Health First Colorado for Children and Teens: Immunizations, Dental Care, and Mental Health Support

Health First Colorado provides essential medical aid to children and teens across Colorado. This program covers a wide range of preventive and treatment services so families can keep kids healthy, learning, and thriving. Below we explain practical steps to use those benefits for immunizations, dental care, and mental health support.

What Health First Colorado covers for kids and teens

Health First Colorado includes federal Medicaid protections for children called EPSDT, which stands for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment. EPSDT ensures preventive checkups, vaccinations, dental care, and mental health services are available when medically necessary. Coverage often includes services with little or no co-pay for eligible children.

For help applying or understanding eligibility, see Step by Step: How to Apply for Health First Colorado and CHP Plus Without Missing Key Details.
If you need coverage while waiting for a decision, check Free and Low Cost Clinics in Colorado for Residents Who Are Waiting for Medical Aid Approval.

Immunizations: What is covered and how to access shots

Health First Colorado covers recommended childhood and adolescent vaccines as part of preventive care. This includes routine well-child visits where providers check growth, development, and vaccination status. Keeping vaccines up to date protects children and the community.

Common vaccines covered include DTaP, IPV, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Hib, PCV, rotavirus, influenza, HPV, Tdap, and meningococcal vaccines. The vaccine schedule depends on age and health history, so talk with your child’s primary care provider.

Quick vaccine schedule overview

Talk to your clinician about timing and catch-up schedules. School vaccination requirements may differ, so confirm with your local school district.

How to get immunizations through Health First Colorado

• Find a Health First Colorado provider or community health center that administers vaccines.
• Bring prior immunization records and any insurance information.
• Ask about walk-in clinics or vaccine clinics at local public health departments.
• Use well-child visits to ensure vaccines and developmental checks are completed.

For families with changing income or other coverage, learn more about keeping enrolled at Keeping Health First Colorado Coverage: Renewal Notices, Income Changes, and Reporting Requirements.

Dental care: Prevention and treatment for growing smiles

Dental coverage for children is a critical part of EPSDT. Health First Colorado covers preventive services such as exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and X-rays. It also covers restorative services like fillings and extractions when medically necessary.

Regular dental visits help prevent cavities that can affect eating, speech, and school performance. Most dental benefits for children have low or no out-of-pocket costs.

How to access dental services

• Schedule a dental checkup every six months, or as recommended by the dentist.
• Confirm the dentist accepts Health First Colorado. Many dentists and pediatric dental specialists participate.
• For urgent dental pain or injury, seek immediate care through an emergency dentist or urgent care clinic.

If you need help coordinating coverage with employer insurance or Medicare, read Coordinating Health First Colorado with Employer Insurance or Medicare in Colorado.

Mental health support: Screening, therapy, and crisis care

Mental health care is a covered and essential part of services for children and teens. Health First Colorado covers behavioral health screenings at well-child visits, outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and inpatient or crisis services when needed.

Early identification and treatment improve outcomes for anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and behavioral concerns. Schools, pediatricians, and community mental health centers often work together to connect families with care.

Ways to get mental health support

• Ask your child’s primary care provider for a behavioral health screening and referral.
• Use school-based behavioral health services if available.
• Access telehealth and virtual therapy options for faster appointments.
• For immediate danger or risk of harm, call 911 or local crisis lines and use emergency services.

Rural families can use mobile clinics and telehealth options. Learn more at Rural and Mountain Town Medical Aid in Colorado: Mobile Clinics, Telehealth, and Travel Assistance.

Practical tips for parents and caregivers

• Keep an updated immunization card and bring it to every visit. This speeds up care and prevents missed shots.
• Schedule well-child visits on time to take advantage of EPSDT screenings and preventive benefits.
• Use a trusted pediatric dentist for routine dental care and ask about sealants and fluoride.
• If your child needs mental health support, request a warm handoff from your pediatrician to a behavioral health provider.
• If you are newly enrolled or switching coverage, review how benefits coordinate at Health First Colorado Basics: How Medicaid Works for Colorado Residents in Different Life Situations.

Common questions

What if my child needs care before Health First Colorado starts?

• Look for community clinics and local health departments that offer low cost or sliding scale services. See Free and Low Cost Clinics in Colorado for Residents Who Are Waiting for Medical Aid Approval.

Can teens consent to mental health services on their own?

• State rules vary by age and service type. Talk to your provider about consent laws and confidentiality for adolescents.

Are dental and mental health appointments covered the same way as medical visits?

• Generally yes, under EPSDT many services are covered when medically necessary. If you have a second insurance, check coordination resources at Coordinating Health First Colorado with Employer Insurance or Medicare in Colorado.

Final thoughts

Health First Colorado gives families reliable access to vaccines, dental care, and mental health support for children and teens. Staying on top of preventive visits gives kids the best chance to grow up healthy and ready for school and life. If you are unsure where to start, use a primary care provider or community health center as your first stop and reach out for help applying or coordinating coverage at Step by Step: How to Apply for Health First Colorado and CHP Plus Without Missing Key Details.

Get care early, keep records handy, and lean on local resources. Your child’s health today helps shape a stronger future.