Colorado Medicaid income limits
Last verified: June 2026
Verify current limits with Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid)
Health First Colorado and CHP+ income limits updated April 1, 2026
Health First Colorado and CHP+ income limits by coverage group (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.
| Coverage group | FPL % | Monthly limit (household of 1) | Monthly limit (household of 4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults 19–64 (ACA expansion) — Health First Colorado | 138% FPL | ~$1,732/mo | ~$3,588/mo |
| Children under 19 — Health First Colorado | 260% FPL | ~$3,258/mo | ~$6,760/mo |
| Pregnant people — Health First Colorado | 195% FPL | ~$2,444/mo | ~$5,065/mo |
| Children under 19 — CHP+ (above HFC limit) | 260% FPL | $3,458/mo | $7,150/mo |
| Pregnant — CHP+ (above HFC limit) | 260% FPL | $3,458/mo | $7,150/mo |
| Seniors and disabled (non-MAGI) | Separate rules | Varies | N/A |
Source: HCPF CHP+ income limits effective April 1, 2026 (published at hcpf.colorado.gov/chp); 2026 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines. Health First Colorado figures are approximations based on 2026 FPL; CHP+ figures are exact amounts published by HCPF. Verify all current thresholds through peak.colorado.gov or by calling 1-800-221-3943.
How CHP+ and Health First Colorado interact for children
Colorado uses a "ladder" structure for children's coverage. Health First Colorado covers children up to 260% FPL. CHP+ picks up children from just above the Health First Colorado limit up to 260% FPL — but since both are set at 260% FPL using the same calculation, HCPF determines which program applies based on the precise income figure and applicable rules.
In practice, children with income below 260% FPL with no insurance apply through PEAK and the system determines whether they receive Health First Colorado (no cost) or CHP+ (small co-pays and premiums). The application process is identical — one form covers both.
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.
How Medicaid income limits work
Medicaid eligibility is tied to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), a measure the Department of Health and Human Services updates each January. States set their income limits as a percentage of FPL — so when FPL increases, the dollar thresholds for Medicaid also shift.
The Affordable Care Act established a standard income methodology called Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for most Medicaid applicants. Under MAGI, the agency counts wages, salaries, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, and most other taxable income. Assets — a savings account, vehicle, home — are not counted for MAGI-based programs. That changed with the ACA and applies in all states.
States that expanded Medicaid under the ACA cover most adults at or below 138% FPL. In non-expansion states, income limits for adults without dependent children are far lower — sometimes as low as a few hundred dollars per month — or eligibility for that category simply doesn't exist.
These are federal guidelines — state limits may differ
What counts as income under MAGI
MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) is the income standard for most Medicaid applicants — children, adults under 65, pregnant women, and parents. It includes wages, salary, tips, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, Social Security retirement and disability benefits (SSDI), and most other taxable income.
It does not count child support received, gifts, loans, inheritances that are not generating income, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. One key MAGI rule: the ACA added a 5% FPL income disregard for most adults, which effectively raises the usable threshold by that amount. So a state with a 133% FPL limit effectively covers adults to about 138% FPL after the disregard.
Assets — a bank account, car, or home — are not counted for MAGI-based programs. That's a major difference from old-law Medicaid, where asset tests were common. If you previously didn't qualify because of assets, your eligibility may have changed after the ACA.
Asset limits and long-term care Medicaid
MAGI-based programs have no asset test. But Medicaid programs that cover long-term care — nursing home care, home and community-based services for seniors — use the old income and asset methodology, which does include asset limits.
Asset limits for long-term care Medicaid vary by state and are updated periodically. Generally, countable assets above the limit must be spent down before an applicant qualifies. Exempt assets — the primary home (in most circumstances), one vehicle, and certain personal property — are not counted.
Specific asset limits for Colorado's long-term care programs are on the seniors and long-term care page. The thresholds change, so verify current figures with Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid) directly.