Affordable Care Act
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American Indian / Alaska Native
- Are there special protections for American Indians and Alaska Natives who enroll in Health First Colorado?
American Indians and Alaska Natives who qualify for or get services from an Indian Health Service, or tribal or urban Indian health programs, including Contract Health Services, are exempt from Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) co-payments and enrollment fees. Also, certain Indian resources, payments and income are not counted when figuring out if you qualify for Health First Colorado or CHP+. American Indians and Alaska Natives can continue to get services through an Indian Health Service, or tribal or urban Indian health programs even if the Indian Health Service, or tribal or urban Indian health programs is not a provider is not in the Health First Colorado or CHP+ provider network.
- I’m an American Indian/Alaska Native. What do I need to know about the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace will benefit American Indians and Alaska Natives by providing opportunities for enrolling in affordable health coverage. You might qualify to enroll in a private health plan in the new Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace. Or, you might qualify for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). There is one application to find out if you qualify for a Marketplace health plan, Health First Colorado, or CHP+.
- Why do I need health insurance coverage if I receive services from the Indian Health Service, a tribal program, or an urban Indian health program?
The Affordable Care Act does not change whether you qualify to get health care through the Indian Health Service, or tribal or urban Indian health programs. American Indians and Alaska Natives who enroll in a Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace health plan, Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), can continue to receive services from their Indian Health Service, or tribal or urban Indian health programs the same way they do now. But by enrolling in a Marketplace health plan, Health First Colorado, or CHP+, American Indians and Alaska Natives can benefit by having greater access to services that may not be provided by their local Indian Health Service, or tribal or urban Indian health programs, and the tribal communities benefit through increased resources to their Indian Health Service, or tribal or urban Indian health programs.
- Will I be able to get assistance with paying the cost of my premium if I enroll in a Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace health plan?
While American Indians and Alaska Natives are NOT exempt from paying premiums, they may be able to get lower costs on monthly premiums through a new tax credit that is paid to insurance plans each month to reduce an individual’s premium. Eligibility for the tax credit depends on income, family size, and access to other coverage. Members of federally recognized tribes can use tax credits to pay for premiums for certain plans and still receive cost-sharing reductions as well. The type of cost-sharing reduction depends on income and whether an individual is enrolled in a zero cost-sharing plan or limited cost-sharing plan.
Applications
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Applying Online
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Applying Online: Checking Status
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Applying Online: Applicant’s Job
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Applying Online: Applying For Benefits
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Applying Online: Checking / Savings Accounts
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Applying Online: Citizenship / More Information
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Applying Online: Getting Started
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Applying Online: Health Insurance Policy Information
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Applying Online: Household Members
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Applying Online: Job Income
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Applying Online: Keep Working Or Submit Now
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Applying Online: Liquid Assets
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Applying Online: Location
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Applying Online: Money From Other Sources
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Applying Online: Other Assets
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Applying Online: Other Bills
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Applying Online: Other Information
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Applying Online: People In the Home
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Applying Online: School Enrollment
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Applying Online: Setting Up An Account
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Applying Online: Which Benefits
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Child Health Plan Plus
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Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP)
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Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace
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Former Foster Care Youth
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IRS Form 1095-B
- Do I need to wait until I receive IRS Form 1095-B to file my federal taxes?
No. You do not need your 1095-B Form to file your taxes.
If the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has questions about what you report on your taxes about your health coverage, they may later ask you for proof of coverage or other information.
- I received IRS Form 1095-B but I don’t normally file taxes. Do I need to file taxes now?
Receiving IRS Form 1095-B does not mean that you have to file taxes. Visit irs.gov/uac/Do-I-Need-to-File-a-Tax-Return? to find out if you have to file.
If you have additional questions about whether or not you need to file, go to IRS.treasury.gov/freetaxprep, or call 2-1-1 and ask to be connected with a tax assistance site near you.
- I was enrolled in Health First Colorado, but then I moved out of state. How do I get my 1095-B from Colorado?
If you were enrolled in Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) for part or all of the year, your IRS Form 1095-B will be available:
- Online through your PEAK Account in the Mail Center. Don’t have a PEAK Account? Go to Colorado.gov/PEAK, to create one today.
- Call or visit your local county office of social/human services. Find county contact information at Colorado.gov/HCPF/counties.
- Send an email to: hcpf_moo_1095request@state.co.us
- Send a written request to 303 E. 17th Avenue Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80203 ATTN: Eligibility Policy
When making a request through mail or email, provide first and last name, Medicaid number, and current mailing address.
- My child was enrolled in Foster Care Health First Colorado. How do I get a copy of his or her 1095-B form?
Call or visit your local county office of social/human services. Find county contact information at Colorado.gov/HCPF/counties. Tell them that a child in your household was enrolled in Foster Care Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program). If you file federal taxes, you do not need to wait until you receive your child’s 1095-B form to file.
- Someone in my household passed away during the year. Why did the Department mail me a 1095-B form for him or her?
For tax purposes, federal law requires the Department to send a 1095-B form that includes information about the months during the year that you and/or others in your household were enrolled in Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). This includes individuals who passed away during the year.
If you have questions about filing taxes for a deceased individual, go to IRS.treasury.gov/freetaxprep, or call 2-1-1 and ask to be connected with a tax assistance site near you.
- The coverage months on my 1095-B form are wrong. What should I do?
If you believe that the information on Form 1095-B for you or someone else in your household is wrong, contact your local county office of human/social services. Find county contact information at Colorado.gov/HCPF/Counties.
If you or someone in your family received financial assistance to purchase private health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado during the year, call Connect for Health Colorado at 855-PLANS-4-YOU (855-752-6749) to get a corrected 1095-B form.
- There is a mistake on my 1095-B form. What should I do?
If you believe that the information on Form 1095-B for you or someone else in your household is wrong, contact your local county office of human/social services. Find county contact information at Colorado.gov/HCPF/Counties.
If you or someone in your family received financial assistance to purchase private health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado during the year, call Connect for Health Colorado at 855-PLANS-4-YOU (855-752-6749) to get a corrected 1095-B form.
- What do I do if I was enrolled in Health First Colorado or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) and do not have a 1095-B form available?
Individuals enrolled in certain Health First Colorado programs will not receive IRS Form 1095-B from the Department.
If you were enrolled in Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) or a Health First Colorado program that is not on the list of exceptions, and you do not receive a 1095-B form in the mail by mid-February, log into your Colorado.gov/PEAK account and check the Mail Center. If there is not a 1095-B form there, contact your local county human services office. Find their contact information at Colorado.gov/HCPF/Counties.
These individuals may still receive IRS Form 1095-B, IRS Form 1095-C, or IRS Form 1095-A from another place, such as Medicare, an employer, or the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace.
- What do I need to do with Form 1095-B?
You do not need 1095-B form to file taxes. It is for your records. IRS 1095-B form is your proof of the month(s) during the prior year that you received qualifying health coverage.
- What is IRS Form 1095-B: Health Coverage?
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1095-B is a federal tax document that includes information about the months in the previous year that you and/or others in your household were enrolled in qualifying health care coverage.
- When will the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing have IRS Form 1095-B available?
Members will have access to 1095-B forms after January 31st.
- Which Health First Colorado members will not have an IRS Form 1095-B available?
Individuals enrolled in the following programs will not receive IRS Form 1095-B from the Department because these programs do not count as insurance coverage.
- Medicare Savings Programs
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
- Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
- Qualifying Individual (QI-1)
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI)
- Low-Income Subsidy for Medicare prescription drug coverage
- Emergency Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) Services
- Old Age Pension-Health Care Program (OAP-HCP)
Individuals enrolled in Old Age Pension-Health First Colorado will still receive IRS Form 1095-B from the Department. - Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP)
Note: CICP is not health insurance program.
These individuals may still receive IRS Form 1095-B, IRS Form 1095-C, or IRS Form 1095-A from another place such as Medicare, an employer, or the marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado.
- Medicare Savings Programs
- Who will have a Form 1095-B available?
Almost all individuals who were enrolled in Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program), and all individuals who were enrolled in Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), for even one day during the year will have a 1095-B Form.
Medicaid
- Are there co-pays or enrollment fees for Health First Colorado?
Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) is free or low cost public health insurance for Coloradans who qualify. Health First Colorado can cover your doctor visits, emergency care, preventative care such as screenings and immunizations, and other procedures and treatments. Health First Colorado does not have an enrollment fee but in some specific circumstances, co-pays may be required. Get more information.
- How do I print a Health First Colorado medical card through PEAK?
Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program) members can access their household’s medical cards online anytime through their PEAK account or the PEAKHealth app. Cards can be printed or viewed as long as the member is currently eligible. Medical cards are sent to all Health First Colorado members at the time of approval and upon request. This guide provides instructions for how to print or request a medical card.
Visit PEAK at colorado.gov/peak
- How is Health First Colorado different from Medicare?
While Medicare is a federal government-sponsored healthcare program primarily for seniors, Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) is for any Colorado resident who qualifies. Medicare and Health First Colorado differ in terms of who they cover, how they are funded, and who runs the program. To find out more about Medicare visit Medicare.gov or call Medicare Customer Service at 1-800-633-4227.
- I am enrolled in a veteran’s (VA) health care program. Can I also be enrolled in Health First Colorado?
Yes. Veterans who qualify can have both VA health care program coverage and Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program). To find out if you and your family qualify for Health First Colorado go to Get Coverage.
Medicare
- How is Health First Colorado different from Medicare?
While Medicare is a federal government-sponsored healthcare program primarily for seniors, Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) is for any Colorado resident who qualifies. Medicare and Health First Colorado differ in terms of who they cover, how they are funded, and who runs the program. To find out more about Medicare visit Medicare.gov or call Medicare Customer Service at 1-800-633-4227.
- I want to know about Medicare. Where do I go for more information?
To find out more about Medicare visit Medicare.gov or call Medicare Customer Service at 1-800-633-4227.
Paper Applications
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Private Insurance
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Veterans
- Can I cancel my VA health care coverage?
Yes. However, acceptance for future VA health care coverage will be based on eligibility factors at the time of application, which may result in a denial of health care coverage. Before canceling your VA health care coverage, we encourage you to call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or speak with your local County Veteran Service Officer about your VA health care options.
Find the County Veteran Service Officer in your community and for more information visit VA.gov.
- Can I continue to use veteran’s (VA) health care with other programs, like private insurance or federal and state health care programs?
Yes. You can continue to use VA for all your health care needs, or complement your VA care with private health insurance or coverage by other federal and state health care programs you may qualify for, including Medicare, Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program), and TRICARE.
If you have other health insurance in addition to Health First Colorado, your other insurance pays first in most cases. You can get more information about Health First Colorado being the payer of last resort.
For more information visit VA.gov.
- How will I know if I’m eligible for financial assistance (tax credits) to help purchase health insurance outside of Veterans Affairs?
Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot determine if you can qualify for tax credits. You must apply through Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace to find out if you can get a tax credit to help lower the costs on your monthly premiums for private health insurance plans. Remember, if you are enrolled in a VA health care program, you do not need to take additional steps to meet the health coverage requirements under the health care law. Also, if you are enrolled in VA health care, your VA coverage meets the Federal requirement for health care coverage so you are not eligible for a tax credit to help buy insurance through the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace.
For more information visit VA.gov.
- I am enrolled in a veteran’s (VA) health care program and also use TRICARE. What does the health care law mean for me?
The health care law does not change VA health benefits or your out-of-pocket costs. The law also does not change your ability to continue to use VA health care with your TRICARE coverage as you can still use both your VA coverage and TRICARE coverage.
Most TRICARE health plan options meet the requirements for minimum essential coverage. For more information visit VA.gov.
- I am enrolled in a veteran’s (VA) health care program. Can I also be enrolled in Health First Colorado?
Yes. Veterans who qualify can have both VA health care program coverage and Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program). To find out if you and your family qualify for Health First Colorado go to Get Coverage.
- I am enrolled in a veteran’s (VA) health care program. Would I be eligible for financial assistance (tax credits) to help pay for health insurance coverage purchased through the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace if I choose to purchase health care outside of VA?
Since Veterans Affairs health care programs meet the standard for health care coverage, you are not eligible for a tax credit to help buy insurance through the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace. However, you may still purchase private health insurance on or off the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace to complement your VA health care coverage without receiving a tax credit.
For more information visit VA.gov.
- I am not enrolled in a veteran’s (VA) health care program, but suspect I am eligible for VA health care coverage. Would I be eligible for financial assistance (tax credit) to help pay for health insurance coverage purchased through the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace if I choose to purchase health care outside of VA?
Yes. If you are not enrolled in VA health care coverage, you may qualify for financial assistance (tax credit) to help pay for health insurance coverage purchased through the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace. Remember, if you do have VA health care coverage, you are not eligible for a tax credit.
- I receive coverage through the Veterans Administration. What does the health care law mean for my family members?
Veterans’ family members who already receive health care coverage — through their employers, TRICARE or certain VA programs — do not need to take additional steps to meet the health care law coverage standards.
Veterans’ family members who do not have coverage that meets the health care law’s requirements should consider their options. Family members of Veterans may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). They may also qualify to financial assistance (tax credit) to help lower the costs of their monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs through the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace. Coloradans can apply for health care coverage through the Health First Colorado, CHP+ and Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace by filling out one application. Learn more about how to Get Coverage.
For more information visit VA.gov.
- If I’m enrolled in a veteran’s health care program do I meet the requirement for health care coverage?
Yes. If you are enrolled in any of VA’s programs below, your health care coverage meets the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (health care law):
- Veteran’s health care program
- Civilian Health and Medical program (CHAMPVA)
- Spina bifida health care program
For more information visit VA.gov.