The Hop will drop you off at 9th and Arapahoe. Take the N, which goes to Nederland, and get off at Settlers Park Drop off.
By the Whole Connection team · Clinically reviewed by Phillip Horner, LCSW, CGP · Published July 18, 2026
If you have Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid), you may have seen the letters “RAE” on your paperwork and wondered what they mean. A RAE helps manage your behavioral health care, including therapy. The good news: no matter which RAE you have, your covered therapy is still $0. Here’s a plain-language guide to what a RAE is and why it matters.
Short answer: RAE stands for Regional Accountable Entity. It’s a regional organization that Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid) uses to coordinate and pay for your behavioral health care, like therapy and counseling. Your RAE is assigned based on the county you live in. Think of it as the group that helps run your mental healt
RAE stands for Regional Accountable Entity. It’s a regional organization that Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid) uses to coordinate and pay for your behavioral health care, like therapy and counseling. Your RAE is assigned based on the county you live in. Think of it as the group that helps run your mental health benefits.
Your RAE is decided by your county. Since ACC Phase III began July 1, 2025, Colorado has four regions. For example, Boulder, Broomfield, and Jefferson counties use CCHA, while Denver, Adams, and Arapahoe counties use Colorado Access. Northeast Health Partners covers Larimer and Weld, and Rocky Mountain Health Plans covers Western and rural Colorado, from Mesa and Garfield to Pueblo and the San Luis Valley. The table below shows how counties map to each RAE.
| County / Area | Your RAE |
|---|---|
| Boulder, Broomfield, Jefferson | CCHA (Colorado Community Health Alliance) |
| Denver, Adams, Arapahoe | Colorado Access |
| Larimer, Weld | Northeast Health Partners |
| Western and rural Colorado (Mesa, Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Pitkin, Routt, Montrose, Delta, La Plata, Montezuma, Pueblo, Fremont, Chaffee, Lake, the San Luis Valley, and more) | Rocky Mountain Health Plans (RMHP) |
Note: Denver members may also be part of Denver Health Medicaid Choice. Please verify your specific plan.
Both are RAEs that manage behavioral health for Health First Colorado, so they do the same basic job. The main difference is the region they serve. CCHA covers Boulder, Broomfield, and Jefferson counties, while Colorado Access covers Denver, Adams, and Arapahoe. Your county decides which one you have.
No. Whether you have Colorado Access, CCHA, or another RAE, your covered therapy through Health First Colorado is still $0, with no session limits. Your RAE simply coordinates and pays for that care behind the scenes. You can learn more on our Medicaid therapy page.
There are two easy ways to find your RAE. First, check the paperwork you received when you enrolled in Health First Colorado, as it usually names your RAE. Second, call the member services line printed on the back of your Health First Colorado card and ask them to confirm your RAE.
Your RAE follows your county, so moving to a new county may change your RAE. For example, moving from Denver to Boulder could shift you from Colorado Access to CCHA. Be sure to update your address with Health First Colorado, then verify your new RAE so your therapy stays covered.
Look for a practice that accepts Health First Colorado for your region. Whole Connection accepts Health First Colorado, including CCHA in Boulder and Colorado Access in Denver, with in-person visits in Boulder and Denver plus telehealth statewide. You can meet our team or read our Colorado Medicaid therapy guide.
Still not sure which RAE you have or whether we’re a fit? That’s okay. Reach out and we’ll help you sort it out and get started. Call us at (720) 442-0946 to schedule your first session or ask any questions. Remember to verify your specific plan so you know exactly what’s covered.
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