Colorado offers free or low-cost health coverage through its Medicaid program, officially called Health First Colorado. If you are a Colorado resident with limited income, you may qualify for comprehensive medical coverage with no premiums, no deductibles, and little to no copays. The best part? You can apply any time of year because there is no open enrollment period for Medicaid in Colorado.
This guide walks you through every step of the application process, explains the income limits for 2025/2026, lists the documents you will need, and answers common questions about Health First Colorado.
Who Qualifies for Health First Colorado?
Colorado expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act in 2014, which means more residents are eligible than in many other states. Eligibility is based primarily on your household income, household size, and residency. You must be:
- A resident of Colorado
- A U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant (as of January 2025, all Colorado children ages 18 and younger and pregnant individuals can apply regardless of immigration status)
- Not currently enrolled in Medicare (though some dual eligibility exists)
- Within the income limits for your household size
There is no asset test for most Medicaid categories in Colorado. That means your savings, car, or home value typically do not affect your eligibility for standard Health First Colorado coverage.
Colorado Medicaid Income Limits (2025/2026)
Income eligibility is based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Colorado uses 138% FPL for most adults. Here are the current monthly and annual income limits:
Adults (Ages 19 to 64) at 138% FPL
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,800 | $21,597 |
| 2 | $2,430 | $29,160 |
| 3 | $3,061 | $36,723 |
| 4 | $3,692 | $44,286 |
| 5 | $4,323 | $51,849 |
| 6 | $4,953 | $59,412 |
Children (Ages 0 to 18) at 142% FPL
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,853 | $22,231 |
| 2 | $2,502 | $30,019 |
| 3 | $3,150 | $37,807 |
| 4 | $3,799 | $45,595 |
Pregnant Individuals at 195% FPL
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,545 | $30,534 |
| 2 | $3,436 | $41,232 |
| 3 | $4,328 | $51,930 |
| 4 | $5,219 | $62,628 |
Children who earn slightly too much for Medicaid may still qualify for Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), which covers children up to 260% FPL and pregnant individuals up to 260% FPL.
Not sure if you qualify? Check your eligibility with our free screener to see all the programs you may be eligible for in just a few minutes.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Colorado: Step by Step
There are four ways to submit your Health First Colorado application. Choose the method that works best for you.
Option 1: Apply Online Through Colorado PEAK
The fastest and most popular way to apply is through the Colorado PEAK online portal.
- Go to Colorado PEAK at coloradopeak.secure.force.com or visit colorado.gov/PEAK
- Create an account using your email address and a password
- Start a new application by selecting "Apply for Benefits"
- Enter your personal information including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address
- Provide household details listing everyone in your household, their income, and their relationship to you
- Report your income including wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, and any other sources
- Upload supporting documents such as pay stubs, proof of residency, and identification
- Review and submit your application
- Save your confirmation number for tracking purposes
The online application typically takes 20 to 40 minutes to complete.
Option 2: Apply by Phone
Call the statewide customer service line at 1-800-221-3943 (PEAK Customer Service). Representatives can help you complete your application over the phone. Phone lines are available Monday through Friday during business hours.
Option 3: Apply at Your County Office
Every county in Colorado has a Department of Human Services office where you can apply in person. A caseworker will help you fill out the application and collect your documents on the spot. To find your local county office, visit the Colorado Department of Human Services website or call 2-1-1.
Option 4: Apply Through Connect for Health Colorado
If you are not sure whether you qualify for Medicaid or a marketplace plan, you can start your application through Connect for Health Colorado. The system will automatically determine whether you qualify for Health First Colorado or a subsidized private plan.
Documents You Will Need
Gather these documents before you start your application to make the process smoother:
- Proof of identity such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Proof of income including recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns, or a letter from your employer
- Proof of Colorado residency such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your address
- Immigration documents if applicable (green card, work permit, visa)
- Proof of pregnancy if applying under the pregnant individuals category
If you do not have all your documents ready, you can still submit your application. Colorado allows you to provide missing documents after submission, typically within 10 business days.
What Happens After You Apply
Here is what to expect once your application is submitted:
- Processing time: Colorado aims to process Medicaid applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-related applications)
- Eligibility determination: Your county Department of Human Services will review your application and verify your information
- Notification: You will receive a letter in the mail (and through your PEAK account if you applied online) telling you whether you have been approved or denied
- If approved: Your coverage begins on the first day of the month you applied or the month you became eligible, whichever is later. You will receive your Health First Colorado member card in the mail.
- If denied: The letter will explain why and how to appeal. You have 60 days to request a hearing.
Retroactive Coverage
Colorado Medicaid can provide up to three months of retroactive coverage. If you had medical expenses in the three months before your application and you would have been eligible during that time, those bills may be covered.
What Health First Colorado Covers
Health First Colorado provides comprehensive coverage including:
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Hospital stays (inpatient and outpatient)
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Preventive care and screenings
- Dental care (through Delta Dental of Colorado)
- Vision care
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Emergency room visits
- Maternity and newborn care
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
- Durable medical equipment
- Transportation to medical appointments (through your regional organization)
Most services have no copay. Some non-emergency services may have small copays of $1 to $6, but you can never be turned away for inability to pay.
Special Programs and Expansions
Colorado offers several additional Medicaid programs worth knowing about:
Cover All Coloradans (Starting January 2025)
All children ages 18 and younger and pregnant individuals living in Colorado can now apply for Health First Colorado or CHP+ regardless of immigration status. This is a major expansion that opens the door for thousands of families.
Buy-In Program for Working Adults with Disabilities
If you have a disability and earn too much for standard Medicaid, the Health First Colorado Buy-In program allows you to maintain Medicaid coverage while working, with income limits up to 450% FPL.
Long-Term Care Medicaid
For seniors and individuals needing nursing home care or home-based long-term services, Colorado has separate income and asset limits. Single individuals must have income under approximately $2,982 per month and assets under $2,000. Contact your county office for more details.
How to Renew Your Health First Colorado Coverage
Medicaid coverage in Colorado must be renewed every 12 months. Here is how to stay covered:
- Watch for your renewal notice which arrives about 60 days before your renewal date
- Update your information through Colorado PEAK, by phone, or at your county office
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation
- Report changes in income, household size, or address as they happen throughout the year
If you miss your renewal deadline, your coverage may be terminated. However, you can reapply at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in Colorado?
Most applications are processed within 45 days. If your application involves a disability determination, it may take up to 90 days. Online applications through Colorado PEAK are often processed faster.
Can I apply for Medicaid at any time in Colorado?
Yes. Unlike private health insurance, there is no open enrollment period for Health First Colorado. You can apply any day of the year.
What if I earn slightly too much for Medicaid?
If your income is above the Medicaid limit but still below 400% FPL, you may qualify for subsidized health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado. You can also use our free screener to check what other programs you qualify for.
Does Colorado Medicaid cover dental and vision?
Yes. Health First Colorado covers both dental care (through Delta Dental of Colorado) and vision care, including eye exams and glasses.
Can I have Medicaid and employer insurance at the same time?
Yes. You can have both Medicaid and employer-sponsored insurance. Medicaid can serve as secondary coverage and may help cover copays, deductibles, and services your employer plan does not cover.
What is CHP+ and how is it different from Medicaid?
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) is a separate program for children and pregnant individuals who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but still need affordable coverage. CHP+ covers children up to age 19 with household income up to 260% FPL. It has low premiums and copays.
Can undocumented immigrants get Medicaid in Colorado?
As of January 2025, all children ages 18 and younger and pregnant individuals living in Colorado can apply for Health First Colorado or CHP+ regardless of immigration status under the Cover All Coloradans initiative. Adults without qualifying immigration status are generally not eligible for full Medicaid but may qualify for Emergency Medicaid.
Where can I get help with my application?
You can get free help from your county Department of Human Services, community health centers, or by calling 1-800-221-3943. You can also dial 2-1-1 for local assistance resources.
Take the Next Step
Applying for Medicaid in Colorado is straightforward, and help is available at every step. If you are unsure whether you qualify for Health First Colorado or other assistance programs, try our free benefits screener. It takes just a few minutes and checks your eligibility for over 11 programs at once, including SNAP, LIHEAP, and more.
The sooner you apply, the sooner you can access the health care you and your family need. Remember, coverage can be retroactive for up to three months, so do not wait if you have current medical needs.
