We Accept Medicaid in Colorado

Health First Colorado is Colorado's Medicaid program. It provides public health coverage to eligible Coloradans, including children, families, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities. Benefits can include doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital care, behavioral health care, and certain long-term services and supports. Eligibility and covered benefits depend on the member's individual situation and program.

Colorado Medicaid eligibility depends on factors such as household size, income, age, pregnancy, disability, and immigration or citizenship status. People seeking long-term care may also need a medical or functional assessment and may be subject to asset rules. Because limits and program rules can change, use our free eligibility check or confirm current requirements through Health First Colorado.

Yes, Health First Colorado can cover eligible home health and in-home support services. Depending on medical need and program eligibility, this may include skilled nursing, therapy, personal care, help with daily activities, and other services that support living safely at home. A care assessment and an order or authorization may be required before services begin. Explore our Colorado home care services.

HCBS waivers are Medicaid programs that can provide long-term services in a person's home or community instead of an institution. Colorado has different waivers for older adults, people with disabilities, people with brain injuries, and people with developmental disabilities. Each waiver has its own eligibility criteria, assessment process, covered services, and availability. A local case management agency helps determine the appropriate program.

Adult day services may be covered for eligible Health First Colorado members through certain long-term care programs or waivers. Covered support can include supervision, activities, meals, personal care, and health-related services in a structured daytime setting. Coverage depends on the member's program, assessed needs, and service authorization. Learn about our adult day care program.

Health First Colorado can cover medically necessary skilled nursing in the home and care in a nursing facility for eligible members. In-home skilled care generally must be ordered by an authorized medical provider and delivered by a qualified agency. The exact amount and type of care are based on an assessment, plan of care, and any required authorization. Visit 2nd Home Skilled Care to discuss available services.

Health First Colorado covers many medically necessary supplies and types of durable medical equipment. Examples may include mobility equipment, respiratory supplies, diabetic supplies, and certain home-use equipment. The item must meet benefit rules, and a prescription, documentation of medical need, or prior authorization may be required. Our medical supplies team can help check coverage for a specific item.

Health First Colorado includes a pharmacy benefit for covered prescription medicines filled by participating pharmacies. A medication's coverage may depend on the preferred drug list, quantity limits, step therapy, or prior authorization. Bring identification and your member information when filling a prescription. Contact 2nd Home Pharmacy for help checking a prescription.

You can apply for Health First Colorado at any time; there is no limited annual enrollment period. Apply online through Colorado PEAK, by phone, by mail, or through your county human services office. Our eligibility form is a request for assistance, not the official state application. We can help you understand the next steps, while the State of Colorado makes the final eligibility decision.

Applicants are commonly asked for household members' names and birth dates, Social Security numbers when available, income and employment details, information about other health coverage, and immigration documents when applicable. Long-term care applications may require additional financial and medical information. Do not delay applying solely because one document is missing; the state will explain what else it needs to complete the review.

Health First Colorado states that a standard application can take up to 45 days to process, or up to 90 days when a disability determination is required. Actual timing varies based on the application and whether more information is needed. You can check your application status through Colorado PEAK. These timeframes are state guidelines, not a promise of approval or a guaranteed completion date.

Member costs depend on the Health First Colorado benefit, eligibility category, and care setting. Many covered services have little or no member cost, while some long-term care programs can require an income-based payment. Coverage must be confirmed before care begins. We can check whether we accept your coverage for the service you need and explain any known member responsibility.

Yes. Some Coloradans qualify for both Medicare and Health First Colorado. These members are often called “dual eligible.” Medicare generally pays first for Medicare-covered care, and Medicaid may help with certain premiums, cost sharing, and services Medicare does not cover, depending on eligibility. Tell us about both coverages so the care team can verify benefits correctly.

Start with our free eligibility check or call +1 (720) 281-1536. We will ask a few basic questions, help you identify the right next step, and explain what information may be needed. There is no obligation. The State of Colorado makes eligibility decisions, and coverage for a specific service must be verified.