Going without health insurance is a risky gamble. Experts believe medical bills are a factor in one out of five bankruptcies, and the direct cause in one out of 10.
Unfortunately, even with the relatively inexpensive Health Savings Account plans not everyone can afford health insurance, so it’s important that these people consider any public and private program resources they might be eligible for to reduce their out of pocket costs for health care and prescriptions.
Below is a list of public and private assistance programs and resources available for many children, pregnant women, most Americans over age 65, the disabled, people with lower incomes and much more.
ACA Tax Credit Calculator – Kept up to date by KFF
Benefits Check-Up – BenefitsCheckUp is a free online service that helps thousands of people every day to connect to government programs that can help them pay for prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other needs.
Colorado Access – A nonprofit health plan that provides healthcare coverage for low-income people and people with disabilities in Colorado. If you receive Medicaid, you can choose Access Health Plan as your health plan.
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing – A new website (as of 2012) for a department that administers the Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus programs as well as a variety of other programs for Colorado’s low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Colorado Health Plan Plus (CHP+) – Low-cost health insurance program for uninsured Colorado children ages 18 and under whose families earn or own too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. CHP+ also offers benefits to pregnant women and new borns. The CHP+ prenatal care program offers free health insurance to uninsured Colorado pregnant women who live in households that meet certain income requirements.
Colorado Indigent Care Program – State program that provides partial reimbursement to providers for offering medical care to eligible underinsured and uninsured residents. This is not a health insurance program. Services are restricted to participating hospitals and clinics throughout the state. To qualify, you must have income and resources combined at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and cannot be eligible for Medicaid. See site for more details..
Health First Colorado (Medicaid) General Information – Health First Colorado, Colorado’s Medicaid health care program provides benefits for lower income Coloradans.
Health First Colorado’s Health & Human Services Office Addresses and Phone Numbers – Need in person help? Find your local County office and call or visit in person.
Medicaid Eligibility for Families and Children – Clients must meet financial, medical, and program criteria. See site for more details
Medicaid Eligibility Waiver for Long Term Care for the Elderly, Blind, and Disabled – See site for more details on asset and resource limits.
Medicaid Disability Buy In Information – Health First Colorado’s “Buy-In Program” is for Working Adults with Disabilities and allows adults with a disability who qualify to “buy into” Health First Colorado (Medicaid).
Medicaid Federal Site – Great overview from the federal perspective, but Health First Colorado is the state based program that runs Medicaid in Colorado.
Medicare – Learn more about Medicare Part’s A, B, C & D and all the rules, regulations, and what Medicare covers and does not cover.
Medicare Prescription Part D Drug Plans – Resources to help you find the right Medicare prescription plan for your needs.
Medicare Rights Center – Resource to help weave your way through the Medicare maze.
Prescription Drug Assistance – Get financial assistance for prescription drugs through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance. PPA has links to over 475 assistance programs and150 pharmaceutical company programs.
Retirement Benefits Calculator – Great resource to help you plan for your golden years.
Rx Outreach – Helps middle class and lower income Coloradans with the increasing costs of prescription drugs
Social Security – Government web site with a wealth of information.
Social Security Benefits– See what SSA programs you might qualify for.
Social Security Benefits for the Disabled – Explains what benefits are available, how you can qualify, and who can receive benefits on your earnings record.
Veterans – Application for Veteran’s benefits.
WIC – Supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children
THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE IS PROVIDED FOR YOUR INFORMATION ONLY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. COLORADO HEALTH INSURANCE BROKERS DOES NOT WARRANT ANY PERSON OR PERSONS’ ELIGIBILITY FOR ANY OF THE LISTED PROGRAMS OR WHAT THE REQUIREMENTS ARE FOR ANY LISTED PROGRAMS OR THE QUALITY OR SUITABILITY OF ANY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE ORGANIZATIONS AND/OR WEB SITES LISTED ON THIS PAGE.