Living in Colorado comes with its fair share of perks, but for many residents, affordable healthcare seems to pose a significant challenge. Fortunately, the state has made efforts to make healthcare accessible to all its residents, regardless of financial status. With Medicaid expansion, Colorado now offers low-cost or free healthcare coverage to thousands of citizens through a program called Health First Colorado. Here’s how you can go about accessing affordable healthcare in Colorado.
Understand the eligibility requirements
Health First Colorado, formerly referred to as Colorado Medicaid, is a public health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. To qualify for Health First Colorado, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:
– Being a resident of Colorado
– Being a United States citizen or a qualified non-citizen
– Meeting specific income requirements, with a maximum of 138% of the federal poverty level for adults (18-64) and 142% for pregnant women
– Not having enough access to affordable health insurance
Enroll in Health First Colorado
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can sign up for Health First Colorado. You can apply online through the Colorado PEAK website, in-person at the county human services department, or by mail. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a Health First Colorado card that will allow you to access medical care.
Choose a healthcare provider
With Health First Colorado, you can choose from a list of healthcare providers within the state. You can opt for a primary care provider from a medical clinic or a hospital. In some cases, you may need to obtain a referral from your primary care provider for certain medical services.
Under Health First Colorado, you’ll have access to various medical services, including regular check-ups, lab tests, emergency medical services, mental health treatment, prescription medication, and chronic disease management.
Enrolling in a health care plan
In addition to Health First Colorado, Colorado also offers Colorado Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), a low-cost health insurance program for children, teenagers, and pregnant women. Additionally, if you aren’t eligible for Health First Colorado, you can access an affordable healthcare plan through the state’s insurance marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado. Through the marketplace, you can compare different plans and find the one that meets your healthcare needs and budget.
Conclusion
The cost of healthcare shouldn’t prevent anyone from getting the medical services they need. Health First Colorado provides a safety net for individuals and families in Colorado, offering low-cost or free healthcare coverage to thousands of people. By understanding the eligibility requirements, enrolling in the program, and choosing a healthcare provider, you can access affordable healthcare services for you and your family.