ABOUT THE PROGRAM
What is Medicaid and How Does it Work?
Medicaid, or Health First Colorado, is a state program that provides health insurance for individuals, families, and children based on income. Most members have access to physical, behavioral, dental, and vision health care through the program below, but you can also access/apply for a Medicaid for Individuals with Disabilities program that covers other services and demographic groups.
Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)
For low-income individuals under 65 who haven't been on disability for more than 24 months. Helps pay for doctor and hospital visits, prescriptions, and dental assistance.
DO I QUALIFY?
2026 MAGI Medicaid Monthly Income Limits
Eligibility for MAGI is dependent on your gross monthly income within the Poverty Level (PL) applied to your individual status. The table below displays the maximum income you can make on a monthly basis in order to qualify.
Effective April 1, 2026
Household Size | Parents & Caretaker Relatives (68% PL) | Adults (Ages 19-65) (133% PL) | Children (Ages 0-18) (142% PL) | Pregnant Women (195% PL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 person | $905 | $1,769 | $1,889 | $2,594 |
2 people | $1,227 | $2,399 | $2,561 | $3,517 |
3 people | $1,549 | $3,028 | $3,233 | $4,440 |
4 people | $1,870 | $3,658 | $3,905 | $5,363 |
5 people | $2,192 | $4,288 | $4,578 | $6,286 |
WHAT'S NEW WITH MEDICAID
Upcoming Medicaid Changes in Colorado
Significant eligibility changes and requirements are going into effect soon. Here's what you need to know:
Dental Coverage Caps
Starting July 1, 2026, previously unlimited dental coverage for adults will be capped at $3,000 for the year (does not include children).
​Cover All Coloradans, a Medicaid-like program for children and pregnant people regardless of immigration status, will cap dental coverage for adults at $750 and $1,100 for children for the year.
Citizenship Eligibility Changes
Beginning on October 1, 2026, eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants will be reduced.
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No longer eligible: Refugees, asylees, and parolees​​​
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Still eligible for Medicaid: U.S. citizens and nationals, green card holders, citizens of the Compact of Free Association nations, and certain Cuban and Haitian entrants
Work (Community Engagement) Requirements
Beginning on January 1, 2027, new federal and state work requirements will apply to some adults who earn up to 133% of the Federal Poverty Level. The requirements can be met through documentation of:
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Working (earning at least $580 a month)
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Participating in an approved work training program
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Volunteering (80 hours a month)
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Enrollment at an accredited education institution (at least half-time = 40 hours a month)
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A combination of any of the above options that totals 80 hours a month
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Compliance with SNAP/TANF work requirements
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To see if you may be subject to these requirements, visit Health First Colorado's Work Requirements Screener.
Renewal & Retroactive Coverage Changes
On January 1, 2027, retroactive coverage will be reduced, Medicaid renewal packets will become individualized, and benefit renewals may occur more often.
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Retroactive Coverage: New applicants will only be able to get coverage of medical bills 1-2 months before applying (used to be 3 months).
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Individualized Renewals: Individuals within the same Medicaid case or household may no longer have the same renewal dates.
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Renewal Redeterminations: Some adults will need to renew their Medicaid coverage every 6 months instead of 12 months.​​
Not sure if these changes affect your benefits? Call our navigators and we'll review your specific situation at no charge.
Find more information about Medicaid and eligibility at Health First Colorado, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing, and the H.R.1 Communications Toolkit.
Timeline of Medicaid Changes
For more information about the Medicaid changes' schedule, see the H.R.1 Timeline.
READY TO APPLY?
How to Get Your Medicaid Benefits
Our navigators handle the hard part for you. Choose the way that works best for you.
EXPERT HELP
Apply With a Benefits in Action Navigator
Our trained navigators walk you through the entire process, help you gather and attach documents, and can submit the application on your behalf.​
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FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
Visit Us In Person
Prefer face-to-face help? Our co-locations offer same-day service. Otherwise, call 720-221-8354 for an appointment.​​
BE PREPARED
Documents You'll Need to Apply
Having these ready will speed up your application significantly.
Proof of Identity
Driver's license, state ID, or other government-issued photo ID
Proof of Income
Pay stubs from the last 30 days or benefit award letters
Social Security & Immigration Numbers
If applicable, provide for all household members who are applying for benefits
Check out our Document List for greater detail on documentation.
Not sure what to gather? Our navigators will walk you through it – call us and we'll tell you exactly what you need.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The MAGI Medicaid Application Process
The application process can feel daunting or overwhelming, but we are here to help reduce potential stress. Work with a Benefits in Action navigator to ensure your application is done correctly.
Appointment With a Navigator
Schedule an appointment with our office to have a navigator apply on your behalf. The appointment is over the phone, and the navigator will call you from our main number (720-221-8354).
Submit an Application
Work with a Benefits in Action navigator to complete and submit your application. This can be done in person (if you are at one of our co-locations) or over the phone.
Receive a Decision
Usually within 45 days of the initial application, a decision will be made regarding eligibility. If approved, benefits will be issued on a monthly basis. If denied, there is an appeals process.
Don't Leave Benefits on the Table
Thousands of Coloradans who qualify for Medicaid never apply because the process feels too complicated. That's exactly why we're here. Our navigators are friendly and ready to help.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicaid in Colorado
WE CAN HELP WITH MORE
Other Benefits We Help With
Medicaid is just one of many programs we can help you navigate. Our navigators assist with a wide range of Colorado assistance programs.