Health First Colorado
Qualifying for insurance through Colorado’s Medicaid program
Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) is free or low-cost healthcare for Colorado children and adults who meet the specific monthly requirements outlined below.
Approximate Monthly Family Income to Qualify for Health First Colorado
| Family Size | Parents and Caretaker Relatives | Adults 19 – 65 | Children 0 – 18 | Pregnant Woman |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Up to $905 | Up to $1,769 | Up to $1,889 | Up to $2,594 |
| 2 | Up to $1,227 | Up to $2,399 | Up to $2,561 | Up to $3,517 |
| 3 | Up to $1,549 | Up to $3,028 | Up to $3,233 | Up to $4,440 |
| 4 | Up to $1,870 | Up to $3,658 | Up to $3,905 | Up to $5,363 |
| 5 | Up to $2,192 | Up to $4,288 | Up to $4,578 | Up to $6,286 |
| 6 | Up to $2,514 | Up to $4,917 | Up to $5,520 | Up to $7,209 |
| 7 | Up to $2,836 | Up to $5,547 | Up to $5,922 | Up to $8,132 |
| 8 | Up to $3,158 | Up to $6,176 | Up to $6,594 | Up to $9,055 |
| 9 | Up to $3,480 | Up to $6,806 | Up to $7,266 | Up to $9,978 |
| 10 | Up to $3,802 | Up to $7,435 | Up to $7,938 | Up to $10,901 |
Co-payments may apply; no co-pays for American Indians, Alaska Natives, or for a pregnant woman and her household.
Effective 1/1/2026 to 12/31/2026 Tax Filing Thresholds for a Tax Dependent or Child:
• Earned Income $16,100
• Unearned Income $1,350
Updated April 2026
Applying for Medicaid insurance through Connect for Health Colorado
If you qualify for Medicaid based on the guidelines above, you can sign up for health coverage through Health First Colorado at any time during the year (there is no Open Enrollment period for Medicaid).
If you believe or want to find out if you’re eligible for Medicaid, you may apply through the Colorado PEAK website or submit your application through Connect for Health Colorado (see link to the application below). When you fill in your application, you will explore and choose plans as if you are purchasing health coverage through Connect for Health Colorado.
Within the application, you will include information about your income, household and current situation. If you and/or your family likely qualify for Health First Colorado or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), a public low-cost health coverage for certain children and pregnant individuals, we will send your application to the State of Colorado for a full eligibility determination.
Once your application has been reviewed, you will either:
Receive approval to receive Medicaid via physical mail or email depending on the preference you provided when you created your Connect for Health Colorado account (if you haven’t created an account yet, you can create one here).
If you receive Medicaid approval, you and any dependents you specified will be automatically signed up for Health First Colorado or Child Health Plan Plus, and your account information will be transferred to the Health First Colorado team. You can connect with their team directly at 800-221-3943.
Receive notice that you have not been accepted into the Medicaid program. In this case, you will receive information on the level of financial help you have qualified for (if applicable) through Connect for Health Colorado, as well as confirmation on the plans you chose in the application process. Your account will not be transferred to Health First Colorado.
After you submit your application, you may receive two letters: one from the State of Colorado and one from Connect for Health Colorado. If you’re not eligible for Medicaid and approved by Connect for Health Colorado, you do not need to wait for your letter to enroll in health coverage through Connect for Health Colorado.
You can also submit an application for health coverage through Medicaid through Colorado’s Program Eligibility and Application Kit (PEAK) eligibility system any time during the year.
If you apply through PEAK, and you or your family likely qualify for financial help to buy a private health insurance plan, the State of Colorado will send your application to Connect for Health Colorado. You will need to log into your Connect for Health Colorado account to review your application information and enroll in a private health insurance plan.
Use the link below to begin your Connect for Health Colorado application (you will be prompted to sign into your account or create a new one before moving forward).
Comparing Health First Colorado, CHP+ and Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado, Health First Colorado and CHP+ are all in place to provide Coloradans with access to healthcare and health coverage.
Here’s a comparison of what each provides to help you better understand the differences between the programs and which may be right for you:
| Coverage Details | Connect for Health Colorado | Health First Colorado | Child Health Plan Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is there a monthly premium? | Yes, the monthly premium depends on your income, family size, and the plan you choose | No | No |
| Is there a deductible? | Yes, and the deductible will vary by insurance plan | No | No |
| Do I pay when I receive health care services? | Yes, you will pay copayments and coinsurance when you receive care | You might pay small copays for some services | Yes, you will pay copayments for healthcare services. The amount you pay out of pocket is based on your income. |
| When can I sign up for a plan if I do not have insurance? | You can sign up during Open Enrollment which is usually between November 1 – January 15 | Apply at anytime and report changes when they happen. | You cannot directly apply for or sign up for CHP+. You receive CHP+ based on your Medicaid Assistance (MA) application. |
| When can I sign up for insurance if my insurance plan just ended? | You have 60 days before OR 60 days after the day your plan ended to sign up | Apply at anytime and report changes when they happen. | You cannot directly apply for or sign up for CHP+. You receive CHP+ based on your Medicaid Assistance (MA) application. |
| When can I sign up for insurance if I’ve moved, got married or had a baby? | You have 60 days to sign up starting on the day you moved, got married or had a baby | Apply at anytime and report changes when they happen. | You cannot directly apply for or sign up for CHP+. You receive CHP+ based on your Medicaid Assistance (MA) application. |
Eligibility and applying for Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) is public low-cost health coverage for certain children and pregnant individuals. CHP+ covers doctor visits, emergency care, preventive care such as screenings and immunizations, and other procedures and treatments.
You may qualify for CHP+ if your household income falls below 260% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). See the CHP+ Income Chart below for details.
Child Health Plan Plus Costs
CHP+ costs vary depending on your household size and income:
- Some CHP+ clients may also have to pay co-pays to their healthcare provider at the time of service.
- Pregnant women, American Indians and Alaskan Natives do not have to pay annual enrollment fees or co-pays.
| Family Size | Approximate Monthly Family Income to Qualify for Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,890 – $3,458 |
| 2 | $2,562 – $4,689 |
| 3 | $3,234 – $5,920 |
| 4 | $3,906 – $7,150 |
| 5 | $4,579 – $8,381 |
| 6 | $5,251 – $9,612 |
| 7 | $5,923 – $10,842 |
| 8 | $6,595 – $12,073 |
| 9 | $7,267 – $13,304 |
| 10 | $7,939 – $14,534 |
- Co-payments may apply
- No co-pay for American Indians, Alaska Natives, or for a pregnant woman and her household.
- Effective 1/01/2026 to 12/31/2026 Tax Filing Thresholds for a Tax Dependent or Child: Earned Income $16,100 and Unearned Income $1,350
Updated April 2026
