Covid-19 Public Health Emergency Unwind 

Colorado is resuming regular eligibility reviews for people with Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) after a 2+ year pause during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).

PHE Unwind Reporting

HCPF released its third month of renewal information, for members whose coverage anniversary date was in July 2023. The unwinding data report for the July 2023 renewal period is live on the Continuous Coverage Unwind Data Reporting page. 

The information posted is point in time data about renewals as required by federal reporting and does not include all the new members coming into the program or those who will take action during the 90-day reconsideration period. Members can resume coverage if they still qualify by returning their renewal packet and any missing information to their county for processing within 90 days of losing coverage. Based on pre-pandemic information, on average, about half of the members who had lost eligibility were deemed eligible for Medicaid again within two years.

How can you help support members during the PHE unwind?

HCPF has developed extensive partner toolkits regarding the end of the continuous coverage requirement. Update Your Address, Understanding the Renewal Process and Take Action on Your Renewal toolkits all include resources to help members take action to keep their coverage. A new joint webpage KeepCOCovered.com includes partner resources and information for those who may need to transition to other health coverage. Flyers have recently been developed for Colorado employers to distribute to their employees to help spread the word.  

You can help raise member awareness about the renewal process by sharing the messaging in our toolkits.

The materials in the toolkits identify key actions for members to take: updating contact information, taking action when a renewal is due, and seeking help with renewals at community or county resources when they need it. Flyers, social media messaging and graphics, website content, and other outreach tools can be found in our PHE Planning Resource Center. Partners can also educate themselves and their staff on the basics of the renewal process to assist members who may need help. See our Renewal Education toolkit.

Members with questions about the renewal process can learn more by visiting Health First Colorado’s renewal webpage available in English and Spanish. 

Thank you for your partnership and continued collaboration!

PHE Unwind Frequently Asked Questions

Does the renewal month change for pregnant people since they have 12 months of coverage following pregnancy?

Yes. The renewal month will be 12 months after the pregnancy ends. So if a member’s pre-pregnancy renewal is due in July 2023, but their pregnancy ends in September 2023, their new renewal date will become September 2024. Members must report their pregnancy in their PEAK account or to their county to qualify for the extended 12 months of coverage. Members can learn more by visiting the Health First Colorado webpage. Partners, please share this information. Printable flyers are available in English and Spanish.

How does the renewal process and end of continuous coverage impact individuals currently enrolled for the Family Planning Limited Benefit coverage who do not have full Health First Colorado (Medicaid) coverage?

Members enrolled in Family Planning Limited Benefits have an annual renewal date and will go through the renewal process to see if they still qualify. Members who are currently receiving the family planning limited benefits must request (opt-in) through PEAK or their county when it is their time to renew to continue receiving these benefits.

In some circumstances, the returned mail center (CRMC) will contact members to ask them to update their address. How will a member know if the state is calling and not a scam?

Calls coming from the CRMC will show up as "Prowers County" to landlines and 719-454-xxxx to cell phones (the last 4 digits change depending upon the line the call comes from internally). To learn more about how to recognize a scam, visit: hcpf.colorado.gov/alert

What happens if a member does not submit their renewal packet in time?

If the renewal packet is received too late to process within the member’s renewal month, the member may receive a notice that their coverage is ending. This renewal may be pending to be processed at the county and the member should contact their local county eligibility worker to confirm. Renewal packets submitted after the due date may result in a gap in coverage.

Can a member return their renewal packet late?

Members can resume medical coverage if they still qualify by returning their renewal packet and any missing information to their county for processing within 90 days of losing coverage. In PEAK, an item was added to the To-Do List to indicate when a late medical assistance renewal can be submitted and processed without needing a new application. Members are encouraged to return renewal packets if they miss the deadline rather than submitting new applications.  

Can a member’s eligibility be backdated if they are disenrolled?

If a member is disenrolled for a procedural reason, they have a 90-day reconsideration period to submit their renewal packet. If they are determined still eligible during that 90-day period, coverage begins as of the 1st of the month they are determined eligible again. If there is a gap in coverage, members must request from the county to be enrolled retroactively. If a member is determined no longer eligible and they disagree with the decision, they can file an appeal. 

More Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the end of the continuous coverage requirement and return to regular renewal processes have recently been added and are available in the PHE Resource Center.

Scammer Alert

Scammers are targeting Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members through text messages and phone calls. They are telling members they must pay to keep or renew their health coverage. HCPF never asks members or applicants for money, bank account or credit card information, complete social security numbers, or any other financial information through text or over the phone. HCPF will contact members to ask them to update their address and contact information. Members can do this at any time online through PEAK and are not required to give this information over the phone. Please help us alert members of potential scams by sharing this important message. And report any suspected scam activity to the Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit.

Partner Webinars

HCPF will be hosting quarterly informational sessions about the end of the Continuous Coverage Requirement and the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. These webinars are geared toward community partners such as advocacy organizations, providers, and community organizations who may provide other assistance to Health First Colorado or CHP+ members (housing, social services, etc.). 

The presentation and recording from the July 26, 2023, PHE Unwinding webinar are posted in the PHE Resource Center.

Next Webinar Information

When: Oct. 25, 2023, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time

Register in advance for this webinar.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

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