fiscal agent/fiscal sponsor Name of fiscal agent/sponsor:

☐ Other than 501(c)(3), describe:

Number of employees: Full-time Part-time:

Organization Information




Proposal1. Organization Information (1,000 characters). This section should include:

• Your organization’s mission statement and a brief history.• A brief overview of your organization’s current programs, activities and strategic plan.• Health First Colorado members and/or community served (current or historical)• A description of the qualifications and track record of the individuals who will be managing and

performing the activities proposed.• A description of your Board’s role in fundraising, governance and strategic planning.• A description of your key partners.

Please select the proposed grant application Tier amount.

☐ Tier 1: $101,000 - $250,000

☐ Tier 2: $51,000 - $100,000

☐ Tier 3: Up to $50,000



2. Proposed Activities (2,000 characters). This section should answer the following questions:• Describe what you will do and how you will do it?• What programs and services will you offer?• How is the project innovative?• Describe the populations served by the proposed work - how will Health First Colorado

members benefit from the activities?• What are the risks of the proposed work?• What are the potential benefits of this work, if successful?• How would this innovation be more effective than current practices?

Additional information required for Tier 1 and Tier 2 applications



3. Goals and objectives of the project (1,000 characters).• What problem are you trying to solve for?• If successful, what is the potential impact of this innovation?• Who would benefit from this innovation?• How would the success be measured?




4. Timeline and Intermediate Milestones (1,000 characters). This section should answer the following questions:

• What is the timeline for the work and what are the expected milestones that will ultimately lead to your desired results?

• What evidence will you have to show that the activities took place as described and that the milestones were reached?

• For Tier 1 and 2 awards, you will be asked to provide a status report midway through as well.




5. Outcomes expected (impact) (1,000 characters).• How will you know that you have solved the problem you are attempting to tackle?• How will you define success?

i. Please include a quantified definition of success (e.g., out of a possible 200,000 people, we are aimingto reach 2,000 with our intervention)

ii. How you will track your progress (i.e., what data will be collected and how?)• Sustainability – Do you have plans for long term sustainability if successful?


Email completed application form and budget template to [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Community Innovation Pool Program: Application Process3b0c642hkugknal3z1xrpau1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/up… · 2020-05-01 · COLORADO ACCESS COMMUNITY INNO VATION POOL