Do You Qualify for Health First Colorado?
Enter your household size and income before taxes to see where you land in Colorado.
Estimate using 2026 federal poverty guidelines and Colorado's income limits as of January 2026. If you are pregnant, count the baby you are expecting in your household size. People 65 and older or with disabilities follow different rules. This is not an official determination — only Colorado's Medicaid agency or the marketplace can confirm eligibility.
Key threshold: If your income is below $22,025 (individual) or $45,540 (family of 4), you likely qualify for Health First Colorado with free or very low-cost coverage. No premiums, no deductibles.
Colorado Medicaid Income Limits 2026
The following table shows the key income thresholds for Colorado in 2026:
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL (Medicaid Limit) | 400% FPL (Subsidy Limit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $177,440 |
If your household income falls below the 138% FPL column, you qualify for Health First Colorado. If your income is between 138% and 400% FPL, you qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies to help pay for private insurance.
About Health First Colorado
Who Qualifies for Health First Colorado
If you're a Colorado resident seeking affordable healthcare, Health First Colorado, the state's Medicaid program, is a crucial resource. Adults aged 19-64 may qualify with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a single person, this means an approximate monthly income limit of $1,835, or $2,489 for a household of two, $3,142 for three, and $3,795 for four. Children up to age 18 have higher income limits, extending to 147% FPL for Medicaid, and pregnant individuals can qualify with incomes up to 200% FPL. As of April 2025, over 1.2 million children and adults are enrolled in Health First Colorado, demonstrating its significant role in providing health coverage across the state.
If You're Near the Income Line
If your income is slightly above the Health First Colorado threshold, you might still find affordable coverage through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's marketplace. For example, a single person with an income above $1,835 per month or a family of four above $3,795 per month may transition to marketplace plans. With a benchmark Silver plan costing around $557 per month, subsidies can significantly reduce your actual payment. It is important to remember that income changes can shift your eligibility between Health First Colorado and marketplace subsidies. Colorado saw a substantial drop in Medicaid enrollment after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, with approximately 550,000 people losing coverage during redeterminations. If you were among those who lost coverage, you can reapply for Health First Colorado at any time, or enroll in a marketplace plan during a special enrollment period up to 60 days after losing coverage.
What Health First Colorado Covers
Health First Colorado provides comprehensive benefits, typically with no deductibles, premiums, or copays for most services. This includes physical and behavioral health care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and dental care. Colorado also offers several Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers designed to help individuals with disabilities and the elderly receive care in their homes rather than institutions. For example, the Elderly, Blind, and Disabled (EBD) waiver assists individuals aged 18 and older who are at risk of nursing home placement, and the Developmental Disabilities (DD) waiver provides 24-hour services for adults with extensive support needs. Additionally, Colorado has been a leader in telehealth, with policies in place requiring payment parity for telemedicine services, meaning providers are reimbursed at the same rate as in-person services. This allows for greater access to care through live video, even from your home.
Tips for Applying
When navigating Health First Colorado, be aware of potential processing delays, and ensure you have all necessary documentation, such as proof of age, U.S. citizenship, Colorado residency, and income. While there is generally no open enrollment period for Health First Colorado, income eligibility limits are updated annually in April. Some low-income adults may face six-month renewals starting in 2027, and work requirements will also begin for certain adults aged 19-64 in 2027. If you have questions or need assistance, applying through Connect for Health Colorado can help determine your eligibility for either Health First Colorado or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+).
Colorado Medicaid and CHIP Income Limits for Children and Pregnancy
Children and pregnant women qualify for coverage in Colorado at higher incomes than other adults. Children under 19 are covered up to 265% of the federal poverty level, through Medicaid at lower incomes and Colorado's separate CHIP program above that (CHIP may charge a small premium). Pregnancy coverage runs up to 260% FPL, and Colorado covers prenatal care and delivery through CHIP up to 265% FPL for those over that limit.
| Household | Children 265% FPL |
Pregnant 260% FPL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $42,294 | — |
| 2 | $57,346 | $56,264 |
| 3 | $72,398 | $71,032 |
| 4 | $87,450 | $85,800 |
| 5 | $102,502 | $100,568 |
| 6 | $117,554 | $115,336 |
Annual income limits for 2026, including the standard 5-point income disregard. A pregnant woman counts as at least two people, so the one-person row does not apply. Limits as of January 2026, from KFF's annual survey of state Medicaid and CHIP eligibility rules.
Marketplace Insurance in Colorado
Colorado residents who do not qualify for Medicaid can purchase private health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado. The average benchmark (second-lowest cost Silver) plan in Colorado costs approximately $557/month for a 40-year-old (2026 average; 2027 rates are published shortly before open enrollment begins November 1).
Premium tax credits (subsidies) are available for households with income between 100% and 400% FPL. Here is what a 40-year-old individual in Colorado might pay for a Silver plan after subsidies under the 2027 premium tax credit rules, based on the $557/month benchmark:
| Income Level | Annual Income | Your Cost | Monthly Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150% FPL | $23,940 | ~$86/mo | $471/mo |
| 200% FPL | $31,920 | ~$180/mo | $377/mo |
| 250% FPL | $39,900 | ~$288/mo | $269/mo |
| 300% FPL | $47,880 | ~$408/mo | $149/mo |
| 400% FPL | $63,840 | ~$544/mo | $13/mo |
These estimates are for a 40-year-old individual on a benchmark Silver plan in Colorado. Actual premiums depend on your age, household size, tobacco use, and plan choice. Households with income between 100-250% FPL also qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSR) on Silver plans, which lower deductibles and copays. Colorado runs its own marketplace through Connect for Health Colorado.
How to Apply for Health First Colorado
Medicaid enrollment is open year-round — there's no deadline. You can apply through any of these channels:
- Online: Apply through Connect for Health Colorado — the system automatically checks your Health First Colorado eligibility when you enter your income. Or apply directly through Health First Colorado.
- Phone: Call Colorado's Medicaid helpline for guided help with your application.
- In person: Visit your local human services office or a certified application counselor.
You'll need proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), proof of Colorado residency, and Social Security numbers for household members.
Calculate Your Subsidy in Colorado
Enter your income, age, and household size to see if you qualify for Medicaid or marketplace subsidies in Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Colorado?
In 2026, the Medicaid income limit in Colorado is 138% of the federal poverty level: $22,025 per year for an individual, $29,863 for a household of 2, $37,702 for 3, and $45,540 for a family of 4.
Is Medicaid expanded in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado has expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults aged 19-64 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level qualify for Health First Colorado.
How do I get help paying for health insurance in Colorado?
Colorado residents with household income between 100% and 400% FPL ($15,960 to $63,840 for an individual in 2026) qualify for premium tax credits that reduce the cost of marketplace health insurance. Apply through Connect for Health Colorado.
What is the name of Colorado's Medicaid program?
Colorado's Medicaid program is known as Health First Colorado. It provides health coverage for eligible low-income residents including children, pregnant women, seniors, and adults up to 138% FPL.
What happens if I lose Medicaid coverage in Colorado?
If your Health First Colorado coverage ends due to income changes or redetermination, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period on the marketplace. This gives you 60 days to sign up for a private plan through Connect for Health Colorado. If your income is between 100-400% FPL, you'll likely qualify for subsidies to help cover the cost.
Can I get Medicaid in Colorado if I have a job?
Yes. Medicaid eligibility in Colorado is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), not your employment status. If your household income is at or below 138% FPL ($22,025 for an individual), you qualify for Health First Colorado even if you work full-time. Many Health First Colorado enrollees are working adults.
Should I choose Medicaid or a marketplace plan in Colorado?
Medicaid (Health First Colorado) is free or near-free with no premiums or deductibles. Marketplace plans in Colorado average $557/month before subsidies. If you qualify for Medicaid, it's the more affordable option. If your income puts you just above the cutoff, subsidized Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions are the next best thing.