Does Colorado Medicaid Cover Addiction Treatment?

Cost stops a lot of people from getting help. If you have Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program, you may have more options than you think. Here’s a plain-language overview of what’s usually covered and how to find a provider that accepts it.

Colorado Medicaid covers a full range of substance use disorder care for eligible members, including:

• Withdrawal management (detox)
• Residential and inpatient treatment
• Partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Outpatient counseling and therapy
• Medications for opioid and alcohol use disorder, such as buprenorphine and methadone

Coverage details, approvals and which providers you can see depend on your plan and region, so always confirm before you start.

Sober living (recovery residence) rent is generally not covered by Medicaid. Some programs and nonprofits offer scholarships or help with housing costs, so it’s worth asking.

1. Call the member services number on your Health First Colorado card and ask which substance use services you’re covered for and whether you need a referral or approval.
2. Ask the provider directly whether they accept Health First Colorado and have openings.
3. If you’re not enrolled, you can check eligibility and apply through Colorado PEAK, the state’s benefits website, or your county human services office.

On Step One you can filter any type of care by insurance. These pages list providers that say they accept Medicaid:

• Detox centers that accept Medicaid
• Residential treatment that accepts Medicaid
• All care that accepts Medicaid

Insurance information can change, so confirm with the provider before you start.

Having Medicaid shouldn’t keep you from getting care. Start with the providers that accept it, call to confirm, and if you need support right now, call or text 988 any time.