Director Bimestefer Statement on Importance of Coverage During a Pandemic and Get Covered 2021 Colorado Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2020
Media Contact
Marc Williams
Dept. of Health Care Policy & Financing
303-866-3144
Denver, CO-Gov. Jared Polis has signed a proclamation to make Dec. 10, 2020, Get Covered 2021 Colorado Day. The day of action is to encourage as many Coloradans as possible to secure health coverage for 2021, so they can protect their health and get the care they need. Colorado joins other states in a shared national effort to promote COVID-19 safety and health insurance enrollment.
"Health care coverage is more important today than ever, given the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn. Many have lost their jobs through this difficult time and with that, their employer sponsored health insurance coverage. We know that individuals who don\'t have insurance often delay important care or go without needed medications, which worsens their illness or chronic condition. That can quickly spiral into an emergency situation resulting in catastrophic outcomes and medical debt for Colorado families as well. In this time, when so many Coloradans are struggling to keep a roof over their head and food on their table, let us check one worry off your list - we can help connect you to affordable health insurance coverage." said Kim Bimestefer, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing.
The Department conducted a survey in November that indicated more Coloradans may be going without insurance because they believe premiums and out-of-pocket costs will be unaffordable. However, many Coloradans could qualify for Health First Colorado or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), which provide free or low-cost coverage. Coloradans can visit HealthFirstColorado.com/apply-now to learn more or visit Colorado.gov.PEAK to apply online. Most applicants receive a coverage answer the same day, often with coverage effective retrospectively to the date the completed application is submitted.
Eligibility for these programs is based on many factors in addition to income, but generally, individuals who make less than $1,415 a month before taxes and families of four with income of less than $3,101 a month before taxes may qualify for Health First Colorado. Coloradans 18 and under, along with pregnant women who don\'t qualify for Health First Colorado, may qualify for CHP+. Individuals who make less than $2,765 a month before taxes and families of four with income of less than $5,677 a month before taxes may qualify for CHP+.
If the applicant doesn't qualify for Health First Colorado or CHP+, their application will be referred to Connect for Health Colorado, our state's official health insurance marketplace, to check if they qualify for financial help to purchase a private health insurance plan.
Please help us reach Coloradans in need of health coverage. We invite you to utilize the additional content and public service announcements available at CO.gov/hcpf/HereForYou.
For more information about Colorado\'s official health insurance marketplace, visit ConnectforHealthCO.com.
Providers are encouraged to become part of Health First Colorado network to maintain their patient relationships, given how many Coloradans are turning to Health First Colorado. Providers can learn more at CO.gov/hcpf/become-a-provider.
About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing: The Department administers Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program), Child Health Plan Plus, and other programs for Coloradans who qualify. For more information about the Department, please visit HCPF.Colorado.gov.