Help prevent unexpected medical bills

You can take a few simple steps to help prevent billing problems when you receive health care.

Before you get care

  • Show your Health First Colorado card or give the provider your Member ID each time you receive services.
  • Tell the provider about all the health insurance you have. This includes Medicare, insurance through a job or private insurance, or any other health coverage.
  • Ask the provider if they accept your health coverage before getting care. If you have more than one insurance plan, make sure the provider has information for all of them.
  • Before receiving non-emergency services, ask if the service is covered and if you need a referral or prior authorization.
  • Tell the provider right away if your insurance coverage has changed.

If you get a bill

Do not pay the bill until you know that you are responsible for it. Getting a bill does not always mean you have to pay it.
Take this steps if you get a bill:
  • Contact the provider. Make sure they have your correct Health First Colorado Member ID and information for any other insurance you have.
  • Tell the provider that you had Health First Colorado coverage on the date you received care.
  • If you are unsure whether you are responsible for the charges, contact the Member Contact Center for help before you pay it. Keep the bill and any other notices, receipts, or insurance information related to the service. The Member Contact Center will need copies of them to help you.

If your Health First Colorado coverage was approved later

Sometimes you may find out that your Health First Colorado coverage started  earlier than you thought. If you paid for a covered service and later learn that you had Health First Colorado coverage on the date of service, contact the provider and let them know about your coverage. You may be able to get your money back.

Remember

Health First Colorado members generally cannot be billed for covered services. There are some situations when you may be responsible for a charge, such as certain services that are not covered.
If you get a bill and are not sure whether you should pay it, contact the Member Contact Center before you pay it.
Member Contact Center
Toll Free: 800-221-3943 | State Relay: 711 | Fax: 303-866-4411

Stay informed. Stay covered.

Important - Federal Changes to Colorado's Medicaid Program - Stay Informed - Stay Covered

Federal changes are coming to Colorado’s Medicaid program, Health First Colorado.

These changes do NOT apply to everyone, and not everyone is affected in the same way. We want to help you prepare and stay informed, and we need your help:

For the latest updates and guidance visit: HealthFirstColorado.gov/Changes

We know these changes may feel confusing or stressful. We will continue sharing updates and resources to help people prepare.

Webinar: Medicaid work requirements

  • Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Intended audiences: Health First Colorado members, providers, community organizations, advocacy groups, counties, and other partners.

In this webinar, HCPF will explain what work requirements are; share what is known today; describe what this may mean for members, counties, providers, and communities, including who may not have to comply; share what comes next; and describe how our partners can stay involved.

Live Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be available.

Meeting Accommodation and Language Access Notice 

Auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities and language services for individuals whose first language is not English may be provided upon request. Please notify the meeting organizer at hcpf_stakeholders@state.co.us, or the Civil Rights Officer at  hcpf504ada@state.co.us, at least one week prior to the meeting to make arrangements.

Learn more about work requirements

For the latest updates and guidance about these federal changes are coming to Colorado’s Medicaid program, go to HealthFirstColorado.com/Changes

Webinar: Medical frailty and Medicaid work requirements

**This webinar was rescheduled from July 14 to July 29.**

  • Wednesday, July 29, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Intended audiences: Health First Colorado members, providers, community organizations, advocacy groups, counties, and other partners.

In this webinar, HCPF will explain what we know now about who may not have to report work, school or volunteer activities based on medical frailty.

HCPF will also share federal guidance and what we’ve heard from health care providers and health care advocates about medical frailty, and what this means for Health First Colorado members.

 

Live Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be available.

Meeting Accommodation and Language Access Notice 

Auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities and language services for individuals whose first language is not English may be provided upon request. Please notify the meeting organizer at hcpf_stakeholders@state.co.us, or the Civil Rights Officer at  hcpf504ada@state.co.us, at least one week prior to the meeting to make arrangements.

Learn more about work requirements

For the latest updates and guidance about these federal changes are coming to Colorado’s Medicaid program, go to HealthFirstColorado.com/Changes

Can I get vaccinated?

Because of changing federal policies and recommendations about vaccines, you may be wondering, “Can I get my flu, COVID and other shots this fall?”

Colorado remains committed to protecting the health of our residents by following scientific evidence and public health best practices. 

All recommended immunizations are a covered benefit for Health First Colorado members at no cost to you!

For children and teens (18 or younger)

Children and teens can get all vaccines offered through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program.

To get these vaccines:

  • Visit a provider who is enrolled in VFC and Health First Colorado
  • Vaccines are free, and Health First Colorado covers the cost of giving them to you.

Covered vaccines include:

  • Flu (seasonal influenza)
  • COVID-19 (for everyone six months and older)
  • Other recommended pediatric immunizations

For adults (19 or older)

Members 19 or older can get vaccines from any Health First Colorado-enrolled provider or pharmacy.

Covered vaccines include:

  • Flu (seasonal influenza)
  • COVID-19 (for all adults)
  • Other recommended adult immunizations

If you belong to Rocky Mountain PRIME or Elevate Medicaid Choice (Denver Health)

Please get your vaccines from a provider in your network. 

Keeping up with your shots protects you and the people you care about from serious diseases like measles, COVID-19, the flu and more. Talk with your provider if you have questions about which vaccines you need.