Public Health Emergency Planning

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a public health emergency (PHE). During the PHE, state agencies are required to continue health care coverage for all medical assistance programs, even if someone’s eligibility changes. 

As a result, we are keeping our Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members covered during the PHE so they don’t have to worry about their health and wellbeing during this challenging time.

No one knows yet when the PHE will end. The federal government already extended the timeframe of the public health emergency twice, and they may do so again. It has currently been extended through April 20. That means members who may no longer be eligible for benefits can rest assured we have them covered through that date.

The PHE may be extended beyond April 20, but we may not know that until the last minute. We have asked for as much notice as possible so we can notify any impacted members of changes to their benefits and help connect them to other coverage options. 

We don’t know how long the PHE may last, so we need to prepare now. As soon as we know when it will end, we will notify our members and partners. 

Here’s what will happen: 

• State policy amendments and coverage of COVID-19 testing for the uninsured end immediately (day of). 
• Coverage for members who are no longer eligible ends at the end of that month. 
• Eligibility levels and benefits that have been maintained may change at the end of the quarter. Changes could include:    
  • Eligibility category change  
  • Buy-in monthly premiums will be due again 
  • CHP+ yearly enrollment fees will be due again 
  • The state will lose the 6.2% enhanced federal funding (FMAP) at the end of the quarter. 
  • Appendix K waivers that impact Home and Community-Based Services end Mar. 9, 2021.
  • Increased co-pays and dental benefit changes resulting from legislation this year are effective at the end of the quarter after the PHE ends.

We want all Coloradans to get covered and stay covered. If a member is no longer eligible for Health First Colorado or CHP+, they will receive: 

• Notice of when their enrollment ends  
• Information on how to appeal  
• Information about options for purchasing other health care coverage. 

• Update their contact info in PEAK 
• Sign up for our electronic newsletter and social media to get updates 
• Watch for and respond timely to notices 
• We will post more information, resources and tools online: 
• For members at HealthFirstColorado.com and Facebook.com/HealthFirstColorado.
• For partners and stakeholders at Colorado.gov/HCPF/COVID

Coloradans who are not eligible for Health First Colorado or CHP+ can purchase health insurance through the state’s official health insurance marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado.

• Within 60 days of losing their health coverage 

or 

• Anytime during the open enrollment period from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. 

Coloradans who do not qualify for Health First Colorado or CHP+ may be able to get financial help to lower the cost of private health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado. The amount of financial help is based on the cost of the premiums where the applicant lives, how many people are in their household and their estimated yearly income. 

Learn more at ConnectForHealthCo.com or 855-752-6749: 

• Get expert help signing up for health coverage by working with a certified assister or broker, online or in person. 
• Browse plans and costs with an easy, anonymous online tool. 
• Find out how much financial help you may qualify for. 
• Get enrolled! 

• We will work closely with our county and eligibility partners to redetermine members’ eligibility and only disenroll those who are not eligible at the end of the PHE 
• We will properly notice all members whose eligibility ends or changes at the end of PHE about changes to their benefits or enrollment status, including appeal information  
• We will work closely with Connect for Health Colorado to connect Coloradans to other health coverage options.

The Department will continue to provide messaging to members through the Health First Colorado newsletter, PEAK, the Health First Colorado mobile app, emails, text messages and social media. 

We will also provide policy and operational information to our partners through stakeholder meetings, at Colorado.gov/HCPF/COVID and through our COVID-19 newsletter.