Tip: You can apply for Connect for Health Colorado, Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus at the same time Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) is free or low-cost health care for Colorado children and adults who qualify. Coloradans who meet specific monthly income requirements can get insurance through Health First Colorado.
Coloradans can sign up for Health First Colorado any time during the year if they qualify. There is no open enrollment period for Health First Colorado during the year.
Applications can be submitted through Connect for Health Colorado or Colorado’s Program Eligibility and Application Kit (PEAK) eligibility system any time during the year.
If you are going to lose or have already lost Health First Colorado coverage, you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to sign up for a health insurance plan. You can enroll as early as 60 days prior to the end of your Health First Colorado coverage. You also have additional time to enroll in a plan after your Health First Colorado coverage ends. Contact a certified enrollment expert to get started. Get help »
You may qualify for Health First Colorado if you meet the monthly income guidelines:
| Family Size | Approximate Monthly Family Income to Qualify for Health First Colorado | ||
| Adults 19 – 65 | Children 0 – 18 | Pregnant People | |
| 1 | Up to $1,669 | Up to $1,782 | Up to $2,447 |
| 2 | Up to $2,265 | Up to $2,419 | Up to $3,322 |
| 3 | Up to $2,862 | Up to $3,055 | Up to $4,196 |
| 4 | Up to $3,458 | Up to $3,692 | Up to $5,070 |
| 5 | Up to $4,054 | Up to $4,329 | Up to $5,944 |
| 6 | Up to $4,651 | Up to $4,965 | Up to $6,819 |
Tip: You can apply for Connect for Health Colorado, Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus at the same time When you apply through Connect for Health Colorado, you will provide information about your income and household. Then, you will find out whether you qualify for Connect for Health Colorado, Health First Colorado, or Child Health Plan Plus.
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 are eligible for a plan with Connect for Health Colorado, you can select a plan and enroll right away, and do not need to wait for your letter to arrive.
Connect for Health Colorado is the official health insurance marketplace for Colorado residents to shop for health plans and access financial help.
Health First Colorado and Connect for Health Colorado both provide financial help to make health coverage and healthcare more affordable. Here’s an overview of how the plans Connect for Health Colorado sells are different from the coverage you get through Health First Colorado:
| Coverage Details | Connect for Health Colorado | Health First Colorado |
| Is there a monthly premium? | Yes, the monthly premium depends on your income, family size, and the plan you choose | No |
| Is there a deductible? | Yes, and the deductible will vary by insurance plan | 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 |
| When can I sign up for a plan if I do not have insurance? | November 1 – January 15 | Anytime during the year, if you qualify |
| 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 | Anytime during the year, if you qualify |
| When can I sign up for insurance if I 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 | Anytime during the year, if you qualify |
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) is public low-cost health insurance for certain children and pregnant women. CHP+ has different rules for qualifying than Health First Colorado. Some individuals who earn too much for Health First Colorado qualify for CHP+.
CHP+ covers doctor visits, emergency care, preventive care such as screenings and immunizations, and other procedures and treatments. CHP+ can help you and your family get healthy and stay healthy.
CHP+ costs vary depending on your household size and income. CHP+ members may have to pay an annual enrollment fee. This fee is due within 30 days of your CHP+ approval. If the enrollment fee is not paid within the 30 days allowed then the family will be denied and will need to re-apply. Some CHP+ clients may also have to pay co-pays to their health care 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 | $1,783 – $3,263 |
| 2 | $2,420 – $4,429 |
| 3 | $3,056 – $5,594 |
| 4 | $3,693 – $6,760 |
| 5 | $4,330 – $7,926 |
| 6 | $4,966 – $9,091 |
If you do not qualify for Health First Colorado or Child Health Plan Plus, you might be able to get financial help to lower the cost of private health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado.
The amount of financial help you can get is based on the cost of the premiums where you live, how many people are in your household and your estimated yearly income.
Tip: You can also apply for Health First Colorado through PEAK:For more information about how to apply for Medicaid, you can go to Health First Colorado’s website.
