Colorado Selected for Federal CCBHC Medicaid Program to Expand Addiction Treatment Access
Colorado joins 10 states in the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program, bringing enhanced federal funding for comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
Colorado has been selected to participate in the federal Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program, a move that will significantly expand access to addiction treatment and mental health services across the state. The announcement, made May 28, 2026, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), positions Colorado among 10 new states joining the program.
What the Selection Means for Colorado
The CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration provides states with sustainable funding to expand access to comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Unlike time-limited grant funding, this Medicaid-based model offers ongoing financial support through a prospective payment system designed to cover the full cost of providing comprehensive behavioral health services.
For Colorado residents seeking addiction treatment, the program promises tangible improvements in access and coordination of care. CCBHCs are required to provide 24/7 crisis services, timely outpatient care, and a comprehensive range of services with care coordination—regardless of a patient's ability to pay, residence, or age.
"Every American deserves access to effective mental health and addiction treatment," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in the announcement. "By bringing 10 new states into the CCBHC Demonstration Program, we are expanding coordinated treatment services in communities across the country."
Services Available Through CCBHCs
The CCBHC model standardizes quality expectations and requires clinics to offer a comprehensive suite of services:
- 24/7 crisis care for mental health and substance use emergencies
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid and alcohol use disorders
- Outpatient mental health and substance use services
- Care coordination to connect patients with housing, employment, and other social services
- Peer support and recovery services
- Developmentally appropriate services for children and youth
Importantly, CCBHCs must serve anyone seeking care, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. This requirement addresses a significant barrier for many Coloradans who have previously struggled to access treatment due to financial constraints.
The Road to Implementation
Colorado's participation follows a year-long planning phase funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). During this period, the state worked to certify clinics as CCBHCs, establish prospective payment systems for Medicaid services, and prepare its application for the four-year demonstration program.
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) submitted the state's application on March 31, 2026. Senator Michael Bennet and Senator John Hickenlooper, who have championed behavioral health funding through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, celebrated the announcement.
"These community clinics, funded through our Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, will help make behavioral health and addiction treatment more accessible to more Coloradans," Senator Bennet said in a statement.
Context: A Growing National Model
Since the CCBHC program launched in 2017 with 66 clinics across eight states, it has grown substantially. Today, more than 500 CCBHCs operate in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. With this latest expansion, 31 states will support the CCBHC model through their Medicaid programs.
The program aligns with the federal Great American Recovery Initiative, a national response to addiction that emphasizes coordination across government, healthcare, faith communities, and the private sector.
"CCBHCs are an integral part of our work to achieve the Great American Recovery by making addiction care accessible for anyone who is ready to get help," said White House Senior Advisor for Addiction Recovery Kathryn Burgum. "These comprehensive clinics provide or arrange a full continuum of services for the chronic disease of addiction."
What This Means for Families
For Colorado families navigating addiction, the CCBHC model offers several practical advantages:
Simplified access: Instead of coordinating care across multiple providers, families can access comprehensive services through a single clinic.
Crisis support: 24/7 crisis services mean help is available during emergencies, not just during business hours.
No wrong door: CCBHCs must serve anyone who seeks care, including those without insurance or with limited financial resources.
Care coordination: Clinics help connect patients with housing, employment, transportation, and other services that support long-term recovery.
Looking Ahead
Colorado's participation in the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration represents a significant investment in the state's behavioral health infrastructure. The four-year demonstration period will provide valuable data on the effectiveness of this integrated care model in expanding access and improving outcomes.
For families currently seeking treatment, the expansion means more options and better-coordinated care. As CCBHCs become operational across Colorado, residents can expect improved access to evidence-based addiction treatment, including medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, counseling services, and recovery support.
The program also addresses workforce challenges by providing sustainable funding that allows clinics to recruit and retain qualified behavioral health professionals—a critical need in Colorado and nationwide.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit FindTreatment.gov to locate a treatment facility near you.
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