Medicaid Income Limits in Colorado
Colorado expanded Medicaid, so an adult under 65 qualifies for Health First Colorado with income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level — about $1,732 a month for one person and $2,969 for a household of three, with or without children.
2026 Health First Colorado Income Limits in Colorado
Colorado expanded Medicaid
That single fact sets the limit: adults aged 19–64 are measured against 138% of the federal poverty level, with or without children, and there is no asset test for this group.
Monthly and annual income limits in Colorado at 138% of the federal poverty level, the level a parent or caretaker adult is measured against. Medicaid counts modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) for this group, so pre-tax retirement contributions and some deductions reduce the income that counts.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,732 | $20,783 |
| 2 people | $2,351 | $28,207 |
| 3 people | $2,969 | $35,632 |
| 4 people | $3,588 | $43,056 |
| 5 people | $4,207 | $50,480 |
| 6 people | $4,825 | $57,905 |
| 7 people | $5,444 | $65,329 |
| 8 people | $6,063 | $72,754 |
Source: state Medicaid eligibility levels as most recently published (2024); states may revise them. Children, pregnant women, people who are 65+, blind or disabled, and people needing long-term care are measured against different rules — usually higher income limits, and for the last group an asset test as well.
Where to Apply in Colorado
- Agency: Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing
- Online: Colorado PEAK
- Phone: 800-221-3943
- Program name in Colorado: Health First Colorado
Agency details change; confirm on the state website before you call or apply.
Understanding These Limits
- Annual Limit: Your total household income for the year must be at or below this amount.
- Monthly Limit: Your monthly income (annual divided by 12) must be at or below this amount.
- Household Size: Count yourself, your spouse, and all dependents living with you.
- Income Counted: Generally includes wages, self-employment, Social Security, pensions, and other regular income before taxes.
- MAGI household: Medicaid counts your tax household — you, your spouse and anyone you claim as a dependent — not simply the people living with you.
Medicaid in Colorado: Common Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Colorado in 2026?
Colorado expanded Medicaid, so an adult under 65 qualifies for Health First Colorado with monthly income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level: about $1,732 a month for one person, $2,969 for a household of three and $3,588 for four — $20,783 and $35,632 a year respectively. Children, pregnant women and people who are 65+, blind or disabled are measured against different and generally higher limits.
Can I get Medicaid in Colorado if I have no children?
Yes. Because Colorado expanded Medicaid, adults aged 19–64 with no children qualify for Health First Colorado on income alone, at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. You do not need to be disabled, pregnant or a parent.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Colorado?
Apply for Health First Colorado online through Colorado PEAK at www.healthfirstcolorado.com, run by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing, or by phone at 800-221-3943. Medicaid has no open-enrolment window — you can apply any day of the year, and coverage can be backdated up to three months if you were eligible then.
How long does Colorado take to approve Medicaid?
15–45 days is the normal range. Federal rules give Colorado 45 days to decide most applications and 90 days when a disability determination is required. Coverage, once granted, is generally backdated to the first day of the month you applied.
What if I earn too much for Medicaid in Colorado?
Children are covered at much higher incomes than adults everywhere — Colorado covers children through Medicaid and CHIP well above the adult limit, so apply for them separately even if you are denied. Pregnancy coverage also uses a higher limit. Above those, a Marketplace plan with a premium tax credit is the next step, and people who are 65+ or on Medicare should check the Medicare Savings Programs instead.
Medicaid Income Limits in Other States
Whether a state expanded Medicaid changes the income limit from 138% of poverty to as little as 15%.