Health First Colorado: Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Colorado
Health First Colorado is Colorado’s Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost health insurance to eligible individuals, including people with disabilities. This program helps people with disabilities get the care and support they need to live fully in their communities.
Who can get it?
You may qualify if you:
- Live in Colorado
- Have a disability or other medical need
- Have low income and limited resources
- Are a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen community member
Some programs have different rules depending on your age, type of disability, or if you receive other benefits.
How can it help me?
Health First Colorado helps pay for:
- Doctor visits and checkups
- Medications (prescriptions)
- Mental health services
- Hospital and emergency care
- Therapies (physical, occupational, speech)
- In-home care and support services
- Wheelchairs, walkers, and other medical equipment
- Long-term services and supports (LTSS), including care in your home or community
What happens after I’m approved?
- You’ll get a Medicaid card in the mail (you can also print a copy online)
- You can choose a primary care provider (PCP)
- You’ll have access to a member portal or mobile app to manage your benefits
- You may qualify for Care Coordination through your local Regional Accountable Entity: Click Here to Learn More!
- The Arc-JCC&GC partners with Colorado Community Health Alliance (CCHA) to provide our shared communities with information, resources, and support for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Health First Colorado Members: Learn more about CCHA by clicking here!
Health First Colorado Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities (WAwD)
The WAwD program lets adults with disabilities in Colorado keep working and still get Medicaid, even if they make more money than the usual limit. They pay a monthly fee based on their income and can receive full Medicaid health benefits.
Who can get it?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a Colorado resident
- Be age 16 to 64
- Have a disability as defined by the Social Security Administration
- Be employed (including self-employment)
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualifying noncitizen community member
- Meet certain income requirements (learn more by clicking here)
How can it help me?
Participants may receive full Health First Colorado (Medicaid) benefits!
Medicaid Long-Term Care Services for People with Disabilities in Colorado
Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) offers long-term care services to support people with disabilities to live independent and fulfilling lives, whether at home, in the community, or in care facilities.
Types of Long-Term Care Services
1. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
These programs provide support to help people live in their own homes or community settings. There are both adult and children’s waivers (click here). Services may include:
- Personal care assistance
- Homemaker services
- Respite care
- Adult day programs
- Home modifications
- Transportation
- + so much more: click here to learn more from the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing or visit our HCBS Overview Page (click here).
Note: Some HCBS waivers have limited slots and may have waitlists.
2. Nursing Facility Care
Medicaid covers care in licensed nursing facilities for those needing 24-hour medical supervision.
3. Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
The PACE program combines Medicaid and Medicare to support people aged 55+ who require nursing home level care but wish to remain in the community.
Who can get it?
To qualify for long-term care services under Health First Colorado, a person must:
- Be a Colorado resident
- Meet income and asset limits
- Require a level of care typically provided in a nursing facility
- Have a qualifying disability as defined by the Social Security Administration (click here).
How do I apply?
You can apply in any of these ways:
- Online: colorado.gov/PEAK
- By phone: Call 1-800-221-3943
- In person:
- Jefferson County Human Services: 900 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO 80401
- Clear Creek County Human Services: 1969 Miner St, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
- Gilpin County Human Services: 15193 Highway 119, Black Hawk, CO 80422
Who can help me?
There are several organizations that have the knowledge and expertise to support you through this process:
Free Application Assistance through Benefits in Action
Call 720-221-8354 or learn more about Benefits in Action by clicking here!
Certified Application Assistance Sites (CAAS)
Certified Application Assistance Sites (CAAS) are community-based or nonprofit organizations that partner with the state to help Colorado residents apply for health coverage and other public assistance programs.
Find your local CAAS by clicking here!
Our Team of Advocates is happy to talk you through this process and point you in the right direction: Click Here to Submit a Request for Advocacy!
