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.
My child is currently on Health First Colorado or Child Health Plan Plus. If I think I may qualify for Health First Colorado do I need to apply or will I be automatically enrolled?
You will need to complete an application even if your children are currently enrolled in Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) will. You can apply at any time. For more information visit How To Apply.
Is there an open enrollment period for Health First Colorado?
You can apply for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) at any time. Health First Colorado and CHP+ do not have open enrollment periods. Get more information on the How To Apply page.
I’m a Health First Colorado member and received a letter stating my eligibility was being redetermined. What does this mean?
The renewal process checks to see if you still qualify for Health First Colorado or Child Health Plus (CHP+). Some members will be automatically renewed based on information we have. Other members will need to go through the renewal process.
You will get a packet in the mail or in your PEAK mailbox several weeks before your renewal date. If any information is incorrect or missing, you need to fix it. If the packet asks for proof of income and resources, you need to send copies or upload them.
After you finish filling out the packet, sign it and send it back to your local county human services department by your renewal deadline. You can also complete the renewal packet online at CO.gov/PEAK or on the Health First Colorado app.
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.
I am a Health First Colorado member. What do I do if I am out-of-state and need to go to the doctor?
If you are temporarily out of the state but still a resident of Colorado, you may receive some Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) benefits under certain conditions:
- It is a medical emergency.
- Your health would be endangered if you were required to return to Colorado for the medical care/treatment.
- The health care provider that treats you must enroll in the Health First Colorado program. Health care providers can visit the For Our Providers page for more information.
If you have more questions about seeing a health care provider out of state, call the Member Contact Center.
How is Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) different from Health First Colorado?
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) is public low-cost health insurance for certain children and pregnant women. It is for people who earn too much to qualify for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program), but not enough to pay for private health insurance. See the Child Health Plan Plus page for more information.
How do I cancel my Health First Colorado coverage?
If your income has changed or you’ve moved out of Colorado since you applied for Health First Colorado it is important that you update the information we have on file for you. You can update your income, contact information, job information, and other information by logging on to your PEAK Account at Colorado.gov/PEAK to report a change. You can also report a change to your local County Human Services Office or a Medical Assistance Site in your community.
After you give us your updated information, we check to see if you still qualify for Health First Colorado.
- If you do still qualify for Health First Colorado then you do not have to do anything. Depending on your income, you can still qualify for Health First Colorado even if you have private health insurance through your employer. If you have both private health insurance and Health First Colorado, your private health plan will pay your medical costs first, and then what is left over may be covered by Health First Colorado. If you still qualify for Health First Colorado, but do not want Health First Colorado coverage, you can contact your local County Human Services Office and ask them to close your case.
- If you no longer qualify for Health First Colorado you will get a letter in the mail that states your Health First Colorado benefits are ending. The letter will tell you the date that your benefits will end as well as how you can appeal the decision if you do not agree.