Colorado's Medicaid system has made significant changes to how peer support services are reimbursed. While these updates don't change the value of peer support, they do change how organizations are able to bill for it, which affects hiring, service delivery, and long-term workforce planning.
Beginning in 2025, the state narrowed the Medicaid services that can be billed when delivered by Peer Support Professionals. Organizations are now generally limited to billing for Self-Help/Peer Services (H0038) and Behavioral Health Outreach (H0023). In addition, only certain provider types, such as Recovery Support Services Organizations (RSSOs), Substance Use Disorder clinics, and Comprehensive Safety Net Providers, may bill Medicaid for peer-delivered services.
So what does this mean for Certified Peer & Family Specialists (CPFS)?
For many peers, your day-to-day work may not change at all. However, employers may be adjusting documentation requirements, workflows, or even restructuring programs to align with the new Medicaid billing rules. Some organizations have expanded services outside of Medicaid funding, while others are pursuing RSSO enrollment or modifying how peer roles fit within multidisciplinary teams.
The good news is that Colorado continues to recognize peer support as an evidence-based, essential part of behavioral healthcare. Demand for qualified CPFS professionals remains strong across behavioral health, recovery, hospitals, justice systems, and community organizations. As Medicaid evolves, peers who stay informed, maintain their credentials, and understand the funding landscape will be well-positioned to lead the profession forward.
Bottom line: These changes are about how services are funded, not whether peer support matters. Our lived experience remains one of the most valuable tools in Colorado's behavioral health system. The paperwork simply found another way to make itself the main character.
