Medicare/Medicaid Information

Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

When signing up for Medicare, it’s essential to understand your options. You can choose between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Medicare Annual Enrollment is October 15 – December 7, while Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is January 1 – March 31. Both happen every year.

Resources

The helpful staff at MRH is always available to help you understand your benefits. Call our Patient Financial Services at 970-826-3133.
The Facts About Medicare Advantage
If you’re a senior looking for guidance on Medicare, check out the helpful resources at https://www.seniorsocialcenter.org/ .
Stay informed and empowered in making the right healthcare choices! Be in the Know Resource: https://bit.ly/46LDvVE .

Looking for a Quick Comparison?

Medicaid/Health First Colorado

In Colorado, the Medicaid program is called Health First Colorado (HFC). During the PHE, it was possible to qualify for HFC with a household income of 138% of the federal poverty level. In addition, the PHE eliminated the need to reapply for HFC annually. From 2020 to early 2023, members were automatically reenrolled each year. The income eligibility threshold has dropped back to 100% of the federal poverty level. And HFC recipients must now reapply and requalify once a year.

What you can do:

Be sure that HFC has your current phone number, email and mailing address. Do this by 1) visiting Colorado.gov/peak, going to your “Mailbox” and updating your communication preferences, 2) using the Health First Colorado app to update your account information, or 3) contacting the Moffat County Department of Human Services at 970-824-8282.
Know your renewal month. Do this by 1) visiting Colorado.gov/peak to access your account information, 2) using the Health First Colorado app to view your account information, or 3) contacting the Moffat County Department of Human Services at 970-824-8282. You should receive a renewal packet by mail two months before your renewal month.
When you receive your renewal packet in the mail, fill it out thoroughly and return it immediately, well in advance of your renewal month. The renewal process generally takes weeks. Memorial Regional Health has found that the paper process is the most reliable, but you may also complete your renewal application at Colorado.gov/peak or on the Health First Colorado app. Note that all applications for Health First Colorado are also automatically considered for CHP+. You do not need to submit more than one application for your family.

Also, income thresholds are higher for CHP+ eligibility.
If you are deemed ineligible for HFC, enroll for subsidized healthcare coverage through Connect for Health Colorado, connectforhealthco.com.
For assistance with health insurance, food, housing, transportation, utilities and more, call The Health Partnership of Northwest Colorado at 970-875-3630. Their Moffat County office is located at 555 Breeze St., Suite 250, in Craig.
Call Memorial Regional Health’s Care Coordination office at 970-826-8011 for assistance with HFC applications or renewals or with Connect for Health Colorado enrollment.