Using Colorado Medicaid for Addiction Treatment

Many people do not know that Medicaid helps provide free treatment for addiction to drugs and alcohol. Continuum Recovery Center of Colorado takes all divisions of the Colorado Medicaid for our addiction program. Many addiction treatment centers do not accept Colorado Medicaid as payment, which helps set us apart. We can offer much-needed treatment to a variety of people who struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Understanding and applying for vast national and statewide programs such as Medicaid can be intimidating. We have broken down the basics into easy-to-digest information and helpful links. This page provides you with an overview of the Colorado Medicaid system, which is known as Health First. Our goal is to help you find out quickly if you qualify for Medicaid in Colorado. If so, we can help you or someone you love take advantage of their coverage of substance abuse treatment.

What Are Medicaid and Medicare?

Medicaid and Medicare are health insurance programs funded by federal and state funds. When Title XIX of the Social Security Act was signed into law in 1965, this act created Medicaid and Medicare. Both programs are available in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. Medicaid is intended as assistance for low-income families in need of a public insurance program.

In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), sometimes known as “Obamacare”, designated that Medicaid must cover basic tenets of treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. This means that Colorado Medicaid for addiction treatment may be the assistance you need to take advantage of our world-class program.

Qualifying for Medicaid in Colorado

The Federal government has general rules and qualifications that affect all states. However, each state handles its own Medicaid program, which means there are varying rules per state. What allows or denies a person coverage in one state may not apply in another one.

Many things determine if a person qualifies for Medicaid. Federal law requires that states provide coverage for groups that include low-income families, qualified children and pregnant women, and those who receive Supplemental Security Income. Individual states can add their own requirements.

The ACA gave states the opportunity to expand their coverage so that it might include a wider variety of people under age 65 who qualify as having low incomes.

Below is a general chart for income levels that determine qualifications for receiving Colorado Medicaid. The maximum monthly income for adults age 19-65 is as follows:

Individual: up to $1,415

Family of 2: up to $1,911

Family of 3: up to $2,408

Family of 4: up to $2,904

Family of 5: up to $3,401

Family of 6: up to $3,897

Family of 7: up to $4,394

Family of 8: up to $4,890

Family of 9: up to $5,387

Family of 10: up to $5,884

Keep in mind that you still may qualify even if you make more than the maximum amount. This detailed chart offers a broader overview of incomes that pertain to children, pregnant women, and parents and caretaker relatives.

What Addiction Treatment Services Does Colorado Medicaid Cover?

Treatment for mental health, substance use disorder, or behavioral services are covered by the Colorado Medicaid program. Coverage includes:

Alcohol and drug assessment

Physical assessment of detoxification progression

Alcohol and/or drug services, including targeted case management and group counseling by a clinician

Drug screening and monitoring

Outpatient day treatment

Inpatient hospital treatment

Medication-assisted treatment

Withdrawal management

Behavioral health counseling and therapy for individuals and groups

Safety assessment, including suicide ideation

Family therapy

Emergency and crisis services

School-based mental health services

The Health First website states that these services do not require co-pays or have limits to the amount of their coverage. Some authorization by a medical provider or other sources may be required for some of the treatment options.

Applying for Colorado Medicaid

To find out if you qualify for Colorado Medicaid, visit Health First Colorado for application options. They offer a variety of ways to apply, including:

Online: Find the application here
Telephone: 1-800-221-3943 or by calling 711
By Mail: Find the application here
In-person at a local county office or an application assistance site

The information and documents you need in order to apply for Colorado Medicaid include the following information for each applicant:

Social security number for those who have one
Immigration document numbers for non-citizens
Name, address, contact information, and birth date
Employer and income information for all household occupants. These may include W2 forms or pay stubs
Information related to Social Security Administration or Supplemental Security Income payments
Any health insurance plans that cover household members, including health insurance and Medicare

If You Have Previously Been Turned Down For Coverage

Each state sets different rules for qualification for eligibility for receiving Medicaid and Medicare coverage. These rules are subject to change on an annual basis. Because of this, some people who were turned down for Colorado Medicaid for addiction coverage in the past may find that they qualify now. If you or a loved one were previously turned down or apply, make sure to follow up with a phone call to see what changes in the rules may affect treatment.

Outpatient Drug Rehab in Denver

Fortunately, Continuum Recovery Center in Colorado accepts Medicaid as a form of payment for our addiction treatment programs. Our state-of-the-art facility helps individuals learn new coping mechanisms to recover from the devastating consequences of addiction. With holistic programming, EMDR Therapy, DUI programs and more, individuals can create a new life of opportunity and find a life of freedom.

If you would like to apply for Pre-Admissions into our Treatment Program, see our Pre-Admissions Section for Enrolling In Treatment.

For more Information Regarding our Holistic Outpatient Alcohol Treatment and Rehabilitation Services in Denver, Colorado, Call Us Today. We look forward to Discussing the Best Option for You or a Loved One.

Using Colorado Medicaid For Addiction Treatment