Your Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) coverage and coronavirus (COVID-19)

UPDATED: March 26, 2020

This is a new and changing situation. Some things we say now may change later. We will update our information as the situation changes and we learn more.

For the latest information about coronavirus (COVID-19) in Colorado, please visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s website.

If you are a provider or case manager, please visit HCPF’s COVID-19 provider information page.

Your health and safety is our priority

Our members’ health and safety is our top priority. Health First Colorado is working with our government partners and all Health First Colorado doctors and providers to make sure our members will get the care they need.

We want all our members to know:

  • If you think you may have coronavirus (COVID-19) or think you’ve been exposed, you need to talk to your doctor (primary care provider) first. Do not go to your doctor’s office without calling first. If your doctor agrees that you may have coronavirus (COVID-19), they will place an order for you to get a test. You cannot get a test without a doctor’s order.
  • If you are not sure who your primary care provider is, call Health First Colorado Enrollment at 303-839-2120 or 888-367-6557 (State Relay 711) during regular business hours.
  • If you are a Health First Colorado member and not able to get in touch with your primary care provider or get an appointment, then call your regional organization during regular business hours. Find more about your regional organization at healthfirstcolorado.com/health-first-colorado-regional-organizations.
  • If you are a CHP+ member and not able to get in touch with your primary care provider or get an appointment, then call your health plan (managed care organization).
  • Another option if you have questions about your health is to call the Health First Colorado Nurse Advice Line. The Nurse Advice Line gives you free medical information and advice 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Talk to a nurse who will answer medical questions, give you care advice, and help you decide if you should see a provider right away. Call 800-283-3221.
  • Health First Colorado will cover testing for coronavirus (COVID-19). Members will not have co-pays for testing.

We will update this page when we have more information for our members about their Health First Colorado coverage.

Tips to protect our communities

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has the most accurate information about coronavirus (COVID-19) in Colorado and tips to protect our communities. Learn more on the CDPHE website.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment suggests that you:

  • Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you’re sick, and keep your children home if they are sick.
  • Clean surfaces in your home, and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household products.
  • Be calm and prepared. Learn more.
  • People who are not sick do not need face masks to protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. Ill people should wear a mask to protect family members or in any scenario where needed to prevent the spread of germs, when possible.

Answers to your questions

Jump to a section below:

How you can help

This is a time when we all need to do our part to protect our fellow Coloradans. Thank you to all who
are stepping up already. Some ways that you can help:

  • Post your photos of practicing social distancing or helping your neighbors with the hashtag #DoingMyPartCO to participate in our social media challenge.
  • Donate to COVID-19 Relief Fund at HelpColoradoNow.org
  • Sign up to volunteer at HelpColoradoNow.org
  • Donate blood; visit vitalant.org to find a location to donate near you.
  • Donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the state or your local public health
    department.

General questions about coronavirus (COVID-19)

  • Please go to covid19.colorado.gov for answers to your questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, spread, testing, cases in Colorado, and other general questions.

Getting care / Seeing a doctor

  • What should I do if I think I have the virus or have been exposed to somebody who tested positive?
    • Call your primary care provider (PCP) if you have questions about your symptoms or think you need to be seen.
    • If you aren’t sure if you need to go to the emergency room, urgent care or your PCP, call your PCP or the Health First Colorado Nurse Advice Line at 800-283-3221. This line gives you free medical information and advice 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The Nurse Advice Line is receiving many calls at this time, so please be patient if you are placed on hold. There is a long wait time, and you may have to leave your name and number to get a call back. 
    • If you believe you need immediate medical attention, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.
  • I’m not sure who my primary care provider (PCP) is. What should I do?
    • Every Health First Colorado and CHP+ member is assigned a PCP, but you can also see other Health First Colorado and CHP+ PCPs. If you aren’t sure who your PCP is, contact Health First Colorado Enrollment, your regional organization or your health plan (managed care organization).
  • What should I do if I’m not sure whether to go to the emergency room or urgent care?
    • If you aren’t sure if you need to go to the emergency room or urgent care, call the Nurse Advice Line. The Health First Colorado Nurse Advice Line gives you free medical information and advice 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Talk to a nurse who will answer medical questions, give you care advice, and help you decide if you should see a provider right away. Call 800-283-3221. The Nurse Advice Line is receiving many calls at this time, so please be patient if you are placed on hold. There is a long wait time, and you may have to leave your name and number to get a call back.
  • Will Health First Colorado cover testing for COVID-19?
    • Health First Colorado will cover testing for coronavirus (COVID-19). Members will not have co-pays for testing. Health First Colorado will cover treatment for members who need treatment. Most members who develop COVID-19 will get better recovering at home.  
  • Is telemedicine covered for people who are staying at home?
    • Members should check with their PCP to see if they can do telephone or video appointments. We are working on making telemedicine available for more of our members. We are posting current information and updates about telemedicine at colorado.gov/hcpf/telemedicine.
  • If I get sick while I’m traveling, will Health First Colorado cover my care in another state?
    • You may see a provider that is out of state if the provider accepts Health First Colorado and:
      • You are traveling or visiting another state in the United States and have an emergency
      • You would put your health in danger by going back to Colorado for care
    • If you are out of state and not sure if you need to see a doctor right away, call the Nurse Advice Line at 800-283-3221 (State Relay 711). The Nurse Advice Line is receiving many calls at this time, so please be patient if you are placed on hold. There is a long wait time, and you may have to leave your name and number to get a call back.
    • If you believe you need immediate medical attention, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.
  • This situation can be stressful. If you need professional and immediate support for any mental health, substance use or emotional concern, call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-TALK or text “TALK” to 38255 or chat online at coloradocrisisservices.org.

Prescriptions / Pharmacy

  • How can I make sure I get my needed medical supplies and prescriptions?
    • Have a plan in place. Talk with family members and loved ones about how you would be cared for if you got sick and what you will need in terms of medicines and care for you at home. Check your regular prescription drugs to make sure you have an adequate supply, and refill your prescriptions if needed.
    • Consider use of prescription delivery services or mail-order services if offered by your pharmacy. Some retail pharmacies are waiving delivery fees. Mail order pharmacies ship maintenance medications from the pharmacy directly to your home.
    • Pharmacies working under normal business operations will continue to fill prescriptions. You can call your pharmacy (or go to their website) to inquire about any changes with your prescriptions.
  • Can I get more than a 30 day supply of my prescription
    • Most medications for ongoing health conditions are covered for a 3-month supply. The best way to address your specific needs is to talk to your pharmacy.

In-home care

  • What happens if my home health worker gets sick?
    • Make sure your home care agency knows about the diagnosis and will send someone to clean areas of your home the attendant was in.
    • Use the hygiene and prevention steps listed here.
    • Work with your home care agency to make sure they find support for you. Contact your Case Management Agency for their help. A list of agencies by county is here (for those with an IDD) and here (non-IDD).
  • If I am diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19), should I tell my home health worker?
    • Call your PCP and contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at (303) 692-2700.
    • Call your home care agency to make sure they know about your diagnosis. Work with your home care agency to make sure they find support for you. Contact your Case Management Agency for their help. A list of agencies by county is here (for those with an IDD) and here (non-IDD). If you get sick and are diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19):
    • Use the hygiene and prevention steps listed here.

We are working with all Health First Colorado providers to make sure our members get the best care possible. Members with questions about their Home and Community-Based Services should contact their case manager.

Transportation

  • Am I still able to get a ride to the doctor (non-emergency medical transportation)? Will I be able to get a ride to the doctor or hospital if I have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms?
    • Members are able to use non-emergency medical transportation to get to medical appointments. Learn more at colorado.gov/hcpf/non-emergent-medical-transportation. When you request a ride and think you may have coronavirus (COVID-19), please say so.
    • If you have severe symptoms and think it is an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.

Applying for coverage / Maintaining benefits

  • I usually go to my county for help with my benefits. Is there something else I can do to get help while the virus is spreading?
    • Changes to your case and documents can be submitted through the PEAK website or the PEAKHealth mobile app and is received by the county to process; there is no need to be interviewed or submit documentation in-person. Because of the large volume of calls from members, there may be delays in reaching your county worker. We recommend making updates to your information using the PEAK website or PEAKHealth mobile app.
  • Will my application or redetermination be delayed?
    • Processing times for benefits may be impacted in certain situations; however, at this time, the majority of cases are processed within federally required timeframes.

Applications submitted online through PEAK are eligible to receive an immediate online determination without the need for a worker to review. Applicants are encouraged to use PEAK to receive a real time eligibility determination.

Didn’t see an answer to your question?

Let us know using this form, and we’ll do our best to answer the most common questions on our website.

Get the latest information

We will update this website with the latest information about your health care benefits. We are also updating our members by email, text message, and the PEAKHealth app. Go to CO.gov/PEAK and update your communication preferences to make sure you’re getting the latest information. Download PEAKHealth from the app store.