Colorado's Medicaid program, called Health First Colorado, provides free or low-cost health coverage to residents who meet income and other eligibility requirements. For 2026, most adults qualify if their household income falls at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which works out to $21,597 per year for a single person. Children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities have separate limits that are often higher. This guide breaks down every income threshold, explains who qualifies under each category, and walks you through how to apply.
What Is Health First Colorado?
Health First Colorado is Colorado's name for its Medicaid program, administered by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF). Colorado expanded Medicaid in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act, which opened coverage to most low-income adults under 65, not just families with children. The program covers doctor visits, hospital care, mental health services, prescriptions, dental, and more, all at no or very low cost to members.
Applications are accepted year-round with no open enrollment window, meaning you can apply any day of the year.
2026 Income Limits by Coverage Category
Income limits vary depending on your age, family status, and specific situation. Below are the current thresholds by category.
Adults Ages 19 to 64
Most non-elderly adults qualify at 138% FPL. This is the standard expansion threshold Colorado adopted in 2014.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $21,597 | $1,800 |
| 2 | $29,187 | $2,433 |
| 3 | $36,777 | $3,065 |
| 4 | $44,367 | $3,697 |
| 5 | $51,957 | $4,330 |
| 6 | $59,547 | $4,962 |
Each additional person adds approximately $7,590 per year to the limit.
Children Under Age 19
Children have higher income thresholds than adults. Colorado covers children in two tiers:
- Health First Colorado (Medicaid) for children: Up to 147% FPL
- Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+): Up to 265% FPL
CHP+ is Colorado's CHIP program. It offers low-cost coverage with small copays for children in families that earn too much for full Medicaid but still need help.
| Household Size | Medicaid (147% FPL) Annual | CHP+ (265% FPL) Annual |
|---|
| 1 | $23,461 | $42,294 |
| 2 | $31,681 | $57,114 |
| 3 | $39,901 | $71,934 |
| 4 | $48,121 | $86,754 |
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women qualify for health coverage at higher income levels to ensure prenatal and maternity care is accessible:
- Health First Colorado during pregnancy: Up to 200% FPL (approximately $31,200 per year for an individual in 2026)
- CHP+ during pregnancy: Up to 265% FPL
Any baby born to a person enrolled in Health First Colorado or CHP+ is automatically eligible for coverage through their first year of life.
Starting in 2025, Colorado also extended coverage to income-eligible children and pregnant women regardless of immigration status, which is a notable change from prior policy.
Seniors and Adults with Disabilities (Long-Term Care)
For seniors 65 and older and adults with disabilities who need long-term services, income limits differ. These programs include nursing home Medicaid, the HCBS-EBD Waiver, and Community First Choice (CFC):
- Income limit: $2,982 per month (300% of the Federal Benefit Rate)
- Asset limits also apply for these categories, typically $2,000 for an individual
These long-term care programs are means-tested, meaning both income and assets are reviewed. Standard expansion Medicaid for adults 19 to 64 does not have an asset limit.
Adults with Disabilities Who Work (Buy-In Program)
Colorado offers a Medicaid Buy-In program for working adults with disabilities. This allows people with incomes above standard Medicaid limits to pay a monthly premium and keep their coverage. Income can be up to 450% FPL under this program, making it available to people with moderate incomes who need disability-related services.
What Income Counts?
Health First Colorado uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine eligibility for most applicants. MAGI includes:
- Wages and salaries
- Self-employment income
- Social Security benefits (for most applicants)
- Alimony received (for agreements before 2019)
- Rental income and investment income
MAGI does not count child support received, veterans' benefits, or certain other non-taxable income. For long-term care Medicaid, a different income methodology applies.
Services Covered Under Health First Colorado
Once enrolled, Health First Colorado covers a broad range of services. Here is a summary of what is included:
| Service Category | Coverage |
|---|
| Primary care and doctor visits | Covered |
| Hospital care (inpatient and outpatient) | Covered |
| Emergency services | Covered |
| Mental health and substance use treatment | Covered |
| Prescription drugs | Covered |
| Dental (adults and children) | Covered |
| Vision | Covered |
| Prenatal and maternity care | Covered |
| Long-term care and home health | Covered (with waiver) |
| Transportation to medical appointments | Covered |
There are little to no copays for most services. Members choose a managed care organization (MCO) or Regional Accountable Entity (RAE) when they enroll.
How to Apply for Health First Colorado
There are four ways to apply. All routes lead to the same eligibility determination.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you start, collect:
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or similar)
- Income information: pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letters
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- If applying for long-term care: bank statements and asset documentation
Step 2: Choose How to Apply
Option A: Online through Colorado PEAK
Go to coloradopeak.secure.force.com and create an account. PEAK is the state's unified benefits portal, and applying online is the fastest way to get a decision.
Option B: By phone
Call 1-800-221-3943. Staff can take your application and answer questions. The line is available Monday through Friday.
Option C: In person
Visit your county Department of Human Services office. Staff there can help you fill out the application, which is useful if you have complex circumstances or documentation questions.
Option D: By mail
Download and mail a paper application to your local county office. This is the slowest option and is typically used only when the others are not accessible.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Online applications through PEAK are submitted instantly. For other methods, your application is received when the county office gets it.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
Processing times:
- Standard applications: up to 45 days
- Applications requiring a disability determination: up to 90 days
- Expedited determinations (certain circumstances): as fast as a few days
You can check your application status through your Colorado PEAK account even if you applied by phone or mail.
Step 5: Choose a Health Plan
Once approved, you will receive information about selecting a managed care organization or RAE in your area. You typically have 30 days to make a selection. If you do not choose, one will be assigned to you.
2026 Policy Changes to Know
Several changes are affecting Health First Colorado in 2026 and 2027 based on both state decisions and federal legislation.
Federal cuts (H.R. 1): Federal legislation passed in 2025 cuts approximately $1 trillion in federal Medicaid spending nationally over the next decade. For Colorado specifically, estimates suggest the state could lose $900 million to $2.5 billion annually by 2032. These cuts stem from reductions in provider fees and federal matching funds.
Immigration eligibility change (October 1, 2026): Starting October 1, 2026, only certain lawfully present immigrants will qualify for Health First Colorado or CHP+. Some groups that previously qualified, including refugees and asylees, may lose eligibility under the new federal rules.
More frequent renewals starting January 2027: Adults ages 19 to 64 earning up to 133% FPL will need to complete renewal paperwork twice per year instead of once. This administrative change is expected to affect approximately 375,000 members. It does not apply to children 18 and under, adults 65 and older, or Alaska Natives and American Indians.
These changes do not affect current income thresholds for 2026, but they are important to understand if you are already enrolled or planning to apply.
Other Programs You May Qualify For
If you do not meet Health First Colorado income limits, you may still qualify for other coverage options:
- Connect for Health Colorado: The state's ACA marketplace, offering subsidized private insurance for people earning between 100% and 400% FPL. Premium tax credits can significantly reduce monthly costs.
- CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus): Covers children and pregnant women in families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Available up to 265% FPL.
- Medicare Savings Programs: Help seniors pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays. Income limits vary by program tier.
Use our free eligibility screener to check which programs you may qualify for based on your household income and situation. It checks 11 programs at once and takes about two minutes.
You can also visit the Colorado benefits page for a full overview of state assistance programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Colorado Medicaid income limits for 2026?
For most adults ages 19 to 64, the limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. That equals $21,597 per year ($1,800 per month) for a single person, $29,187 for a household of two, and $44,367 for a family of four. Children qualify up to 147% FPL for Medicaid and up to 265% FPL for CHP+. Pregnant women qualify up to 200% FPL for Medicaid.
Does Colorado have an asset limit for Medicaid?
No, for standard adult Medicaid (the 138% FPL expansion category), Colorado does not have an asset limit. You can have savings, a car, or a home and still qualify as long as your income falls within the limit. Asset limits do apply to long-term care Medicaid programs for seniors and people with disabilities.
How long does it take to get approved for Health First Colorado?
Most standard applications are processed within 45 days. Applications that require a disability determination can take up to 90 days. In some urgent cases, same-day or expedited processing is available.
Can undocumented immigrants get Health First Colorado?
As of 2026, Colorado has extended coverage to income-eligible children and pregnant women regardless of immigration status. However, starting October 1, 2026, new federal rules will limit coverage for some immigrant categories. Adults who are undocumented generally do not qualify for standard Medicaid. Emergency Medicaid may be available for acute situations.
What if I just lost my job and need coverage right away?
Health First Colorado accepts applications year-round with no enrollment period. If your income dropped recently and you now fall within the limits, apply immediately through Colorado PEAK online. Coverage can start the first of the month after your application is approved in many cases.
Is there a premium for Health First Colorado?
No, Health First Colorado is free for most enrollees. There are no monthly premiums and generally no or very low copays for covered services. The CHP+ program for children does have small premiums and copays for some families.
How do I renew my Health First Colorado coverage?
The state sends a renewal notice before your coverage period ends. As of 2026, most adults renew once per year. Starting January 2027, adults ages 19 to 64 earning up to 133% FPL will need to renew twice per year. Respond to your renewal notice promptly to avoid a coverage gap. You can also renew online through Colorado PEAK.
Can I apply for Health First Colorado if I am self-employed?
Yes. Self-employment income counts toward your MAGI, but you can deduct business expenses. If your net self-employment income is within the income limits, you can qualify. Be prepared to provide recent tax returns or a profit and loss statement.
