Colorado Medicaid Income Limits
Updated August 2026
Colorado uses MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) rules for Health First Colorado and CHP+. MAGI counts most income — wages, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment, and most taxable income. There is no asset test for Health First Colorado or CHP+. Non-MAGI programs (elderly, blind, disabled, and long-term care) use separate eligibility rules with asset tests.
Health First Colorado and CHP+ income limits by coverage group (effective April 1, 2026)
| Coverage group | FPL % | Monthly limit (household of 1) | Monthly limit (household of 4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults 19–64 (ACA expansion) — Health First Colorado | 133% FPL | $1,769/mo | $3,658/mo |
| Parents/caretaker relatives — Health First Colorado | 68% FPL | $905/mo | $1,870/mo |
| Children ages 0–18 — Health First Colorado | 142% FPL | $1,889/mo | $3,905/mo |
| Pregnant women — Health First Colorado | 195% FPL | $2,594/mo | $5,363/mo |
| Children under 19 — CHP+ (above HFC limit) | Up to 260% FPL | $3,458/mo | $7,150/mo |
| Pregnant women — CHP+ (above HFC limit) | Up to 260% FPL | $3,458/mo | $7,150/mo |
| Seniors and disabled (non-MAGI) | Separate rules | Varies | N/A |
Adults 19–64 (ACA expansion) — Health First Colorado
- FPL %
- 133% FPL
- Monthly limit (household of 1)
- $1,769/mo
- Monthly limit (household of 4)
- $3,658/mo
Parents/caretaker relatives — Health First Colorado
- FPL %
- 68% FPL
- Monthly limit (household of 1)
- $905/mo
- Monthly limit (household of 4)
- $1,870/mo
Children ages 0–18 — Health First Colorado
- FPL %
- 142% FPL
- Monthly limit (household of 1)
- $1,889/mo
- Monthly limit (household of 4)
- $3,905/mo
Pregnant women — Health First Colorado
- FPL %
- 195% FPL
- Monthly limit (household of 1)
- $2,594/mo
- Monthly limit (household of 4)
- $5,363/mo
Children under 19 — CHP+ (above HFC limit)
- FPL %
- Up to 260% FPL
- Monthly limit (household of 1)
- $3,458/mo
- Monthly limit (household of 4)
- $7,150/mo
Pregnant women — CHP+ (above HFC limit)
- FPL %
- Up to 260% FPL
- Monthly limit (household of 1)
- $3,458/mo
- Monthly limit (household of 4)
- $7,150/mo
Seniors and disabled (non-MAGI)
- FPL %
- Separate rules
- Monthly limit (household of 1)
- Varies
- Monthly limit (household of 4)
- N/A
How CHP+ and Health First Colorado interact for children
Colorado uses a "ladder" structure for children's coverage. Health First Colorado (Medicaid) covers children up to 142% FPL at no cost. CHP+ then picks up children whose family income is above the Health First Colorado limit, up to 260% FPL, with small co-pays and premiums.
In practice, families apply through PEAK with one form, and the system determines whether a child qualifies for Health First Colorado or CHP+ based on household income. The application process is identical — applicants do not need to know in advance which program will cover their child.
CHP+ has a family out-of-pocket maximum of 5% of annual income per year for all enrolled household members. For a family of four earning $80,000, that cap is $4,000 per year in total health care costs — regardless of how many services are used.
No asset test — and 12-month continuous eligibility
Health First Colorado and CHP+ have no asset test. Colorado also provides 12-month continuous eligibility — once enrolled, most members remain covered for a full year regardless of income changes during that period. This policy reduces coverage gaps caused by temporary income spikes (like a seasonal job or one-time bonus). At renewal, current income is reassessed.
Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid)
Visit the official Colorado Medicaid websiteRelated guides
Income Limits
Current income cutoffs by state and household size, tied to the Federal Poverty Level.
Read more →Spend-Down
How to qualify by deducting medical bills from income that's above the limit.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →