Medicaid Buy-in for Children

Overview of Buy-in Program

The Medicaid Buy-in to Medicaid can be a critical lifeline for families that struggle to afford many of the services that their child needs, but whose income is above the federal poverty level.

The Medicaid Buy-In Program for Children with Disabilities lets families of children with a disability who qualify ‘buy-into’ Colorado Medicaid.

If your child and/or your family earns too much for Colorado Medicaid or Child Health PlanPlus (CHP+) your child may qualify. If your child does qualify, you may pay a monthly premium to be in the program. Medicaid bases your monthly premium on your family income.

Qualifying

To qualify, your child must be under 19 and must have a qualifying disability, as defined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines. In addition, the family income must be below 300% of the federal poverty level.

Services

When you buy into Medicaid, you will get Regular Colorado Medicaid benefits, including the Early & Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) program.

Under this program, children under the age of 19 do not have copays.

Apply

To apply, you must complete a medical application either online via Colorado PEAK, or through your local county human services department.

Please note, there may be a gap in coverage and eligibility when going off of a Waiver and onto the Buy-in Program. Please work with your waiver case manager to minimize this to the degree possible.

The Medicaid Buy-in to Medicaid can be a critical lifeline for families that struggle to afford many of the services their child needs, but whose income is above the federal poverty level. If you think you might be eligible for the Medicaid Buy-in program, you should apply.