Our story
Click the boxes below to explore our story and learn more about how this unique, first-in-the-state program was founded!
About CCHI
The Colorado Consumer Health Initiative (CCHI) is a nonprofit, consumer-oriented, membership-based health advocacy organization that serves Coloradans whose access to health care and financial security are compromised by structural barriers, affordability, poor benefits, or unfair business practices of the healthcare industry.
Identifying a Need in Colorado
Before our Consumer Assistance Program was founded, CCHI received calls from individuals who needed advice about which insurance provided the best coverage for health services or help with medical bills. In fielding these calls, we discovered a gap in organizations providing (or sustaining the institutional knowledge to provide) medical insurance and medical bill navigation.
The Consumer Assistance Program is Born
In June 2018, with funding from Next 50 Initiative, CCHI founded a Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) that helps individual consumers navigate medical billing, claims and access to care issues, and prescription drug costs. In addition to providing direct assistance to individual consumers, CAP informs CCHI’s policy and regulatory advocacy by surfacing issues consumers face on a daily basis. This helps us to identify emerging concerns and potential policy changes.
Since its inception, as of November 2021, CAP has served 1,583 people in 45 counties, and saved them over $4.2 million. CAP staffing includes: a manager, one coordinators, a fellow, and three volunteers who each work approximately 8 hours per week. To-date, we are the only program operating statewide that provides these kinds of services to Coloradans who need them.
How the Consumer Assistance Program is Funded
You will never be charged for our services.
CCHI’s Consumer Assistance program (CAP) has been funded by a grant from Next Fifty Initiative, the founding funder of our program, through November 30, 2021. CAP is also supported by sponsorships and donations. Colorado Access is our current sponsor and AARP has also sponsored the CAP in past years.
Although we do not charge clients for CAP services, donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated.
Donations can be made through our website at: cohealthinitiative.org/donate or by sending a check to Colorado Consumer Health Initiative:
303 E 17th Avenue Ste 400,
Denver, CO 80203
Please note that CAP services include medical bill and claim navigation, but we do not offer financial help to pay for medical bills or prescriptions.
How can we help?*
-
Applying for financial assistance for a hospital procedure
-
Screening for health coverage through Medicaid
-
Appealing a health insurance medical claim denial
-
Screening for prescription drug cost assistance
*Note: CAP services include medical bill and claim navigation, but we do not offer financial help to pay for medical bills or prescriptions.
CAP Program Homepage
Click here to navigate back to the Consumer Assistance Program Homepage.
Hospital Discounted Care
Click here to learn more about hospital discounted care and your rights as a patient.
Consumer Resources
Need help, but not sure where to start? Click here to find available resources!
What's the process?
Click here to learn how our amazing staff and volunteers will handle your case from start to finish.
Get help from CAP
Click here to get assistance with your medical bill or prescription drug costs.
Colorado Consumer Health Initiative
303 E 17th Ave, Suite 400
Denver, CO 80203
303.839.1261
General: inform@cohealthinitiative.org
Assistance: help@cohealthinitiative.org
Media: ptelang@cohealthinitiative.org
REACH OUT!