Colorado’s Medicaid program is changing its name. Beginning May 1, 2016, the program will be known as Health First Colorado.
Why should you care and why is the owner of an assisted living facility in Elbert County writing about this topic?
The answer is simple. If you are looking at assisted living options for you or a loved one, Medicaid may be available to offer some financial assistance. As you peruse and research your options, you should now “Google” Health First Colorado.
Medicaid is funded in part by the federal government and in part by the states. Because states are given some flexibility, the available Medicaid assistance for assisted living changes with each state.
Colorado offers assistance through the Elderly, Blind and Disabled Waiver. As a side note, it also refers to assisted living as “alternative care facilities.”
Not all facilities that offer alternative care accept Medicaid – or Health First Colorado. At Country Home Assisted Living, we are one of the few in the Parker area that does.
In states, like Colorado, where the assisted is offered through waivers instead of general Medicaid dollars, you’ll learn that there are enrollment caps. Since only a limited number of individuals can receive assistance at any given time and since there are a limited number of facilities that accept Medicaid, waiting lists are common.
That’s why I want you to plan ahead and be informed about all of your options.
By the way, the rebranding of Colorado Medicaid’s program to Health First Colorado is part of a state effort to give public health care a better image.
“Over the past few years, program enhancements have included new benefits, expanded eligibility to cover a greater number of Coloradans, member access via mobile device and more,” the program said in announcing its new name.
So as you investigate your options, don’t forget, search for Health First Colorado. You also can learn more about the program at https://www.colorado.gov/hcpf/colorado-Medicaid.