COVID-19 information for members

This webpage is for members of Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). Find information here about testing, treatment, your coverage and getting health care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you’re looking for information about COVID-19 in Colorado and Colorado’s COVID-19 response, please visit covid19.colorado.gov.

Be safe

Our members’ safety is our top priority. Do what you can to stay safe.

• Mask wearing is an effective tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask to lower their risk of getting COVID-19 is encouraged to do so, especially in areas with higher COVID-19 levels. Wearing a mask is especially important if you are not up to date with your vaccinations.
• Add Exposure Notifications to your phone.
• Learn how to get free COVID-19 at-home testing kits.

Other programs and services

COVID-19 has created hardships for many people. If you have Health First Colorado or CHP+, you may be able to get help from other programs and services. 

• Apply for programs such as food assistance, cash assistance and child care assistance at colorado.gov/PEAK.

Resources for Coloradans

• Information for Families During the Formula Shortage
• Food resources during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Keep your heat on. Get help paying your energy bill.
• Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance.
• Download a list of other programs and services.

COVID-19 vaccines

People age six months or older can now get a vaccine. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or prove lawful presence to get vaccinated.

The vaccine is free. There is no charge for the office visit or co-pays.

Contact your primary care provider, regional organization or Managed Care Organization (MCO) if you need help figuring out when and where to get vaccinated.

Need Transportation?

• Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) helps members schedule a ride to get the vaccine, or reimburse them for one.
• Mile High United Way’s Ride United program also gives free rides (up to 25 miles each way) to get the vaccine across Colorado. Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211colorado.org to learn more.
• Find a mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinic in your community. Sign up for an appointment at mobilevax.us/clinics.

For information about the COVID-19 vaccine, where to get it, safety information and more, visit the Centers for Disease Control website and CDPHE website.

For information about your Health First Colorado or CHP+ benefits related to COVID-19 and vaccines, visit HealthFirstColorado.com/covid.

Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep Colorado safe during this pandemic.

COVID-19 testing for members

COVID-19 testing is covered by Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and CHP+. If you get a test from a Health First Colorado or CHP+ enrolled provider, your COVID-19 test is free.

At-home testing

• Get free at-home COVID-19 testing kits at a local pharmacy.

Find a testing site

There are a few ways to find a COVID-19 test, including:

• Call your primary care provider or health plan.
• Search for a testing site near you.

COVID-19 treatment is covered for Health First Colorado and CHP+ members.

If you are sick or your test shows you have COVID-19

• If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.
• Stay home except to get medical care.
• Separate yourself from other people.
• Monitor your symptoms.
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor.
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth if you must be around other people.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Clean your hands often.
• Avoid sharing personal household items.
• Clean all high-touch surfaces everyday.

Learn more about what to do if you are sick

COVID-19 treatment for members

COVID-19 treatment is covered by Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and CHP+. Contact your doctor or clinic to get treated for COVID-19. Find your primary care provider or health plan’s phone number on your member ID card.

COVID-19 emergency treatment for members

Emergency treatment is covered. Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency room.

Seek emergency care immediately if you have:

• Trouble breathing
• Pain or pressure in the chest that doesn’t go away
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

Call your primary care provider or health plan for other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

COVID-19 vaccines for adults

Learn about the COVID-19 vaccine in Colorado.

• Vaccines are free for Health First Colorado and CHP+ members.
• All Coloradans 12 and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine, and all Coloradans 18 and older are eligible to receive the Moderna or Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. Anyone younger than 12 years old should not get a vaccine unless they are enrolled in a clinical trial.
• You don’t need to be a citizen to get a vaccine. Your information won’t be shared with anyone, including immigration or law enforcement agency.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding people may choose to be vaccinated. Talking to a health care provider may help with deciding whether to get the vaccine, but it is not required for vaccination. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy, see CDPHE’s Pregnancy and breastfeeding FAQ.
• Getting a vaccine will help protect people around you too.
• Vaccines are a step in the right direction, but we will still have to do things like wear masks and stay away from others for awhile.

Vaccine safety

Learn about COVID-19 vaccine safety.

Your eligibility for health care coverage

Members covered by Health First Colorado

• We’re keeping you covered until the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
• Even if your income goes up, you can keep your coverage.
• If you move out of state, your Colorado coverage will end and you can apply for coverage in your new home state.

Members covered by CHP+

• CHP+ coverage will end when CHP+ members turn 19 like usual.
• CHP+ coverage will end when a CHP+ member with pregnancy coverage is 60 days postpartum like usual.
• We’re keeping all other CHP+ members covered until the end of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Even if your income goes up, you can keep your coverage.

Updating your information

• You will still get your annual renewal packet and other letters in the mail asking you to update your information.
• You still have to complete your annual renewal and keep your information up-to-date.
• Please send us any changes to your information, so we can keep your case updated.
• We’re keeping you covered even if you no longer qualify.

When we’ll check again if you qualify

The federal government has extended the public health emergency declaration. That means we are keeping all our members’ coverage active until the federal government declares an end to the public health emergency.

How to stop your coverage if you have new health insurance

If you have new health insurance and don’t need your Health First Colorado or CHP+ coverage anymore, you can stop your coverage.

• On PEAK: colorado.gov/PEAK
• By phone: Call your county department of human or social services, or your medical assistance site. Let them know you want to stop your coverage.

Getting health care safely during COVID-19

Don’t put off your health care needs. If you need care, get it. Doctor and dentist offices are following guidelines to keep you protected.

Phone and video visits (telemedicine)

Phone and video visits are covered for all Health First Colorado and CHP+ members. Check with your provider to see if they do phone or video visits. You can use phone and video visits for routine medical care, therapy and other visits.

Information and fun for kids and parents

Learn about health care during COVID-19 as a family.

• What’s it like to go to the dentist? Read this story with your child to get ready for their visit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click on it to download or save to your device.

• Did you know it’s even more important now to get your flu shot and regular childhood shots? Staying healthy by getting vaccines for other illnesses can help by keeping you out of the doctor’s office or hospital. Download our coloring sheets and be a Public Health Hero!
  

Coloring Sheet 1 – JPG / PDF

Coloring Sheet 2 – JPG / PDF