FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What do I bring to my appointment?
In order to better serve you, please click on the appointment checklist to review the items to bring when you meet with one of our specialists.
Please review and complete the forms below and bring them to your appointment to save time during check-in:
ENGLISH
FORMS
FORMAS EN ESPAÑOL
What can you expect at Larimer Health Connect?
We are at our Old Town location for in-person appointments and walk-in assistance Monday through Friday from 8am - 5pm (closed for lunch 12-1pm daily). We continue to offer virtual and phone appointments.
We can help you:
-
Understand how health insurance works
-
Sort through your options
-
Find out if you are eligible for financial help
-
Enroll and work with you until you are covered
-
Understand your new coverage
What can you expect from an in-person appointment? You can expect to meet with your guide in a private office. Your guide will help you apply and answer any questions about next steps and how to use your new coverage.
What can I expect from a virtual appointment? Your virtual appointment will be a lot like coming into the office, but from the convenience of your own home. Your guide will help you apply and answer any questions about next steps and how to use your new coverage. Here are two short videos to help you get familiar with Zoom before your appointment. At the start of your appointment, your guide can walk you through any other Zoom features that you may need.
What if I prefer to not come into the office?
Larimer Health Connect offers phone and Zoom appointments Monday through Friday. To schedule a virtual appointment, please call us at 970-472-0444 or schedule online.
Other Resources:
1. Visit www.ConnectforHealthCO.com
Connect for Health Colorado is Colorado’s own competitive marketplace to shop for private health insurance for individuals, families and small businesses. You can visit the website to shop for plans and get assistance by online chat. The Health Coverage Specialists at Larimer Health Connect are trained and certified by Connect for Health Colorado. Although we both work together to help people in Larimer County, they are two separate organizations.
2. Call (855) 752-6749 (855-PLANS-4-YOU)
Telephone support is available from the Connect for Health Colorado Customer Service Center at 855-752-6749. Or you can call Larimer Health Connect at 970-472-0444. If your situation is more complex, in-person appointments are recommended.
3. Visit www.HealthFirstColorado.com
You can visit the website to check your eligibility, find a doctor, and apply for Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+).
4. Call 1-800-221-3943
Telephone support is available from the Health First Colorado Customer Service Center at 1-800-221-3943. You can also call us at 970-472-0444 for local help.
What do I need to know about health insurance?
1. There are options
Health insurance plans are available for different needs and budgets. You might be eligible for significant discounts.
2. Having health insurance is a relief
It helps protect your health and financial security. One of the top three reasons for bankruptcy is health care costs. Don't go unprotected.
3. Eligibility changes
Even if you didn't qualify for financial assistance before, you may qualify now.
4. Plans change
Plans, rates, providers networks and prescription drug formulates change every year. If you are already covered, it's important check your plan to make sure it covers everything you need.
5. Don't miss the deadlines
If you miss the deadline, you may have to wait until next fall to sign up, unless you experience certain life changes and are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period on the Marketplace. This includes things like losing your current coverage, getting married or divorced, the birth or adoption of a child, and more. You have 60-days from the date of the event to enroll in a new plan or update your information to have your financial help re-evaluated. There are no deadlines to enroll in Medicaid and CHP+
What if I don't have health insurance?
Choosing and signing up for the right health insurance sometimes takes awhile, even if you have help. Don’t put it off!
Check anytime during the year to see if you might qualify for the lowest-cost plans: Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). Both programs allow enrollment year-round. We can help you determine if you qualify, enroll, report changes in your income or household size and complete redetermination paperwork.
If those plans don’t work for you, we can help you understand the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace, which offers discounts on health insurance for many people. You can enroll in the Marketplace only during open enrollment (unless you have a life change event—such as marriage or divorce, a new child, some moves, loss of other health coverage - that qualifies you for special enrollment anytime in the year).
What is Tax Time Enrollment?
Check a box when you file your state taxes if you would like Connect for Health Colorado to see if you may qualify for free or low-cost health coverage. If you file your taxes by April 15th, checking the box starts a process that will help you enroll during a Special Enrollment Period. Visit the Connect for Health Colorado website to learn more.
1. Check the box on your state tax return that says you or a family member does not have health insurance and would like to find out if you can get free or low-cost health coverage
2. File your taxes by April 15. Even if the government extends the tax deadline, your taxes must be received on or before April 15 to qualify.
3. Check your mail or email for a letter with information about using your Tax Time Enrollment Period
How it works:
The public health emergency has ended. What does that mean if I am enrolled in Medicaid or CHP+?
Colorado has returned to normal renewal processes for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and CHP+. Not everyone will have their benefits renewed at the same time. Colorado will take 12 months to renew people on Medicaid or CHP+ based on your annual renewal date. Some people will be automatically renewed based on the most recent information already on file with the state. Other people will need to take action and complete the renewal packet to see if they still qualify. Check your email, mail, and PEAK inbox and take action when you get official messages. You can see your renewal date in PEAK at CO.gov/Peak at any time. If you receive a renewal packet, make sure you fill it out, sign it, and return it by the due date. Learn more about renewals visit hfcgo.com/renewals.
What can you do?
-
Update your contact information
Make sure Medicaid and CHP+ have your current mailing address, phone number, email, or other contact information. This way, you won’t miss any notifications about your coverage. You can update your address by visiting CO.gov/PEAK, calling the Larimer County Department of Human Services at 970-498-6300, or scheduling an appointment with our office.
-
Check your mail, email, and PEAK mailbox and take action when you get official messages
You may get a renewal packet in the mail or an email about renewing your Medicaid or CHP+ coverage. If you get a renewal packet, fill it out, sign it and return it right away. If you do not complete your renewal packet your coverage may be ended. Our office can help you through the entire process.
-
What if I don’t qualify for Medicaid or CHP+?
If you or a family member no longer qualify for Health First Colorado or CHP+, you may be able to buy a health plan through Connect for Health Colorado. You may qualify for financial help to lower the cost of your health insurance. To get started and learn more about financial help, visit connectforhealthco.com, call customer service at 855-752-6749, or schedule an appointment with our office.
If you have questions about the renewal process, you can visit hfc.com/renewals.
What is OmniSalud and the Colorado Option?
OmniSalud and the Colorado Option are health insurance plans offered through Colorado Connect, a platform that allows undocumented individuals who are Colorado residents to enroll in a health insurance plan for themselves and their families.
Depending on your income and family size, you may be able to save money on your health insurance plan when you qualify for SilverEnhanced Savings, a new form of financial help offered only through Colorado Connect*.
*All OmniSalud SilverEnhanced Savings slots for 2024 have been filled. Please contact us at 970-472-0444 for more information.
OmniSalud:
A Health Coverage Program for people who are undocumented*
SilverEnhanced Savings
Colorado Option
Earning less than 150% FPL
($1,823/mo or less for a family of 1, $3,750/mo or less for a family of 4)
Earning more than 150% FPL
You qualify for SilverEnhanced Savings plans. These plans have 0$ monthly premiums and cover 94% of medical expenses.
You qualify for full-price Colorado Option plans. These plans include many high-value services at no cost. Also referred to as State Standardized Plans.
*The information you provide when applying is private and cannot be used for immigration enforcement.
When can I enroll or change plans?
Open Enrollment for 2025 health insurance plans through Connect for Health Colorado and Colorado Connect will begin November 1, 2024.
There are no deadlines to enroll in Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). If eligible, you can enroll at any time of year.
We can answer any questions and help you:
-
Shop for Marketplace insurance after a qualifying life-change event
-
Update and report changes to your income or job status for your current health insurance coverage (Eligibility for Health First Colorado (Medicaid), CHP+, tax credits and cost-sharing reductions is based on income. It is important to update your health coverage provider with changes to income to ensure that you are receiving the appropriate assistance)
-
Compare COBRA to Marketplace options
-
Understand how to use your health coverage
What services are covered by my health plan?
Qualified health plans available on the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace must include the following benefits:
-
Emergency care
-
Outpatient care (care you get without being admitted to the hospital)
-
Inpatient care
-
Maternity & newborn care
-
Behavioral health and substance use disorder services
-
Prescription drugs
-
Habilitative and rehabilitative services and devices
-
Preventative services, including counseling, screenings and vaccines
-
Lab tests
-
Pediatric services, including dental and vision for children
.png)
Where should I go for health services?
Always check if your provider is in-network BEFORE you get medical services - this includes doctors, specialists, urgent cares, hospitals, and pharmacies. Using in-network care will save you money. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to check if your insurance is accepted.
How do I renew my insurance?
If you are enrolled in Medicaid or CHP+, keep an eye on your mail, email, and PEAK inbox. Colorado is returning to normal renewal processes for Medicaid and CHP+ starting in May 2023. You will receive your renewal packet based on your annual renewal date (when you first enrolled in coverage). If you receive a renewal packet, make sure you fill it out, sign it, and return it by the due date. Contact our office with any questions or to get help with the process.
If you have health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, Open Enrollment is the time to compare plans and renew your current plan if it still meets your medical needs and budget. Some plans will renew automatically or have a "suggested plan" from Connect for Health Colorado. Review your plan BEFORE you renew!
Things you want to keep in mind when checking your plan:
-
Has the plan itself changed? There are many reasons why your monthly premium, deductible, and prescription drug costs could increase or decrease on the new plan—check to see if this applies to you.
-
Has your situation changed? Be sure your income and family information is always up to date. It is best to report those changes as they happen. It could also be that if your income has significantly decreased, you or your children may now be eligible tax credits, Medicaid or CHP+.
-
There may be a plan that works better for your needs. If you have a lot of copays or prescriptions, your total costs could be very different depending on which plan you choose.
Larimer Health Connect can help you review your options.
Is there a way to lower my costs?
Financial help is available and you may have options including Connect for Health Colorado, OmniSalud, Health First Colorado (Medicaid), and CHP+. These plans have big discounts, and shopping around can help you find a plan that meets your needs and budget. Below are some examples of how individuals and families may reduce their costs when purchasing health insurance:
Premium Tax Credits
Financial help that lowers the cost of your monthly payment. You can use the tax credit to lower your premium each month or you can get a lump sum payment when you file your taxes. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, more Coloradans than ever before continue to be eligible for premium tax credits. There is no longer an upper limit on how much you can earn and still qualify for the tax credit. More individuals and families from all income levels are saving more money.
Cost Sharing Reductions
A discount that lowers the amount you pay when you receive care. In addition to premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions are available to those with low-to-moderate income who qualify and who enroll in a silver plan through Connect for Health Colorado. Health insurance plans typically require some form of cost-sharing (also called out-of-pocket costs) when you receive covered health-care services. Cost-sharing reductions help you save on these expenses, which are in addition to your monthly premium, and include deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. You may be eligible if your income is in the following ranges:
OmniSalud SilverEnhanced Savings
Available only through Colorado Connect, you could save thousands of dollars if you qualify for SilverEnhanced Savings. These savings include both healthcare services and prescriptions when they are covered and in-network on your plan. Depending on your income and family size, you may be able to save money on your health insurance plan. You may be eligible if your income is in the following ranges:
Health First Colorado / Child Health Plan Plus
Free or low-cost health coverage through Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) may be available to you and your family if your income falls in the ranges below. If you are eligible, you can enroll in these plans year-round, there are no deadlines or enrollment periods. Enrollment is based on your current income. Even if you weren’t eligible last month, you may become eligible at any time. Many people are surprised to learn they can enroll – you never know until you apply.
