
Background
In January 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a public health emergency (PHE) in response to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Congress passed legislation that ensured anyone enrolled in Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) was guaranteed to keep their health coverage during the PHE. This is known as the “continuous coverage requirement” and also applies to kids and pregnant people covered by Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). Congress recently passed a bill that ends the continuous coverage requirement in spring 2023.
Planning for the end of the COVID-19 Continuous Coverage Requirement
- Health First Colorado and CHP+ will return to normal eligibility renewal processes with renewals due in May and noticing beginning in March 2023.
- The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) will take 12 months (14 months including noticing) to complete renewals for each of the approximately 1.7 million people currently enrolled.
- Members should
- Update their contact information so we can reach them.
- Respond to and sign renewal paperwork to make sure they keep their Health First Colorado and CHP+ coverage if they are still eligible.
- Members can find out their renewal dates and access more information at hfcgo.com/renewals
Jump To:
Phase 1: Preparing for renewals
- Update your address (messaging for members)
- Understanding renewals (training for partners)
Phase 2: Take action on your renewal (messaging for members)
How you can help
We need your partnership to:
- ensure eligible members can keep their health coverage; and
- tell people who no longer qualify where they can go for affordable coverage resources.
Use and share the materials in our toolkits to:
- Ask members to update their contact information so we can reach them.
- Educate yourselves on the renewal process so you can effectively help members.
- Inform members they need to take action to keep their health coverage.
We value your partnership and encourage you to share feedback on best practices, new tools and meaningful metrics with us at hcpf_comms@state.co.us.
Toolkits:
Phase 1: Preparing for renewals
PHE Status: Extended with May 11 Expected End Date
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra has formally extended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). The PHE can be extended for up to 90 days at a time and is expected to end on May 11, 2023. The Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, issued a Statement of Administration Policy on Jan. 30, 2023, that the Administration plans to extend the PHE to May 11. A USDHHS Fact Sheet: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Transition Roadmap details federal policies that won’t and will change as the PHE ends on May 11.
Stay Up-to-date on the COVID-19 PHE
Public Health Emergency Monthly Updates
Community Partner Webinars
Upcoming Webinars
- April 26, 2023 1:00-2:30 p.m. - Register
- July 26, 2023 1:00-2:30 p.m. - Register
- Oct. 25, 2023 1:00-2:30 p.m. - Register
Previous Webinars
COVID-19 PHE Unwind Planning: Community Partners and Advocates - Jan. 25, 2023
Planning for the end of the PHE: Community Partners and Advocates - Nov.17, 2022
Planning for the end of the PHE: Continuous Coverage Requirements - April 15, 2022
Key Message: It’s time to take action on your renewal to keep your health coverage.
Target Audience: Members
Key Message: Learn about the renewal process from administrative and member perspectives.
Target Audience: Trusted partners
Key Message: It’s time to take action on your renewal to keep your health coverage.
Target Audience: Members