January 1, 2025, marked the start of Medicaid coverage through Cover All Coloradans for children and pregnant people, regardless of immigration status in Colorado. This monumental coverage expansion for undocumented Coloradans begins a few years after the passage of HB22-1289: Health Benefits for Colorado Children And Pregnant Persons, led by the Colorado Children’s Campaign and a coalition of advocacy champions.
These newly eligible populations now get the same support and services provided to Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) members, if they qualify based on income.
This new coverage addresses barriers and access to healthcare for a vulnerable population who has not seen the same gains in the uninsured rate over the last decade due to being left out of many public healthcare plans. According to the Colorado Children’s Campaign Kids Count 2024 Data Book, 7% of Latino children are uninsured compared to 3% of White children.1
Colorado joins 12 other states to cover children regardless of documentation status and 22 other states to cover pregnant and postpartum adults regardless of their immigration status.
Enrollment Update: January 8, 2025
As of January 8, we are excited to share that over 8,000 children and over 2,000 pregnant and postpartum adults have been enrolled in the program. Currently, most enrollees live in the Denver Metro area.
Additionally, before the end of 2024, HCPF converted 6,000 eligible children and 1,000 pregnant adults who had previously filled out Emergency Medicaid paperwork into the new program to gain full coverage beginning January 1, so they did not have to enroll again. All these members were notified of their enrollment.
What about Public Charge?
Access to healthcare through Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) does not affect public charge and will not harm your immigration status. Some people must pass this public charge test when they apply for permanent residence or a visa, but most public benefits are not considered under this test.
For more information on Public Charge in Colorado see these fact sheets in English and in Spanish.
Community Ambassadors
17 community-based organizations across Colorado are supporting the successful implementation of Cover All Coloradans and represent a variety of regions and languages around the state. To get connected to resources in your community, visit these partners:
The Colorado Children’s Campaign is currently leading an implementation workgroup and will be closely following the success and enrollment of the program with our partners at Health Care Policy and Financing. Changes in the Federal Government and funding challenges in Colorado remain a threat to the success of the program reaching as many children as possible.
If you are interested in being involved, or learning more, please reach out to Toni Sarge, Director of Child and Family Health at toni@coloradokids.org.
