Federal law requires states to operate an Estate Recovery Program to help pay for the costs of their Medicaid program. We recover medical assistance payments paid on behalf of former Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members from their estates. We may only recover medical assistance costs from the estates of members who received services in an institutionalized setting or for the cost of services received by members who were age 55 and older. The law also provides exceptions to estate recovery and the ability to compromise claims.
What long-term care services are offered by Health First Colorado?
Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) offers services including nursing facility care and Home and Community-Based Services where medical providers come into the home to render the necessary services to keep a disabled or aged individual from being placed in a nursing facility or hospital. See the Long-Term Services and Supports Programs and Benefits & Services pages for more information.
What happens to my managed care plan enrollment if I lose and regain Health First Colorado?
If you lose Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) and then get it back within 60 days, Health First Colorado will keep you enrolled in the managed care plan you had before you lost it. If you lose coverage and it takes longer than 60 days to get it back, you may have to re-enroll in the plan you had before you lost coverage.
To enroll in a Health First Colorado managed care plan, visit enroll.healthfirstcolorado.com or call Health First Colorado Enrollment at 303-839-2120 (in Denver) or 1-888-367-6557 (outside of Denver). Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed state holidays). Note: The Health First Colorado Enrollment number is not for information on benefits or to find out if you qualify.
Which doctors take Health First Colorado?
Many types of doctors take Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program). Health First Colorado can cover your doctor visits, emergency care, preventive care such as screenings and immunizations, and other procedures and treatments.
See the Benefits & Services page for benefit details and see the Find Doctors & Providers page to search for specific doctors or other medical providers in your area.
I am enrolled in a veteran’s (VA) health care program. Can I also be enrolled in Health First Colorado?
Yes. Veterans who qualify can have both VA health care program coverage and Health First Colorado. To find out if you and your family qualify for Medicaid see How To Apply.
How do I get behavioral health services?
If you need mental health and/or substance use disorder services, contact your Regional Organization.
I was told Health First Colorado pays for services only after other types of coverage pay first. What are some of the other types of coverage that pay for my services before Health First Colorado?
Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) is the payer of last resort in most situations. This means Health First Colorado pays for services only after any other coverage you may have pays first. If you have health coverage other than Health First Colorado, you should report that information to us. You can report other health coverage at Colorado.gov/PEAK.
The following types of coverage may be required to pay for your services before Health First Colorado:
- Employer-sponsored insurance
- Workers’ compensation
- Medicare
- COBRA
- Veteran’s (VA) health care program
- Casualty insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Pharmacy insurance
I suspect that someone I know may be involved with Health First Colorado fraud. What should I do?
If you suspect someone of Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) member fraud, please report it to us.
I suspect that my doctor may be involved with Health First Colorado fraud. What should I do?
If you suspect your doctor, medical equipment provider, or any other Medicaid provider of fraud, please report it to us.
Are there co-pays or enrollment fees for Health First Colorado?
Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) does not have an enrollment fee, but in some circumstances co-pays may be required. Health First Colorado members who are pregnant, living in a nursing facility, or age 18 and younger do not have to pay co-pays. For more information on co-pays, visit the Benefits and Services Overview page.