If you meet Colorado Medicaid income limits, and you are a legal Colorado resident, you may get Medicaid benefits.
State of Colorado Medicaid Income Limits
If you are a low-income Coloradan, Health First Colorado can help. If you have children and cannot afford health insurance, Health First Colorado can help. This guide will walk you through Colorado Medicaid qualifications, 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 health care for those who meet the qualification criteria.
Qualifying isn’t easy: Applicants must meet stringent income limits, described below.
COLORADO HEALTH INSURANCE QUOTES
Colorado Medicaid Income Limits by Household Size
In Colorado, your qualification for Health First Colorado depends on your monthly income and household size. See the table below.
For example, a married couple aged 19 to 65 must earn under $2,399 to qualify for Medicaid.
However, if you are pregnant, it’s much easier for you to qualify.
Colorado Medicaid Income Limits per Month To Qualify for Health First Colorado
| Family Size | Adults 19 – 65 | Children 0 – 18 | Pregnant Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Up to $1,769 | Up to $1,889 | Up to $2,594 |
| 2 | Up to $2,399 | Up to $2,561 | Up to $3,517 |
| 3 | Up to $3,028 | Up to $3,233 | Up to $4,440 |
| 4 | Up to $3,658 | Up to $3,905 | Up to $5,363 |
| 5 | Up to $4,288 | Up to $4,578 | Up to $6,286 |
| 6 | Up to $4,917 | Up to $5,250 | Up to $7,209 |
Source: https://connectforhealthco.com/get-started/health-first-colorado/
As of: April 2026
Medicaid 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 qualification for Health First Colorado benefits, don’t panic. You should qualify for a 60-day special enrollment period where you can sign up for a Marketplace health plan.
If you’re in this boat, contact a ColoHealth Personal Benefits Manager soon to set up a free consultation. Connect for Health Colorado plans may qualify you for a subsidy. This can make your premiums more affordable, even with a 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 Medicaid?
If your income qualifies you for Medicaid benefits, you can still purchase regular “Obamacare” insurance. But you won’t be qualified for a subsidy, even with your meager 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 yet. Wait until your income increases and you qualify for Affordable Care Act subsidies.
How to Apply for Health First Colorado
If you meet the income qualification criteria, apply for Colorado Medicaid benefits here.
If you are unsure, or think you may not qualify for Colorado Medicaid, schedule an appointment. A ColoHealth Person Benefits Manager can help.
We’ll help you get any Affordable Care Act subsidies you qualify for. We’ll help you enroll in the best health insurance plan for your needs.
INSTANT QUOTE
COLORADO HEALTH SHARING
How To Get Child Health Plan Plus Benefits in Colorado
If you have children, or you are pregnant, you may earn too much for Health First Colorado. Your children may still qualify for Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). CHP+ is Colorado’s version of CHiP.
This plan provides affordable health care 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 2026, a family of four with an income between approximately $48,500 and $85,800 may be qualified.
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.
State of Colorado Medicaid Income Limits FAQs
Q: What are the Colorado Medicaid income limits for 2026?
Colorado Medicaid income limits for adults ages 19 to 65 are set at 133% of the Federal Poverty Level. That works out to $1,769 per month for one person and $3,658 per month for a family of four. Children and pregnant women have higher limits. The current figures took effect in April 2026.
Q: What is the Medicaid income limit in Colorado for a single person?
A single adult in Colorado can earn up to $1,769 per month, or about $21,200 a year, and still qualify for Health First Colorado. A single pregnant woman can earn up to $2,594 per month. You must also be a Colorado resident.
Q: Are Medicaid income limits in Colorado higher for children and pregnant women?
Yes. Under the Medicaid income limits Colorado uses, children qualify at up to 142% of the Federal Poverty Level. Pregnant women at up to 195%.
For a family of four, that means up to $3,905 per month for children and $5,363 per month for a pregnant woman. Pregnant women have the easiest path to qualifying.
Q: How often does the State of Colorado update Medicaid income limits?
The State of Colorado Medicaid income limits change every year. They need to keep pace with updates to the Federal Poverty Level. The current limits took effect in April 2026. Check the latest chart before you apply, because a small change can affect whether you qualify.
Q: What if my income is too high for Colorado Medicaid?
Your children may still qualify for Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). It covers kids in homes earning 147% to 260% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a family of four in 2026, that is about $48,500 to $85,800 a year. Adults can look at a Connect for Health Colorado plan, which may come with a subsidy that lowers the premium.
Q: Does Health First Colorado have premiums or deductibles?
Health First Colorado has no deductibles and generally no monthly premiums. Some services need a small copay when you receive care. This makes it one of the most affordable coverage options in the state.
Q: Can I buy a Marketplace plan if I qualify for Colorado Medicaid?
Yes, but you will not get a subsidy and will have to pay the full price. If you lose Medicaid, you get a 60-day special enrollment period to pick a Connect for Health Colorado plan. Enroll within that window, or you may have to wait until the next Open Enrollment.
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.
