Emergency Medicaid Services (EMS), also known as Emergency Medical Services or Emergency Medicaid and Reproductive Health Care Services (EMS/RHCS), provides coverage for emergency medical conditions, family planning, and family planning-related services for individuals who qualify. It’s important to note that EMS is a limited-benefit program and does not cover all medical services.

To qualify for EMS, you must meet all the eligibility requirements for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) except for immigration or citizenship status requirements. This benefit is specifically designed to assist:

• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients
• Individuals without legal immigration status
• Non-immigrant visa holders (e.g., tourists, students)
• People with Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
• Adult legal permanent residents (green card holders) who have not been lawfully present in the U.S. for at least five years

Additionally, children and pregnant individuals may qualify for full Medicaid even if they haven’t been lawfully present in the U.S. for at least five years.

EMS provides coverage for:

1. Emergency Services

2. Family Planning Services

3. Family Planning-Related Services

If you believe you or a family member qualifies for EMS, you can apply through several methods:

• Online: Visit Colorado Peak to create an account and apply.
• By Phone: Call 800-221-3943 (State Relay: 711) between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• By Mail: Download and complete the paper application available in English and Spanish.
• In-Person: Visit your county’s Department of Human Services or a local application assistance site.

If you have questions or need assistance with your EMS application, please contact the Health First Colorado Member Contact Center at 800-221-3943 (State Relay: 711).

Betsy Muennich, the District Nurse, can also help with any questions or concerns at emuennich@telluride.k12.co.us or you can visit Health First Colorado’s Website.