The Colorado State Innovation Model (SIM) helps primary care practice sites and bidirectional health homes integrate behavioral health and primary care and test alternative payment models. The initiative, which was created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), helps progress along a continuum of integration to ensure better health outcomes at lower prices. Providers say the supports they receive through SIM will help them succeed in alternative payment models. In practical terms, SIM helps ensure that patients receive whole-person care from appropriate care providers at the right time in the right place. History Colorado will receive up to $65 million from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to implement and test its proposed model for healthcare innovation during its four-year timeline. Colorado’s plan, entitled “The Colorado Framework,” creates a system of clinic-based and public health supports to spur innovation. The state will improve the health of Coloradans by: 1) Providing access to integrated physical and behavioral health services in coordinated community systems 2) Applying value-based payment structures 3) Expanding information technology efforts, including telehealth 4) Finalizing a statewide plan to improve population health Learn more at www.coloradosim.org.