Medicaid and the End of the PHE

Medicaid and the End of the Public Health Emergency (PHE)

The PHE officially ended on 5/11….now what??

Since the end of the PHE, Silver Linings Counseling has received so many questions.  We will attempt to answer the most frequent ones below.

All residents of Colorado, receiving Medicaid, MUST renew their Medicaid coverage.  During the PHE, Medicaid coverage was extended and a grace period was provided.  Now, in order for a Medicaid member to continue their coverage, they must take the following steps:

1.  Update your contact information through the Health First Colorado app or Peak Account:  https://www.healthfirstcolorado.com/
2. Respond to your renewal letter.  You will receive this either by email or snail mail
3. Submit documentation through Health First Colorado app, mail, online at co.gov/PEAK 
4. Sign your renewal packet

For additional assistance:

•  To get free help enrolling in Connect for Health Colorado marketplace coverage, reach out to a certified assister online at connectforhealthco.com/we-can-help/assisters/ or by calling 855-752-6749. TTY: 855-346-3432. 
• To get free help filling out an application for Health First Colorado or CHP+ coverage, or to learn about other coverage options, contact a Certified Application Assistance Site here: apps.colorado.gov/apps/maps/hcpf.map 

You may qualify for other health care coverage such as:

• Employer coverage, check with your employer to learn about options, rules and deadlines. 
• Coverage through a family member’s health insurance. 
• Coverage through Connect for Health Colorado (Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace). You might qualify for reduced premiums. Visit: connectforhealthco.com/we-can-help/ 
• Coverage through Medicare, for people age 65 or older or people under 65 with certain disabilities. Visit: doi.colorado.gov/colorado-medicare-health/drug-insurance-coverage-options 
• Coverage for active or former military, naval, or air service through Tricare (active) at tricare.mil/ or VA (veterans) at va.gov/health-care/ apply/application/ 

While we are not licensed insurance brokers or insurance specialists, please reach out if we can answer any additional questions.  We have had quite a few of our clients receive a surprise lapse in coverage for not following the above protocol.  Please act now to ensure you have insurance coverage!