In recent years, whole-person care has become systemically ingrained in health care delivery and policy as the industry shifts toward innovative, value-based payment systems designed to improve outcomes and reduce costs. It’s an approach that extends well beyond treating traditional physical health conditions, addressing the interconnectivity of biological, behavioral, social, and environmental factors that influence health.
Whole-Person Care Matters Now More Than Ever
Whole-person health recognizes that every individual is unique, with their own set of physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. As such, health care must be tailored to address each person’s unique circumstances. As the country becomes increasingly racially and ethnically diverse, the influence of social determinants of health becomes more recognized, and mental illness and substance use rates rise, prioritizing whole-person care is imperative to improve health outcomes.
Colorado’s Commitment to Whole-Person Health
Colorado has established itself as a leader in advocating for and advancing whole-person health care.
Developing a Framework of Transformation and Reform
In 2012, a self-funded collaborative of payer organizations, including Rocky Mountain Health Plans, established the Colorado Multi-Payer Collaborative (MPC) with guidance, facilitation, and support from the Center for Evidence-Based Policy. In response to the federal Comprehensive Primary Care initiative requirements, the MPC developed a framework that informed the state’s primary care transformation and health care payment reform. Called the Framework for Integration of Whole-Person Care, it was the culmination of shared lessons in health care coordination and social supports, including behavioral health; collaborative work sessions of payers, primary and specialty care providers, and other stakeholders; and learnings from the 2014 publication, “The 10 Building Blocks of High-Performing Primary Care.”The voluntary association convened until 2021; however, its innovations prevail across Colorado practices today.
A Phased Approach to Evolving Support and Equitable Care
Research supports that Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage increases access to care, bolsters the use of medical and dental services, and improves health outcomes for program beneficiaries. As of February 2024, Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) covered nearly 1.3 million Coloradans.
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, which administers Health First Colorado and the Child Health Plan Plus program, recently published key initiatives to evolve social determinants of health support, improve whole-person health, and reduce health disparities. Phase three of the state’s Accountable Care Collaborative — in which Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) serve as the central role responsible for physical and behavioral care coordination, case management, and the overall health of Health First Colorado members — incorporates health-related social needs (HRSNs) support and member and provider incentives into RAE contracts to bolster whole-person health.
Empowering Individuals for a Healthier Tomorrow
At Rocky Mountain Health Plans, we proudly serve as the RAE for 22 counties. We champion whole-person health for all Coloradans, regardless of their background or circumstances, and collaboratively strive to build a system where the right care is delivered in the right place and at the right time and members are actively engaged in their care. We promote whole-person health by:
- Participating in the Accountable Health Communities Model and working with more than 70 clinical sites (including emergency departments, primary care providers, and local public health departments) to promote HRSN screening, community resource referrals, and navigation.
- Partnering with local community organizations specializing in mental and behavioral health treatment and support, including the Willow Collective and Building Hope.
- Supporting programs that remove barriers to integrated care and deliver innovative, coordinated care.
- Investing over $12 million to address social determinants of health, increase organizational capacity, facilitate transitions of care, and support members and enrollment organizations with the public health emergency sunset.
- Sharing testimonials of real Health First Colorado members who have become empowered by utilizing community resources afforded by their coverage, like transportation and translation services.
With these actions, we are not only addressing immediate health care needs but also laying the foundation for improved outcomes and a brighter, more resilient future for all Coloradans.
Our core values of health equity, whole-person health, supporting counties, innovation, and rural expertise drive our every action. Learn how we’re supporting our partners, colleagues, and neighbors by honoring and advancing these values.
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