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Public Benefits

Public Benefits Rule Links

FAQ on Public Benefits Cases

Q: How do I file an appeal?
A: If your case involves the denial, termination or reduction of a benefit such as Health First Colorado (Medicaid), Food Assistance or Colorado Works:

Complete the Request for State Level Hearing Form or you may write us a letter with the following information:

  • Your name, address and telephone number
  • The county that denied the benefit
  • The benefit that was denied
  • Whether you will have another person represent you and if so their contact information (name, address and telephone number)
  • A brief explanation of why you are appealing the decision
  • Copies of any denial/termination notice you received.

Please make sure to sign the letter or form and either mail it to the Denver Office of the OAC or fax it to 303-866-5909. If you wish your benefits to continue while you are appealing, make sure you state that in your appeal as well as notifying the county that you have appealed the decision.

In many cases involving denial, termination or reduction of a benefit (food assistance or Health First Colorado (Medicaid) for example), you can be represented by someone who is not an attorney. However, the person representing you MUST have your written authorization to do so. This written authorization can take several forms:

  • General Power of Attorney appointing your representative to act on your behalf (in most cases a Medical Power of Attorney is not sufficient)
  • Order of Guardianship, wherein the representative is appointed the legal guardian.
  • A letter signed by the benefit recipient specifically naming the representative. This letter must be signed by the recipient.
  • In a Medicaid case a fully executed Non-Attorney Representative form must also be completed.
  • In a non-Medicaid case a fully executed Representative Authorization form.

If you are filing an appeal on behalf of your minor child, state this in your appeal letter and indicate your child's date of birth. If you are filing on behalf of a minor foster child, you will need to include a copy of the Order granting you legal guardianship.

Q: How long will it take to get a hearing? 
A: The rules relating to when your hearing will be scheduled are governed by the rules pertaining to the case type. As a general rule, your hearings will usually be scheduled for 6 to 8 weeks from the receipt of your appeal.

Q: When will I receive a decision after my hearing?
A: These are the next steps after a hearing is finished:

  • The judge will issue a written decision within 20 days after your hearing.
  • The OAC will send the decision and the entire file to the Office of Appeals at the Department of Healthcare Policy and Financing or the Department of Human Services, depending on the type of benefits involved in the case.
  • The Office of Appeals is responsible for sending the judge's decision to you. The Office of Appeals will also include information about how to appeal the decision if you disagree with it.
  • There can be some delay between the date the judge's decision is issued and when the agency sends it to you. If you do not receive the decision in approximately six weeks after the hearing, feel free to contact the OAC or the agency's Office of Appeals to check the status of the order.