HCP is a program for children and youth with special health care needs that help improve their health, development, and well-being by promoting communication between families, providers, and community resources and by connecting them to the care they need.
HCP is a program for children and youth with special health care needs. In the past, the program was called the Handicapped Children's Program (HCP) and then the Health Care Program (HCP) for Children with Special Needs. Now, we are simply known as HCP.
HCP provides information and resources, care coordination, and specialty clinics.
HCP helps families find:
Screenings and clinics including specialty care
Medical care, health, and community services
Financial resources, including help with insurance
Family support groups
Transition services
Answers to questions
HCP provides information and resources to address a child’s behavioral, developmental, educational, financial, medical and/or social needs.
HCP assists Colorado children and youth from birth to age 21 with special health care needs.
HCP’s nurse-led teams have special knowledge of the complexities that families with children and youth with special health care needs experience that will:
Listen to you.
Evaluate your family’s needs.
Talk to you about medical care services, insurance, and more.
Connect you with what you need.
Introduce you to other parents and professionals who provide support.
Partner with you so your child can reach their highest potential.
Your child may have a special health care need if they require health and related services more than that of other children generally.
Special health care needs can be:
Physical, emotional, or behavioral.
Diagnosed or undiagnosed.
Conditions that last a lifetime or end with treatment.
Easy to see in a child (visible health care needs) or not seen at all (invisible health care needs).
There are no restrictions or eligibility requirements based on income or diagnosis to receive HCP services.
Care coordination is a person-and-family-centered, team approach designed to meet the needs and preferences of individuals.
HCP care coordinators work with families as a team to:
Advocate for the child
Identify and prioritize needs
Develop a plan to achieve goals
HCP care coordination services are free.
HCP programs are located within local public health agencies throughout Colorado.
