Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) is free or low cost public health insurance for Coloradans who qualify. 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 Overview to find out what Health First Colorado covers.
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 am a college student who does not live at home but my parents claim me as a tax dependent on their taxes. Do I need to include my parents’ income on my Medical Assistance application?
Yes. If you are a tax dependent of someone else, you need to include their income information on your application. If you do not know it, you will need to contact that person to get their income information.
How long will it take to find out if I qualify for Health First Colorado?
If you apply online through PEAK you may find out if you qualify immediately. If you apply by mail, it may take up to 45 days to find out if you qualify.
Are breast pumps covered?
Previously, Health First Colorado only covered breast pumps under specific circumstances related to infant hospitalization of at least 54 days.
This limited coverage policy ended on June 7, 2022.
- Pregnant members may receive a pump as early as the 28th week of pregnancy.
- Postpartum members may receive a pump at any time.
- Breast pumps must be prescribed by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
- Breast pumps must be provided by an approved supplier, which are often pharmacies.
- Both manual and electric breast pumps are covered.
If you do not qualify for a breast pump through Health First Colorado, you may be able to receive a breast pump from Colorado’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
How do I enroll my newborn in Health First Colorado?
If you are a woman enrolled in Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) when your baby is born, you can add your newborn to your case online by reporting a change through your PEAK account at Colorado.gov/PEAK, or using the Health First Colorado mobile app. Your baby will then be automatically enrolled in health coverage until his or her first birthday.
There is also an option to report the birth of your baby to your county of residence human services office or a Medical Assistance (MA) site case worker near you. Once your baby is added to your case and you have their State ID, you are able to take your baby to the doctor.
Can I get help for depression?
Mental and behavioral health services are available to Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members. Contact your primary care provider or regional organization to get connected to behavioral health services.
Can I get transportation to my appointments?
Free Non-Emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT) is available if you have no other means of transportation to get to and/or from health appointments for Health First Colorado-covered services. See the Non-Emergent Medical Transportation page for details.
Can I get help to quit smoking?
- Contact the Colorado QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free coaching and support.
- Talk with your health care provider about the benefits and risks of taking smoking cessation medications while you are pregnant. Health First Colorado covers two 90-day courses of smoking cessation medication with counseling to help you quit.