Colorado CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program

Last verified: June 2026

CHP+: Colorado's Children's Health Plan Plus

Colorado's CHIP program has a distinct brand identity — CHP+ (Children's Health Plan Plus) — separate from the state's Medicaid program, Health First Colorado. CHP+ covers children under 19 and pregnant women in families with income between 138% and 260% of the Federal Poverty Level. Children in families below 138% FPL are covered through Health First Colorado (Medicaid).

CHP+ is administered by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) alongside Health First Colorado. Both programs use a similar benefit structure and provider network, but CHP+ has distinct cost-sharing rules and its own operational details that differ from the Medicaid program.

As of April 2026, Colorado had approximately 70,731 children enrolled in CHP+ — down from higher levels during the pandemic continuous enrollment period. Source: HCPF monthly enrollment data, April 2026.

CHP+ income eligibility

Source: HCPF CHP+ Income Guidelines effective April 1, 2026. Monthly income figures are approximations based on 2025 FPL. Verify exact current thresholds at hcpf.colorado.gov/chp-plus or peak.colorado.gov before applying.

What CHP+ covers

CHP+ provides comprehensive benefits for children, including:

• Well-child visits, preventive care, and immunizations
• Sick visits and specialist care
• Dental — through DentaQuest (call 1-888-307-6561 for CHP+ dental)
• Vision — eye exams and glasses
• Mental health and behavioral health services
• Prescription drugs
• Hospital care — inpatient and outpatient
• Emergency services
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

CHP+ has a 5% of annual household income cap on total out-of-pocket costs — the federal maximum for CHIP programs. Once your family reaches the cap in a calendar year, no additional cost sharing applies for the rest of that year.

CHP+ premiums and cost sharing

CHP+ charges modest monthly premiums based on family income and household size. Per HCPF's CHP+ premium schedule, premiums are income-based and are generally below what comparable employer-sponsored children's coverage costs. Some families at lower income levels within the CHP+ range may pay no premium.

Contact HCPF at 1-800-221-3943 or visit hcpf.colorado.gov/chp-plus for the current CHP+ premium schedule. HCPF updates the schedule annually. 12-month continuous enrollment applies to children enrolled in CHP+ — once enrolled, children maintain coverage for a full year regardless of income changes during that period.

How to enroll a child in CHP+

Apply for CHP+ at peak.colorado.gov — the same portal used for Health First Colorado. HCPF determines whether the child qualifies for Medicaid (Health First Colorado) or CHIP (CHP+) based on income. Parents do not need to apply separately for each program. Children losing employer-sponsored insurance qualify for a Special Enrollment Period — apply within 60 days of losing other coverage. Newborns born to CHP+-enrolled mothers are automatically enrolled.

What CHIP is

CHIP — the Children's Health Insurance Program — is a federal-state partnership that covers children in families whose income is too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. Congress created CHIP in 1997 under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. Like Medicaid, CHIP is jointly funded by the federal government and each state, and each state administers its own program.

CHIP serves children up to age 19 (some states cover to 21 for children in foster care). It is not available to adults — CHIP is specifically designed to address the coverage gap for children in working families.

Nationally, CHIP covers approximately 7 million children, according to CMS data. In most states, it is a seamless part of the broader children's health coverage system alongside Medicaid.

What CHIP covers

Federal law requires CHIP to cover certain core benefits. States may add to the list. Standard CHIP coverage includes:

• Doctor visits, including well-child checkups and sick visits
• Hospital care — inpatient and outpatient
• Emergency room and urgent care services
• Prescription drug coverage
• Mental health and substance use disorder services
• Dental care — preventive and restorative
• Vision care, including eye exams and glasses
• Laboratory and imaging services
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Medical equipment, such as wheelchairs or hearing aids when medically necessary

How to apply for Colorado CHIP

Apply through Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid) — the same application covers both Medicaid and CHIP. Online applications are typically fastest and allow document uploads. You can also apply by phone or in person at a local eligibility office.

See the how to apply page for the complete application process, required documents, and what to expect during review.