FAMILY-TO-FAMILY
HEALTH INFORMATION CENTER
Welcome to the Community Voices/CBR YouthConnect partnership with the THRIVE Center! We are here to support our families in Colorado that have children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their providers. We offer resources and guidance to all families regarding all disabilities and health needs across the entire state of Colorado. Please contact us for information and support related to health services.
THE PROGRAM AND ITS PURPOSE
The purpose of the F2F Health Information Center is to provide information, education, and peer-led system navigation support to families of CYSHCN while encouraging professional partnerships with families. By doing so, our goal is to achieve improved outcomes with a reduction in disparities, promote informed decision-making, access to care, and facilitate cost-effective quality care for all children with special needs and their providers.
MEDICAID
Finding out where to go to apply for Medicaid can be challenging for some families with CYSHCN. There are several places that you can access information and apply. You do not need to apply in person if you have a computer. Please check out the following sources:
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Health First Colorado (general needs) | Enrollment: https://colorado.gov/HCPF and Health First
Regional Organizations (managed care) | Regions in Colorado
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Community Centered Boards (developmental disabilities) | Support by county
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Single Entry Point Agencies (specific health needs) | Support by county
There are many types of plans that families have available to them. Make sure you talk to a representative about which plan is best for you and your child. For example, see whether a waiver is more appropriate for your child’s medical needs over a buy-in plan. Certain services that will support you may not be covered under the buy-in option. Talk to a knowledgeable representative to see what you qualify for. For more information about the types of waivers available in Colorado, check out these resources: Kids’ Waivers and HCPF Children’s Programs
CAREGIVER SUPPORT
Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your child with special needs. The Colorado Family Caregiver Act allows you to hire respite, caregiving support, etc. with a person of your choice. For information, please click here.
COVID-19 RESOURCES
HOUSING ASSISTANCE
The COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely difficult for many families in Colorado and nationally. Numerous families are experiencing unemployment and housing crises. Here are a few resources that can help if you find that you need housing assistance. Click here.
SOCIAL STORIES FOR KIDS ABOUT COVID-19
The Autism Society has developed a bundle of social stories for kids about living in a time of COVID-19. Click here to find them.