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With monies from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), CIDE has been helping Colorado Medicaid members to be more prepared for emergencies.

Battery Backup Power Systems

We have received over 1000 applications for backup battery systems from across the state and distributed over 800 batteries to provide backup power for life-sustaining medical devices so far. Backup battery power systems store energy and provide power to a home during power outages. These battery systems automatically provide power in an emergency. This means participants in this program can continue to use life-sustaining devices like CPAP machines, infusion pumps, oxygenators, and other important devices even when the power grid is down. 

Home backup battery power systems offer an alternative to the choice that many Coloradans face when the electricity goes out - the option to stay and wait for the power to come back on, or immediately head to a different location to plug in a life sustaining device. 

Emergency Go Kits

We have received over 850 applications for the Emergency Go Kits and have shipped over 370 kits so far. An Emergency Go Kit is a collection of essential items you can quickly grab and take with you in an emergency or evacuation. It contains all the necessary supplies in one place for easy access in a hurry. Emergency Go Kits we have shipped across the state are tailored to specific needs including vision, hearing, mobility, and communication needs.

Participants are encouraged to customize their kits even more based on any medications, assistive technology, or special needs that they or their family members might have.

Emergency Planning and Preparedness Trainings

In addition to the backup battery systems and the Emergency Go Kits, we have provided Emergency Preparedness trainings in Frisco, Alamosa, and Grand Junction and will be providing virtual trainings this spring. These trainings focus on emergency power planning and emergency preparedness skills for people with disabilities and/or access and functional needs, their families, and their caregivers. Additional trainings are geared toward Home and Community-Based Services Providers. 

How can Medicaid members get involved?

• Learn more about Surviving in Place and register for upcoming trainings.
• Apply for a Battery Backup Power System (open to Colorado Medicaid members using qualifying life-sustaining medical equipment).
• Request an Emergency Go Kit (open to all Colorado Medicaid members).