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.

• 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 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

• 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 being rolled 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

On April 2, 2021, Colorado moved into Phase 2 of vaccine distribution, opening vaccine eligibility to the general public age 16 and over. It’s going to take some time to get the vaccine to all Coloradans who want to be vaccinated. Patience will be key. Some may be able to schedule an appointment for next week. For others, it may take a few weeks.

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

CDPHE has a listing to help find a vaccine location near you. Contact your primary care provider, regional organization or Managed Care Organization (MCO) if you need help figuring out when and where to get vaccinated.

Scheduling and Transportation

Health First Colorado will help Health First Colorado members schedule a ride to their doctor’s office or vaccination site, or reimburse them for one, if needed.

The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine requires one dose. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses. Pfizer doses should be given 21 days apart and Moderna doses should be given 28 days apart. If you get a two dose vaccine, be sure to schedule your appointment to get the second dose.

Children, Pregnancy, and Other Risk Factors

The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people who are age 16 and older. The Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines are authorized for adults 18 and up. Contact your primary care provider, regional organization or Managed Care Organization (MCO) if you need help figuring out when and where to get vaccinated.

If you are under age 16, 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

Your primary care provider, regional organization or Managed Care Organization (MCO) can help you figure 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.

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

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.
• 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
• 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.
• On April 2, 2021, Colorado moved into Phase 2 of vaccine distribution, opening vaccine eligibility to the general public age 16 and over. It’s going to take some time to get the vaccine to all Coloradans who want to be vaccinated. Patience will be key. Some may be able to schedule an appointment for next week. For others, it may take a few weeks.
• 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.
• If you are under age 16, 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.
• 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