Nufer: Health Colorado Inc. provides 'whole person' care

The Pueblo Chieftain
·3 min read

Medicaid in Colorado is called Health First Colorado. This important program is managed by Health Colorado, Inc. (HCI) an organization based in Pueblo. HCI oversees member’s physical and behavioral health care in nineteen counties to include Pueblo, Southeastern Colorado and the San Luis Valley. I am very proud to be asked to serve on this Board of Directors as a Community Representative.

HCI consists of six partner agencies: Health Solutions, SolVista Health, Southeast Health Group, Valley Wide Health Systems, San Luis Valley Behavioral Health and Beacon Health Options. These partner agencies are mission driven safety net providers. They are community based, work and live in the region and understand the needs of the community. These groups support a vast network of providers throughout Southeastern Colorado and the San Luis Valley. These agencies work hard to make sure members can access care in a coordinated way and to see that benefits are available to improve overall health.

It is important to keep in mind that mental health is equally as important as physical health. These agencies work closely with members to ensure that the whole person is cared for and that services are given for your particular need.

Some of the many services that are:

  • Well exams and sick visits with your Primary Care Provider

  • Dental visits for members under 21 every six months. Members 21 & over have dental benefits limited to $1,500 per year. These visits include cleanings and checkups, fillings, repairs, and relief from pain

  • Immunizations

  • Vision exams and glasses for patients under 21; Vision exams, glasses or contacts for patients 21 and older are limited to medical necessity

  • Hearing tests

  • Referrals to transportation for medical appointments

  • Lab and blood tests

  • Behavioral health services

  • Prescriptions

  • Family planning

  • Pregnancy testing and prenatal care, including lab work, ultrasounds, prenatal vitamins

For exact coverage for you and your family or questions about these services please contact HCI by calling 888-502-4185 or by email healthcolorado@beaconhealthoptions.com

The HCI website is chock full of great information to help people enjoy a happier and healthier life. Some of the topics you will find will be:

  • Fighting Depression

  • Health Eating

  • Controlling Stress

  • Physical Health

  • Breaking Addictions

  • Family Planning

  • Dental Hygiene

Current members and potential members can learn about benefits and how to access care by emailing to healthcolorado@beaconhealthoptions.com or calling 1-888-502-4185. Staff can help connect people with a Care Coordinator who will walk you through the process and explain your benefits and rights.

HCI and Health First Colorado encourages members to become actively involved in not only your healthcare, but to help make a difference in our community as a whole. You can do this by joining the Program Improvement Advisory Committee (PIAC).This group is for members, family members, providers, county employees, and other stakeholders. The purpose of the group is to improve the health and satisfaction of members in our region.

HCI invests in our communities by making important monetary contributions to the health and well-being in our areas. The next few columns will highlight some of the organizations that have benefitted from HCIs support.

Betty Nufer
Betty Nufer

Betty Nufer is a community advocate and cheerleader for those who need support getting through the rough times in life.  She can be reached at 72bettynufer@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Nufer: Health Colorado Inc. and its impact on Pueblo