COVID-19 information for members

This website 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.

• Wear a mask when you must go out.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others.
• Add Exposure Notifications to your phone.

Other programs and services

COVID-19 has created hardships for many people. If you have Health First Colorado, 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

• 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

Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep Colorado safe during this pandemic. While COVID vaccines are beginning to roll out, it’s important that we all continue to wash our hands, wear our masks and maintain 6-feet of physical distance from those outside our households.

Phases

The supply of COVID vaccines may be limited for several months. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) has created a phased plan for when people will get the vaccine. It’s based on people’s risk of serious complications and death from the virus.

The majority of phase 1A recipients will receive the vaccine through their employer, local public health agency or their long-term care facility. CDPHE will provide more information about where phase 2 and phase 3 recipients can get their vaccines when those phases are activated.

Cost

When it is your turn, the vaccine will be free for Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members. There will be no charge for the office visit or co-pays, either.

Locations

If you are in phases 1A or 1B, including health care workers and people age 70 and older, CDPHE has a listing to help find a vaccine location near you.

Scheduling and Transportation

Health First Colorado will even help you schedule a ride to your doctor’s office, or reimburse you for one, if needed.

The two available vaccines each require two doses to maximize your body’s ability to create antibodies against the virus. The Pfizer vaccine requires the second dose 21 days later. The Moderna vaccine requires the second dose 28 days later. When you get your first vaccine, be sure to schedule your appointment to get the second dose.

Children, Pregnancy, and Other Risk Factors

The Pfizer vaccine is recommended for people age 16 and older, and the Moderna vaccine is recommended for those age 18 and older.

If you are under age 18, pregnant, breastfeeding, or have other risk factors or concerns, talk with your doctor about whether you should be vaccinated. You can learn more at covid19.colorado.gov/higher-risk-severe-illness.

Additional Resources

Contact your primary care provider or regional organization if you need help figuring out when and where to get vaccinated.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, where to get it, safety information and more, visit the Centers for Disease Control website and CDPHE website, or call 1-877-COVAXCO. For information about your Health First Colorado or CHP+ benefits related to COVID-19 and vaccines, visit HealthFirstColorado.com/covid.

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.

Find a testing site

Find a COVID-19 test: 

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

Go to a free community testing site.

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
• Not able 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.
• It will take a few months until everyone can get a vaccine due to limited supply. See who will get the vaccine first, including people who live in nursing homes and frontline medical workers.
• Most people who get the vaccine early will get it from their employer, local public health agency, or at their nursing home or assisted care facility.
• 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.
• No vaccine is approved for children or pregnant women right now.
• 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

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a public health emergency. This means we can keep your health care coverage active, even if you no longer qualify. The federal government will end the public health emergency declaration. When this happens, we will check again to see if you still qualify for your coverage.

Right now, the public health emergency declaration is set to end on Apr. 20th. The federal government may extend it further. That means we are keeping all our members’ coverage active until at least Apr. 20. 

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