Medicaid Data Analysis

Heath First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) is the largest single health care insurer in the state. The program’s claims data can provide insights into health care delivery issues, from providing telemedicine to more effective models of care for youth in the child welfare system.

The Farley Center works with the Colorado Departments of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to answer complex questions and act as a technical support resource.

In one project, Farley Center researchers examined patterns of health care cost and utilization among Health First Colorado members who were concurrently enrolled in the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Findings suggested children 18 and younger who were concurrently enrolled in Health First Colorado and SNAP showed significant decreases in health care costs. Among adults, longer sustained participation in SNAP was associated with lower total cost of care, whereas adults with only recent SNAP participation experienced higher costs of care. Other projects have resulted in actionable guidance to support or adjust programs for Colorado Medicaid members.

As HCPF begins to develop the next phase of the Accountable Care Collaborative, its primary delivery model, the Farley Center’s work will provide a better understanding of both the needs of the foster care population and of a benefit designed to increase access to behavioral health. Such insights will help state agencies optimize care for children and families.

7 Published briefs to help state agencies optimize care for children and families