If you meet the Colorado Medicaid income limits, and you’re a legal resident of Colorado, you may be able to get Medicaid benefits.
If you’re a low-income Coloradan, or you have children and can’t afford traditional health insurance, access to Health First Colorado benefits can be a lifesaver. This guide will walk you through Colorado Medicaid eligibility, and show you how to apply if you’re eligible.
What Is Health First Colorado?
Health First Colorado is the Rocky Mountain State’s version of Medicaid – a federally-funded but state-administered program that provides basic health insurance for the poor and indigent.
It provides free or deeply discounted access to essential healthcare for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
It’s not easy to qualify for: Applicants must meet stringent income limits, described below.
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Colorado Medicaid Income Limits by Household Size
In Colorado, eligibility for enrollment in Health First Colorado is determined by your monthly income and household size, according to the table below.
For example, a married couple between the ages of 19 and 65 must have an income below $2,345 to qualify for Medicaid.
However, if you are pregnant, it’s much easier for you to qualify.
Approximate Monthly Family Income to Qualify for Health First Colorado
| Family Size | Adults 19 – 65 | Children 0 – 18 | Pregnant Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Up to $1,735 | Up to $1,852 | Up to $2,544 |
| 2 | Up to $2,345 | Up to $2,503 | Up to $3,467 |
| 3 | Up to $2,954 | Up to $3,154 | Up to $4,331 |
| 4 | Up to $3,564 | Up to $3,805 | Up to $5,225 |
| 5 | Up to $4,173 | Up to $4,456 | Up to $6,119 |
| 6 | Up to $4,783 | Up to $5,107 | Up to $7,012 |
Source: https://connectforhealthco.com/get-started/health-first-colorado/
As of: April 2025
Colorado income limits are revised every year to reflect changes in the cost of living.
Health First Colorado Deductibles and Copays
Under Health First Colorado, you have no deductibles to worry about, and generally no monthly premiums.
However, some health services will require a small co–pay at the time you receive care.
Note: if you lose or expect to lose eligibility for Health First Colorado benefits, you should qualify for a 60-day special enrollment period to sign up for a Marketplace health insurance plan from Connect for Health Colorado.
If you’re in this boat, contact a ColoHealth Personal Benefits Manager as soon as possible and make a free appointment. Connect for Health Colorado plans may qualify for a subsidy to make your premiums affordable, even if you still have a relatively low income.
But it’s important to sign up within 60 days of losing your Medicaid benefits. Otherwise, you may have to wait until next year before you can get coverage in place.
Can You Buy Regular Health Insurance While On Medicare?
If your income qualifies you for Medicaid benefits, you can still purchase regular “Obamacare” insurance.
But you won’t be eligible for a subsidy, even with your very low income. You’ll have to pay the full price for coverage. For this reason, it usually doesn’t make sense to buy a traditional health insurance policy until your income increases, qualifying you for subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
How to Apply for Health First Colorado
If you meet the income eligibility criteria, apply for Colorado Medicaid benefits here.
If you’re not sure or you find that you won’t likely qualify for Colorado Medicaid benefits at all, schedule a free consultation with a Personal Benefits Manager.
We’ll help you get the most out of any available Affordable Care Act subsidies and help you enroll in the best possible health insurance plan that meets your needs.
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How To Get Child Health Plan Plus Benefits in Colorado
If you have children, or you are pregnant, but earn too much to qualify for Health First Colorado benefits, your children may still be eligible for Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), which is the Colorado version of CHiP.
This plan provides affordable healthcare and dental care for children of lower-income Colorado residents.
To qualify, your household income must fall between 147% and 260% of the Federal Poverty Level.
For example, in 2025, a family of four with an income between approximately $43,500 and $77,000 may be eligible.
CHP+ doesn’t extend benefits to parents or guardians. Only for children. So you’ll still need to line up your own health insurance, or purchase a health sharing plan.
To enroll your children in CHP+, apply here. If you have questions about CHP+ specifically, call Health First Colorado Enrollment at 888-367-6557.
To enroll in a health plan for yourself and your spouse (if married), contact a ColoHealth Personal Benefits Manager.
For Further Reading:
Christine Corsini is a health insurance and medical cost sharing expert, and a Personal Benefits Manager at ColoHealth. Her goal is to help people embrace life’s amazing possibilities by staying healthy, saving money, and making the best decisions when it comes to healthcare.
