UPDATED FOR 2026 • COLORADO MEDICAID FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES GUIDE
Get Help Applying for Medicaid for Individuals with Disabilities in Colorado
Need long-term care or in-home support? Medicaid can help. Our friendly navigators walk you through the entire application, saving you valuable time and money.
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ABOUT THE PROGRAMS
What are the Medicaid for Individuals with Disabilities Programs and How Do They Work?
Medicaid, or Health First Colorado, houses a number of different programs designed to provide health coverage for individuals, families, and children. Outside of MAGI Medicaid, Colorado also offers programs referred to as Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) and Medicaid Buy-In, which include the following:
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
For individuals 65 and older OR who have a disability (including children) and need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs - such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility) but would like to remain in their home.
Long-Term Care (LTC)
For individuals 65 and older OR who have a disability and need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs - such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility), but to the extent where they require a nursing level of care and need to be in a skilled nursing facility.
Medicaid Buy-In (Working Adults With Disabilities and Children With Disabilities)
For individuals who are employed (at least 1 hour per month), have a disability, and whose income disqualifies them from Medicaid. Is also for families who have a child/children with a disability and whose income disqualifies them from Medicaid or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). Helps those eligible acquire Medicaid coverage by buying in through premium payment.
Medicaid Disability Application (Arbor/ARG)
A form for individuals applying for Medicaid who need to establish their disability. Those who already receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) do not need to complete this form.
DO I QUALIFY?
HCBS & LTC Medicaid Specifics
Eligibility for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and Long-Term Care (LTC) is dependent on your gross monthly income, assets and resources, and the type of waiver you are applying under. There are a wide variety of waivers available for interested adults and children applying to HCBS and LTC. See below for general eligibility rules and contact us at 720-221-8354 for a free consultation to determine if you qualify.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and Long-Term Care (LTC) Income & Asset Limits
Individuals applying to HCBS or LTC must make/have no more than the following amounts:
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Monthly Income Limit: $2,982 per person applyingā
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Asset/Resource Limit
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Individual: $2,000ā
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Couple: $3,000ā
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Waivers for Adults
Waivers for Children
Select a waiver to learn more:
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Find more information about HCBS waivers, services provided, and eligibility at the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing's HCBS page.
Information about LTC nursing facility operations, costs, and enrollment can be found on the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing's page on Nursing Facilities.
DO I QUALIFY?
Medicaid Buy-In Specifics
For working adults, eligibility for Medicaid Buy-In is dependent on your gross monthly income (earned and unearned) with certain exceptions. They would apply for Health First Colorado's Buy-In Program for Working Adults With Disabilities.
For families who have children with a disability, eligibility for Medicaid Buy-In is dependent on the family's gross monthly income (earned and unearned) with certain exceptions. They would apply for Health First Colorado's Buy-In Program for Children With Disabilities.
Contact us for more information and assistance with your application.
DO I QUALIFY?
Medicaid Disability Application Specifics
When applying to Medicaid on the basis of a disability, you generally must complete a Medicaid Disability Application, otherwise known as an Arbor or ARG application.
If you are not receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then you have to complete the application in addition to the application for the Medicaid program for which you are applying.
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The Medicaid Disability Application can be found under Member Forms on the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing's website.
WHAT'S NEW WITH MEDICAID FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
Upcoming Medicaid Changes in Colorado
Significant eligibility changes and requirements are going into effect soon. Here's what you need to know:
Citizenship Eligibility Changes
Beginning on October 1, 2026, eligibility for many lawfully present immigrants will be reduced. Most non-citizen refugees, asylees, and other non-citizens will no longer be eligible.
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No longer eligible: Refugees, asylees, and paroleesāāā
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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
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.āā
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 and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing.
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.ā
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BE PREPARED
Documents You'll Need to Apply
You will need a variety of documents for your application including proof of identity, income, and housing costs. Check out our Document List for greater detail on documentation.
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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 Medicaid Application Process
The application process can feel daunting or overwhelming, but we are here to help reduce potential stress.
While the process for Medicaid HCBS, LTC, and Buy-In is different for every applicant, some general rules tend to apply:
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It may take more than 90 days to process an HCBS, LTC, and/or Buy-In application.
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During the HCBS application process, an in-home evaluation is conducted by your county's Case Management Agency (CMA).
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Arbor/ARG applications may take more than 90 days to be processed.
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Work with a Benefits in Action navigator by calling 720-221-8354 to ensure your application is done correctly.
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 for Individuals with Disabilities is just one of many programs we can help you navigate. Our navigators assist with a wide range of Colorado assistance programs.