The Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) is designed to provide access to discounted healthcare services for individuals and families in Colorado with limited income. It’s important to understand that CICP is not a health insurance plan. For patients who are eligible for discounted healthcare through CICP, they may also qualify for Hospital Discounted Care.
Who is Eligible for CICP?
To qualify for the Colorado Indigent Care Program, individuals must meet specific criteria:
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Colorado.
- Income Limits: Individuals and families must meet certain income guidelines to be eligible.
- Insurance Status: Applicants should not be eligible for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+).
- Medicare and Other Insurance: Even those who have Medicare or other forms of health insurance may still be eligible for CICP.
To give you an idea of the income limits, here are some approximate examples:
| Family Size | Approximate Annual Income | Approximate Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | up to $37,650 | up to $3,137 |
| 2 | up to $51,100 | up to $4,258 |
| 3 | up to $64,550 | up to $5,379 |
| 4 | up to $78,000 | up to $6,500 |
These figures are approximate, and it’s advisable to check the most current income limits when applying.
Applying for CICP: A Step-by-Step Guide
To apply for the Colorado Indigent Care Program, you will need to follow these steps:
- Gather Information: Be prepared to provide income and household information for yourself and all household members.
- Contact a Participating Provider: Reach out to a healthcare provider that participates in the CICP program. You can schedule an appointment with them to begin and complete the application process.
It’s crucial to apply directly through a CICP participating provider to ensure your application is correctly processed.
CICP Benefits and Services Explained
The Colorado Indigent Care Program offers a range of discounted healthcare services, although it’s not health insurance. Here’s what you can expect in terms of benefits and services:
- Discounted Emergency Care: Emergency medical services at hospitals participating in CICP are discounted.
- Variable Service Coverage: Because CICP is not health insurance, the specific medical services that are discounted can vary among participating hospitals and clinics.
- Potential Service Discounts: Depending on the provider, you might find discounts available for urgent care, inpatient hospital services, primary care visits, and prescription medications.
- Application Timeframe: It’s important to note that all CICP applications must be completed within 181 days from the date you received the healthcare service.
Understanding CICP Costs and Payments
While CICP provides discounts, it’s important to understand the costs you may still incur:
- Co-payments: You will be responsible for making co-payments for the services you receive. The amount of these co-payments will differ based on the specific medical services provided.
- Income-Based Payments: The amount you are required to pay in co-payments is determined by your family’s income level. Lower incomes generally mean lower co-payments.
- Non-Discounted Services: You will be responsible for the full cost of any medical services or tests that are not covered or discounted by your specific CICP provider.
- Provider Network: Your CICP discount is only applicable for services received from healthcare providers who are officially part of the CICP network.
- Coordination with Other Insurance: If you have existing health insurance, your CICP discount will be applied after any benefits from your health insurance are utilized.
- Cost Calculation: In cases where you have other health insurance, you will pay either the remaining charges your insurance doesn’t cover or the CICP co-payment, whichever is lower.
CICP vs. Health Insurance: Key Differences
It’s crucial to reiterate that the Colorado Indigent Care Program is not health insurance. If you or your family are enrolled in CICP, it’s worth exploring whether you now qualify for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program), especially since 2014 expansions.
To check your eligibility for Health First Colorado, Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), or programs like food assistance, you can visit the How to Apply page or call toll-free at 1-800-221-3943 / State Relay: 711.
Exploring Other Health Insurance Options in Colorado
Besides CICP, you and your family might be eligible for discounted health insurance plans through the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace. To learn more about these options:
- Visit the Website: Connect for Health Colorado website
- Call for Assistance: 1-855-PLANS4YOU (855-752-6749) or TDD: 1-855-346-3432.
For further questions about the Colorado Indigent Care Program, please contact the Health First Colorado Member Contact Center for detailed assistance and information.
This guide aims to clarify the essentials of the Colorado Indigent Care Program, helping you understand its benefits, eligibility, and how it can assist with healthcare costs. Remember, CICP is a vital resource for accessing discounted healthcare in Colorado, but it is not a substitute for comprehensive health insurance coverage.
