Can a Colorado Medicaid dental office charge a missed-appointment fee?

The rule for members with only Health First Colorado

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing states that providers may not charge a missed or canceled appointment fee to Health First Colorado members who do not have other health-plan coverage. Providers also cannot charge Medicaid-only members simply to schedule an appointment or ask them to sign a form accepting financial liability for a missed appointment.

The policy reflects federal and state limits on Medicaid member payments. It is separate from whether an office may set attendance expectations, decline to reschedule after repeated missed visits subject to access and nondiscrimination rules, or require confirmation. A no-show can still delay care and use a scarce appointment even when a fee is prohibited.

Why Medicare or commercial primary insurance changes the question

HCPF's policy states that a member with both Medicare and Health First Colorado may be assessed a missed-appointment fee by a Medicare-enrolled practice when the fee is applied consistently to other patients and the patient received advance notice of the practice policy. The state also describes a similar possible exception for commercial primary coverage.

That does not mean every dual-coverage member automatically owes every fee. Ask which insurance policy the office is applying, whether the practice gave advance notice, whether the rule is applied consistently, and whether the person has full Medicaid only, Medicare, or commercial primary coverage. Verify coverage with the plans rather than guessing from an old card.

What to do if you receive an unexpected fee

1. 1

   Ask for the charge in writing

   Request the date, amount, stated reason, practice policy, and the coverage information the office relied on.

2. 2

   Confirm your coverage on that date

   Determine whether you had Health First Colorado only, Medicare, or commercial insurance when the missed appointment occurred.

3. 3

   Share the official policy

   If you were Medicaid-only, ask the office to review and remove the prohibited charge.

4. 4

   Keep a contact log

   Record names, dates, reference numbers, documents, and the promised correction or response date.

5. 5

   Escalate if unresolved

   Contact DentaQuest or Health First Colorado for member help and use the grievance or appeal path that applies to the issue.

Prevent a missed visit without giving up care

• Save the office number and appointment date immediately; ask for text, email, or phone reminders when available.
• Confirm transportation, childcare, work, interpreter, mobility, and support-person arrangements early.
• For eligible members needing a ride in the Denver metro area, request MediDrive NEMT at least two business days before a routine visit when possible.
• Call as soon as a conflict appears and ask whether the office can reschedule or use a cancellation list.
• If illness or symptoms change the safety of care, ask the office—not this page—whether to attend, postpone, or seek urgent evaluation.

Star Dental appointment communication

Star Dental accepts Health First Colorado for adults and children at its Denver office. The practice publishes extended weekday and weekend hours, but a particular appointment depends on provider, service, and current capacity. Request a visit online or call 303-222-1414, then wait for the team to confirm the actual date and time.

If you need to cancel or change a Star Dental visit, call as early as possible so the team can discuss another time. Do not include a complete member ID or detailed medical information in an ordinary web request. For a disputed Star Dental statement or fee, have the appointment date and written document available when you contact the office.