FAQs

Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to those who meet eligibility requirements. Medicaid in Colorado is now called Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program).

Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) is a public health program that offers low-cost health and dental insurance for Colorado’s uninsured children and pregnant women who qualify. Click here to learn about Child Health Plan Plus.

Visit colorado.gov/peak to see if you qualify and to submit your application.

See if you may qualify for Health First Colorado.

If you are approved for Health First Colorado, the State of Colorado will assign you a Primary Care Medical Provider (PCMP). You can choose another participating primary care provider at any time by calling Health First Colorado Enrollment. If you live in the Denver/Boulder area, Kaiser Permanente may be available as a Primary Care Medical Provider.

If you are approved for CHP+, the State of Colorado will automatically assign you to a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Kaiser Permanente is an HMO for CHP+ in the Denver/Boulder area. To select Kaiser Permanente as your HMO, call Health First Colorado Enrollment at 303-839-2120303-839-2120 within 90 days of CHP+ enrollment.

Visit colorado.gov/peak to start your application process. This is the fastest, easiest way to apply – most applicants will find out immediately if they qualify, and you can check the status of your application online.

Learn more about the Health First Colorado application process.

You can apply any time during the year – there is no deadline. When you’re declared eligible for Health First Colorado, in most cases, you may be able to get Health First Colorado coverage right away.

Learn more about the Health First Colorado enrollment process.

Check the status of your application online through colorado.gov/peak, even if you applied by mail, in-person, or by phone. You’ll need to create a free Colorado PEAK account to check this. Or, you can contact the Local County Services Office where it was turned in.

Once the state determines you are eligible for Health First Colorado, you’ll get a Health First Colorado ID card and can begin using your Health First Colorado benefits.

If you’ve been turned down for Health First Colorado, you might still be eligible for federal financial assistance. Visit www.connectforhealthco.com to choose health coverage that meets your family’s needs.

Yes, families may find that only their children qualify for Health First Colorado coverage, or qualify for the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program.

Please apply online at colorado.gov/peak or contact your Local County Services Office, or call the customer contact center at 1-800-221-39431-800-221-3943 to apply over the phone.

Most individuals who qualify for Health First Colorado will have no monthly premium, no copay, and no out-of-pocket cost for most covered services.

CHP+ members may have to pay small annual enrollment fees and/or small copayments for services and prescriptions.

Health First Colorado and Connect for Health Colorado both offer health coverage.  If you qualify for Health First Colorado, your health care will be free or at a lower cost to you and your eligible family members and you are not eligible to get financial assistance on a Connect for Health Colorado health plan.

Families may find that their children qualify for Health First Colorado or CHP+ coverage while the parents qualify to receive financial assistance on a Connect for Health Colorado health plan.