Check here often for news and updates about Medicaid, mental health benefits and topics of interest.

• State Changes: Deadline for filing Grievances and Appeals
  The State of Colorado has made changes to the Medicaid rules, effective November 30, 2010.

  The State changed the deadline to file a complaint or grievance about Medicaid mental health services. You now have 30 calendar days from the time an event happened to file a complaint. (Earlier, you had only 20 calendar days.)

  The State changed the deadline to Appeal a decision (or Action) that you disagree with and also changed the deadline to file an appeal with the Office of Administrative Courts. You now have 30 calendar days from the mailing date of the Notice of Action that Colorado Health Partnerships sent you. (Before, you had only 20 calendar days.)

• SAMHSA Launches New Website Aimed at Preventing Youth Suicide
  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds. It accounts for 12 percent of deaths for this age group. In response, The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, the Ad Council, and the Inspire USA Foundation have launched Reachout.com, a website geared at helping to prevent teen suicide.

  Reachout.com shares stories from youth that have “been there.” There are a wide range of stories aimed at showing that we all have hard times and there are ways to get through them. Story categories include: self harm, loss and grief, drugs and alcohol, friendships and peer relationships, romance sexuality & pregnancy, and more.

  Visit the Your Voice section to find out how you can get involved, and if you or someone you know needs help there are more links under Get Help. There are links to follow Reachout.com on twitter and you can add them to FaceBook and MySpace to help get the word out and help prevent suicide. “We can help us.”

• Preventing Suicide in Colorado (PDF)
  This report was released in the spring of 2009. It has been in the making since 1998. That year, Governor Roy Romer talked about suicide. He said it was a major public health problem in Colorado. This report is a must-read for anyone who wants a healthy Colorado.
  
  
• CHP Recovery Forum
  Learn how you can become involved in committees, decision making and training.
  
  
• Recovery In Action Newsletter for Nov-Dec 2010 (PDF)
  
  
• Nurse Advice Line
  The Department of Health Care, Policy and Financing (HCPF) has a new NURSE ADVICE LINE to help Medicaid members with health needs. If you are a Medicaid Member, you can talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Nurses can answer questions about your health care. They can give you advice if you are having a medical emergency. Call the Nurse Advice line at 1-800-283-3221. Learn more about HCPF’s Nurse Advice Line.