Medicaid & Health Coverage
Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) provides health coverage to eligible low-income Coloradans. Below you will find information about eligibility, enrollment, Denver Health services, and what is covered.
Apply for Health First Colorado
You can apply online through Colorado PEAK, call 1-800-221-3943, or visit your county Department of Human Services office. Applications are accepted year-round — there is no limited enrollment period for Medicaid.
Overview & Coverage
Action Items
Step-by-step checklist for accessing Medicaid dental care through Health First Colorado.
Read guideCoverage Summary
Health First Colorado adult dental benefits, administered by DentaQuest. Revised July 2025.
Read guideDashboard
Read guideDenver Health Medicaid vs Health First Colorado
This is the core distinction between plan types. The short answer: dental benefits are the same either way, but the plans differ in how medical care is managed.
Read guideOut-of-Pocket Costs
For all covered services at in-network providers: members pay $0. No copays, no deductible, no coinsurance, no annual cap.
Read guideTreatment Plan Overview
This note maps common dental procedures to their Medicaid coverage status under Health First Colorado.
Read guideProviders
Dental & Implant Centers of Colorado (DICC)
A multi-specialty dental clinic and implant center. Accepts Medicaid (Health First Colorado / DentaQuest) at all locations. They specialize in dental implant...
Read guideDenver Health Dental Clinics
Denver Health operates 6 dental clinics across Denver. These are part of the Denver Health network and accept Health First Colorado / DentaQuest.
Read guideFinding a Provider via DentaQuest
Visit dentaquest.com/find-a-dentist and search by:
Read guideNew Day Dentistry
A dental group with 7 locations across the Denver metro area. Welcomes Medicaid patients.
Read guideOpen & Affordable Dental
A Denver-based dental practice offering Medicaid dental services.
Read guideProcedures
Cleanings and Exams
Routine cleanings and exams are fully covered with no prior authorization needed.
Read guideCrown Replacement
Standard crowns are a covered benefit under Health First Colorado adult dental.
Read guideCrowns on Implant Stems
The official Health First Colorado Adult Dental Benefit Summary states:
Read guideExtractions
Both simple and surgical extractions are covered under Health First Colorado adult dental benefits.
Read guideFlipper (Removable Partial Denture)
A "flipper" is an informal term for an interim or temporary removable partial denture, usually made of acrylic. It's a lightweight, removable appliance that ...
Read guideResources & Contact Info
DentaQuest Contact Info
DentaQuest (a Sun Life company) administers dental benefits for all Health First Colorado members.
Read guideImportant Links
See also: Dashboard | Resources/DentaQuest Contact Info
Read guideKey Phone Numbers
All services: dial 711 for State Relay
Read guidePrior Authorization Guide
Prior authorization (PA) is approval from DentaQuest that must be obtained before certain dental procedures are performed. Your dentist's office handles the ...
Read guideKey Facts About Health First Colorado
- No Premiums
- Most Medicaid recipients pay no monthly premium. Some may have small copays for certain services.
- Year-Round Enrollment
- Unlike marketplace insurance, you can apply for Medicaid at any time during the year.
- Retroactive Coverage
- Medicaid can cover medical bills up to 90 days before your application date if you were eligible during that time.
- Expansion Coverage
- Colorado expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults aged 19–64 with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify.