- If you do not have SSI or SSDI, and you want to apply for a Health First Colorado program that requires a disability determination
- If you do not have SSI or SSDI, and you are 65 or older, and re applying for a Medicaid Buy-In program and
- If your SSDI ended due to your work activity and you have Medicaid Buy-In (Buy-in programs are for members/applicants that do not meet income eligibility requirements) but may qualify for buying into Health First Colorado programs with a monthly premium payment.
I’m not a Health First Colorado member yet. What do I need to do?
Complete a Health First Colorado application online or contact your county to apply.
If you believe you may have a qualifying disability, please also complete the disability application. The disability application and release must be signed in ink. If you are unable to sign the application in ink, you can authorize a designated representative to sign it for you. The disability application explains how to authorize someone to sign for you.
I’m already a Health First Colorado member but not on a program that requires a disability determination. Do I need to complete a disability application if I feel I have a disability?
Yes, unless you are already receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).
If you are not already receiving SSI or SSDI, the disability portions of the Health First Colorado application must be completed, signed and dated. If you did not fill out this part of the application when you applied before, you need to do it now. Contact your county department of human services.
Who decides if I qualify for benefits and services for my disability?
Arbor E&T LLC dba Action Review Group (ARG) is the contractor that helps Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) make disability determinations on behalf of the state. They are part of the process that decides if a Health First Colorado member or applicant qualifies for benefits and services for a disability. ARG is only responsible for the disability determination portion of the application.
I already receive help from SSI or SSDI. Do I need to complete a disability application?
No. If you are already receiving SSI or SSDI, you do not need to complete the disability application.
- If you are already a Health First Colorado member, please make sure to let us know you are receiving SSI and SSDI. Report this information to your county or through Colorado.gov/PEAK.
- If you are not already a Health First Colorado member, please complete the Health First Colorado application. You do not have to complete the separate disability application.
How do I get help using the PEAK website?
If you need help with a technical issue on the Colorado.gov/PEAK website, such as password resets, error messages, or problems with navigation, call the PEAK Technical Support Call Center at 1-800-250-7741.
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Note: The PEAK Technical Support Call Center is closed on state holidays.
What is pre-authorization and why do I need it?
Some Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) services and benefits require a health care provider to complete a form or make a phone call that gives permission to get extra services and supplies if you have a special health care need. If you have questions about pre-authorization, contact your health care provider or the Member Contact Center.
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 can I check the status of my Health First Colorado application?
If you applied for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), you can check your application status online through Colorado PEAK.
Even if you applied by mail, in-person, or over the phone, you can still create a Colorado PEAK account and find out the status of your application online. It may take up to 45 days — or up to 90 days if the application requires a disability determination — from the date your application was received for a case number to be assigned to you. Once you are assigned a case number, you can check your status and benefits online through Colorado PEAK. Get more information about your case number and where to find it.
What is a disability determination?
A disability determination checks to see if an individual’s medical condition qualifies them for benefits and services for a disability.