Do I need a referral to receive behavioral health services?
You don’t need a referral. Some services, however, may require a prior authorization. It’s always a good idea to discuss your physical and behavioral health needs with your PCP.
Health First Colorado
(Colorado’s Medicaid program)
Learn about your behavioral and physical health benefits, access the member handbook and learn how to get medical advice when you need it.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Caring for you and your health is our top priority. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is here in Colorado. We want to make sure you stay updated on any benefit changes as a result of COVID-19.
If you have Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program): Please visit healthfirstcolorado.com/covid for the most up-to-date benefit information.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit coaccess.com/covid19.
Your Health is Our Priority
In Colorado, Medicaid is called Health First Colorado. With Health First Colorado, you belong to a regional organization. We are the regional organization for Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, and Elbert counties. We manage both your physical and behavioral health care. We have a network of providers to make sure you can get care in a coordinated way.
We support a network of providers to make sure you can get health care. This means both primary care providers and behavioral health providers. You will likely not work with us very often if you get most or all of your health care needs met by your primary care provider or behavioral health provider. If you have more complex needs and get services from many state agencies, we can work with you and your different providers. We can help with the coordination of services.
We also offer comprehensive mental health and substance use care services. Our network of behavioral health providers can provide medically necessary behavioral health services. This includes things like therapy or medications.
Behavioral Health
Your benefits include both mental health and substance use care services. We will help you find what works best for you.
Here are some of the behavioral health benefits you have:
• Alcohol/drug screening counseling
• Behavioral health assessment
• Case management
• Detox
• Emergency and crisis services
• Hospitalization
• Outpatient therapy
• Safety assessment
• School-based mental health services
Please keep in mind that some benefits may need prior authorization.
Having a crisis?
Physical Health
Your benefits include any type of care for your body. This includes preventive services, like a wellness visit. You should get a wellness visit each year.
Don’t worry if you need help to figure out what you need or how to get it. Our care coordinators will help you. A care coordinator works with you to help you get the care you need. They can also connect you to resources you may need.
Here are some of the services covered under your benefits:
• Allergy tests and shots
• Ambulance rides
• Audiology
• Doctor visits
• Emergency room visits
• Family planning counseling
• Home health
• Hospice
• Inpatient medical and surgical care
• Lab work
• Long-term home health therapies
• Medical equipment, like wheelchairs or oxygen
• Outpatient hospital services
• Radiology
• Specialist visits
• Speech, physical and occupational therapy
• Telemedicine
• Urgent care
• Women’s health services
Keep in mind that some benefits may need prior authorization.
Member Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of help can a care coordinator offer?
A care coordinator can assist you in coordinating physical and behavioral health services, and other related services, such as transportation for medical appointments. Call us and we can tell you more.