Colorado’s Medicaid Policy Expands Mental Health Support in Doctor’s Offices

Colorado’s Medicaid program began reimbursing primary care providers for mental health treatment using the Collaborative Care Model on July 1, reports The Denver Gazette. Patients can now receive treatment for depression, anxiety, or ADHD directly in their doctor’s office, reducing the need for specialist referrals and long waits. For rural clinics, the policy provides critical funding to sustain behavioral health services that might otherwise be unaffordable. State officials estimate the change will cost $368,000 from the general fund but bring in $1.1 million in federal matching dollars.