The State Plan is the first of a two-phase program aimed at implementing the Children's Basic Health Plan. It involves expanding the current Colorado Child Health Plan from outpatient to comprehensive benefits.
Benefits are to be primarily delivered through HMOs.
In Phase Two, Colorado expects the Children's Basic Health Plan to adopt a rules-based eligibility system, a more sophisticated system for collections and HMO payment, and an enhanced managed care quality oversight system. A family coverage buy-in may also be added during this phase. Guidance will come from the Children's Basic Health Plan Policy Board. Income deductions will be allowed for medical bills, day care, and child support. A child is continuously eligible for one year from the date of application of HMO enrollment unless he moves from the state or becomes eligible for Medicaid.