How to Sign Up

Application

There are different ways to apply for the Health First Colorado Buy-In Program For Working Adults With Disabilities (Medicaid Adult Buy-In):

• Online on the Colorado PEAK website
• With a paper application (available in English, Spanish, or large print). Fill it out and return it by mail, fax, or in person at your county human services department, or
• By phone at 1-800-221-3943.

Colorado PEAK lists the details you may need to fill out an application.

No matter how you apply, it is important to know that if you are not eligible for the Medicaid Adult Buy-In, you may be able to get private insurance subsidized by the government.

Note: If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or are on SSI 1619(b), you don’t need to apply for the Medicaid Adult Buy-In, because you’ll get Health First Colorado (Medicaid) coverage automatically and won’t have to pay a premium.

Staying on the Medicaid Adult Buy-In

Usually, once approved for the Medicaid Adult Buy-In, you continue to qualify as long as your situation doesn’t change. If your income, immigration status, residency, disability status, or household size changes, use Colorado PEAK's Report My Changes tool or let your county human services department know within 10 days of the change. You can do this in person, by phone, or by email.

Job Loss

To be on the Medicaid Adult Buy-In, you must be employed. If you lose your job and your Medicaid Adult Buy-In coverage, there should be at least one health coverage option for you. You may become eligible for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) without a premium or an individual insurance plan that the government will help you pay for. Read more about these options in DB101’s article on How Health Benefits Work.

Eligibility During Employer-Approved Leave

If you go on an approved leave from work, but are still employed, you may be able to keep your Medicaid Adult Buy-In coverage by reporting the change and submitting proof that you are still employed to your county human services department or Colorado PEAK.