Health First Colorado and Medical Assistance

Health First Colorado

Adams County Community Support Services: 720.523.2800.

Medicaid in Colorado is known as Health First Colorado. Health First Colorado is a public health assistance program for Coloradans who qualify. Children; pregnant women; parents and caretakers; people with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities; and adults can all potentially qualify. 

Eligibility requirements can be complex. To see if you qualify or to apply, visit Colorado PEAK. In some cases, eligibility can be determined immediately upon completion of your application. 

For more information on Health First Colorado, please visit their website. 

There are a variety of Programs and services available within the Health First Colorado program. Some important programs are highlighted below. To see a more comprehensive list of programs, visit their Program Snapshots page.

Long-Term Care Programs

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
Home and Community-Based Services are for elderly, physically handicapped, or blind adults who can be cared for in their own home. These benefits can help you remain in your home and community. 

Children's Home and Community-Based Service (CHCBS)
The Children's Home and Community-Based Services Waiver (CHCHS) provides a home or community-based alternative to children with significant medical needs who are at risk for acute hospital or skilled nursing facility placement. 

Rocky Mountain Human Services: 303.636.5600
Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS) is the Case Management Agency designated for Adams County. RMHS determines the functional eligibility for participation in HCBS, while Adams County Human Services determines financial eligibility. HCBS has extra program rules, and some programs may have waitlists. 

Nursing Home

Provides Health First Colorado to individuals institutionalized (for 30 days or more) in certified hospitals, nursing homes, and/or in rehabilitation facilities. Income and resource guidelines must be met.

Medicare Savings Programs

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) are a group of programs Colorado residents can apply for if they have Medicare. Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) help people with limited income and resources pay for some or all of their Medicare premiums and may also pay their Medicare deductibles and coinsurance. In some cases, MSP may also pay Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) deductibles and co-insurance. Medicare Buy-In is one of the benefits of the Medicare Savings Programs.

These programs include:
•    Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
•    Qualified Individuals (QI)
•    Special Low Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB)
•    Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI)

Income and resource guidelines must be met. For eligibility details for these programs, please visit the Adults Programs page.

Child Health Plan Plus  (CHP+)

Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) is public, low-cost health insurance for certain children and pregnant women. It is for people who earn too much to qualify for Health First Colorado, but not enough to pay for private health insurance.

For additional details and eligibility criteria please visit the Children's Programs page.

Emergency Medicaid Services (EMS)

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) benefit covers family planning and emergency services for people who qualify for Health First Colorado, but do not meet immigration or citizenship requirements. EMS is a limited benefit that does not cover all medical services. 

For additional details and eligibility criteria please visit the Adults Programs page.

You can apply for all of these programs and more by visiting Colorado PEAK.