The Department is committed to improving the health of our clients, staff and community.  Our focus on healthy living extends from healthy development during infancy and childhood through the life span to healthy aging.  Our health improvement efforts are based in an understanding of the social determinants of health, and the importance of building healthy communities.   Information for Providers and Stakeholders

The information below will help you and your family stay healthy. 

Your health depends on good communication.  Asking questions and providing information to your doctors and other providers can improve your health care.

 

• Involvement In Your Own Health Care Resource

• Tools and Tips for Communicating with Your Provider

 

Dental Care

It is important to take your child to the dentist by one year of age, and get dental checkups as recommended by your dentist.  Medicaid and CHP+ benefits cover these visits for children.

 

Find a Medicaid or CHP+ Provider

 

For information on how to take care of your child's teeth:  Cavity Free at Three Videos

 

For guidance about taking your child to the dentist:  American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

  

Depression Services

As a Medicaid client, your child (ages 11-20), can receive screening for depression annually, or sooner if you have concerns.  It is important to identify problems early and get appropriate referrals and treatment. 

 

To locate your mental health provider:

 

• Medicaid clients contact your Behavioral Health Organization (BHO)

• CHP+ members do not need a doctor's referral for mental health services.  Members should call their HMO directly for an appointment.

 

If you need mental health services call:

 

• Your provider or, in an emergency, call the Metro Crisis Line at 888-885-1222.

• If you or someone you know is at risk for suicide, please call 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).  This is the Colorado Lifeline - a 24 hour crisis line for depression/suicide.

 

If you are worried about depression answer these questions.  It may be helpful to take this to your next appointment with your health care provider.

 

Patient Questions (English)  

Patient Questions (Spanish)

 

Mental Health Wellness Campaign Information (10x10 Wellness Campaign)

  

Avoiding Obesity

It is important to get your height and weight checked at every provider visit.  This will tell you about your Body Mass Index (BMI) and this is important information for you and your provider.

 

• Free information about healthy eating and how to plan, shop and cook healthy meals

• Free information about exercising and controlling your weight

• Understanding your Body Mass Index (a measure of obesity)

 

How to Quit Smoking

All clients over the age of 13 should be screened for tobacco use at every health care visit.

 

If you would like free help from a personal coach to stop using tobacco products, visit Colorado QuitLine or call 800-QuitNow (800-784-8669).

 

To receive medication to help you quit, contact your Medicaid doctor for a prescription.  As a Medicaid client, you are eligible to receive 90 days of nicotine replacement and other supportive medications for two quit attempts each year (this benefit is not available to CHP+ clients).

 

For general information on health and wellness:

 

CDC:  Healthy Living

HHS:  Health Finder

 

For additional information, contact Lisa Waugh at Lisa.Waugh@state.co.us or (303) 866-2029

 

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is not responsible for the content of external Web sites.

   

 

 

Department of Health Care Policy and Financing · 1570 Grant Street · Denver, CO 80203-1818 · (303) 866-2993 Phone · (303) 866-4411 Fax