Quick Guide to the Colorado Community Health Worker Core Competencies

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) established the Community Health Worker (CHW) certification program to promote healthy behavior change and improve health outcomes in Colorado. CDPHE has adopted the umbrella term “Community Health Worker” for the workforce in Colorado, which includes roles such as promotores de salud/promatora, patient navigators, health navigators, and resource navigators.

This guide provides an overview of the Colorado CHW Core Competencies, training requirements, and certification process.

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Are CHW Core Competencies Required In Colorado?

Currently, Colorado as a voluntary CHW certification, but it’s not required. That may change in 2025. To become a certified CHW in Colorado, individuals must meet the certification requirements outlined in the Colorado CHW Core Competencies. These competencies are a critical component of the CHW certification program and are designed to ensure that CHWs have the necessary skills and knowledge to promote healthy behavior change and improve health outcomes in Colorado.

Medicare Reimbursement for CHWs

In addition to Medicaid reimbursement, CHWs may also be eligible for reimbursement under Medicare. Medicare has published new codes related to Community Health Integration (CHI) services, which may be used for reimbursement purposes. However, these codes are only available for Medicare and dually eligible patients, and not for Medicaid-only members.

Medicaid Reimbursement for CHWs

In May 2023, the Colorado Legislature passed Senate Bill 23-002, which adds community health worker services as a Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid) covered benefit starting on July 1, 2025. To qualify for reimbursement, CHWs must meet the requirements and be on the CDPHE registry. The procedure codes used for reimbursement will have a time limit associated with them, and HCPF is exploring the Self-Management Education codes (CPTs 98960-98962) as potential options for billing CHW services.

Training For Core CHW Competencies

To become a certified CHW in Colorado, individuals must complete a CDPHE recognized CHW training program that meets the Colorado Standards and Requirements for CDPHE’s Recognized Community Health Worker Training Programs. These training programs must be aligned with the Colorado CHW Core Competencies and provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to promote healthy behavior change and improve health outcomes in Colorado.

CHW Core Competencies for Colorado

The Colorado CHW Core Competencies include:

• Community Assessment, Engagement and Capacity Building
• Individual Assessment and Advocacy
• Effective Communication
• Cultural Responsiveness and Mediation
• Education to Promote Healthy Behavior Change
• Care Coordination
• Use of Public Health Concepts and Approaches
• Professional Skills and Conduct

Work Experience Pathway

CDPHE is currently developing an alternative work experience pathway for CHW certification. Individuals applying for the Community Health Worker credential through work experience will still need to complete and pass the state Community Health Worker Assessment.

Additional Resources

• Community Health Worker Workforce Development. Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. Available at: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/community-health-worker-workforce-development
• SB 23-002: Medicaid Reimbursement for Community Health Workers. Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing, FAQ Release. Available at: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/sites/hcpf/files/CHW%20FAQ%20Release%201%20(1).pdf
• State Community Health Worker Policies: Colorado. National Academy for State Health Policy. Available at: https://nashp.org/state-tracker/state-community-health-worker-policies/colorado/
• Colorado Community Health Worker Core Competencies. Available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pdi1Wwic3-x0qZM6wV4wWn9ypDqYFR2n/view