Friday | Sessions & Speakers
#506 | Membership Orgs & CBHC | Board Member Only Session: Federal Policy in Motion: HR1, Medicaid Budget Pressures and Work Requirements in Colorado’s Behavioral Health System With the recent federal passage of HR1, Colorado now faces the critical tasks of implementation and understanding its real-world implications across the behavioral health system. This includes the role of HCPF as the Medicaid State Agency, RAEs as regional implementation partners, and community behavioral health providers (CSNPs & ESNPs) navigating the operational realities on the ground. This session will explore how key components of HR1—including Medicaid community engagement (work requirements) and related federal policy changes—are expected to translate into practice. Bringing together perspectives from HCPF and Colorado’s RAEs, the discussion will provide a grounded, real-time look at how these changes may impact access, operations, and system sustainability. Attendees will gain insight into recent changes, anticipated challenges, areas of uncertainty, and opportunities for alignment as Colorado moves from federal policy to state and regional implementation. This session is designed to foster candid dialogue and shared understanding across leadership, with time for Q&A and discussion. Cristen Bates, MPH is a dedicated public health executive with over 20 years of service to the community. She currently serves as the Office Director for Medicaid and CHP+ Behavioral Health Initiatives & Coverage and the Deputy Medicaid Director at the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), the state’s Medicaid agency. Cristen has focused her public service efforts on improving healthcare policy, expanding access to behavioral health, and fighting stigma and systemic barriers to health. Liz Owen s is the Chief External Relations Officer at Colorado Access, which is the state’s largest public sector health plan with more than 500,000 members. Liz leads external-facing strategy across policy, communications, and government partnerships, including oversight of Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus contracts. Kari Snelson, LCSW, CHC is a seasoned behavioral health executive with a track record of driving organizational success through strategic implementation and operational excellence. With over two decades of experience, Kari has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead teams, manage risk-based programs, and navigate complex regulatory environments. Her expertise lies in strategic planning, community engagement, board accountability, and program design and management. As Chief Executive Officer of Northeast Health Partners Regional Accountable Entity, Kari oversees the planning, operations, and compliance of state contracts. She has successfully implemented value-based payment models for behavioral health benefits and collaborated with state agencies to ensure contract compliance, serving over 150,000 Medicaid members in the region. Clinical Board Business/Upper Management Bd Cl Bu
Bd
Free WiFi | Open a browser on your device. Select network: Beaver Run Meeting 1 Enter Password: conferencewifi
42 | www.cbhc.org
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator