While there are no immediate changes to CHP+ regarding eligibility, enrollment, renewals or benefits, the continued existence of the program is in danger unless Congress renews funding. This could mean a loss of coverage for more than 4,500 Jefferson County families. In November, the State of Colorado’s Department of Health Care Policy and Financing sent letters advising enrolled families to research other insurance options, available at Connect for Health Colorado. All CHP+ members are urged to continue to use their benefits and access care.
In the event Congress does not act to renew funding for CHP+, the State of Colorado and Connect for Health Colorado will send a Notice of Action letter to CHP+ members in late December, advising that CHP+ coverage and benefits will end after 1/31/2018. Then the Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS) will automatically rerun eligibility. If the Notice of Action letter is sent, it will provide an approval for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) and/or Cost-Sharing Reduction (CSR) levels, depending on qualifications.
Current CHP+ members are urged to take the following steps:
- Ensure all of your information is correct in your Connect for Health Colorado or Colorado PEAK account. It is important for changes to be reported before eligibility is determined again later this month. Having the correct information means you receive the most up-to-date determination for benefits beginning 2/1/2018.
- Begin to browse plan options, but do not enroll in a plan until a Notice of Action letter is received.
- To continue care with your current providers (both medical and prescription) verify they are covered under the new plan you are considering.
To determine if you are eligible, or apply for benefits, please visit Colorado PEAK or Connect for Health Colorado. To research other coverage options for your unborn child or your family please visit Connect for Health Colorado. To follow future news and information about this program, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has set up a special webpage, the Future of Child Health Plan Plus.and Connect for Health Colorado has information at Child Health Plan Plus.
Should you need free, in-person assistance to guide you in exploring options or enrollment, please visit Connect for Health Colorado's In-person Help to schedule an appointment.