Reviewed by Tina Price, licensed health insurance advisor, on October 30, 2026.
Health First Colorado and CHP+: who qualifies
Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus) are public coverage programs. You can apply any time of year. Who qualifies depends mostly on income and household size.
Last updated October 30, 2026
The short version
- Health First Colorado covers adults up to about 138% of the federal poverty level, and other groups under their own rules.
- CHP+ covers children and pregnant people with household income up to 260% of the federal poverty level who don't qualify for Health First Colorado.
- You can apply for both at any time. There is no open enrollment.
- Apply even if you think you earn too much. The state decides.
What these programs are
Medicaid is a government program that offers free or low-cost coverage to eligible people. In Colorado it is called Health First Colorado. It covers some low-income adults, children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities.
CHP+ is Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus. It covers children and pregnant people whose income is too high for Health First Colorado.
Who qualifies for Health First Colorado
Adults generally qualify if household income is up to about 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The FPL is an income amount the government sets each year by household size.
Children, pregnant people, parents, and people with disabilities can have different rules. The exact limits change, and the state counts income in specific ways. Check the current limits with Health First Colorado before you decide.
Who qualifies for CHP+
CHP+ is for children (18 and under) and pregnant people with household income up to 260% of the federal poverty level. They must not qualify for Health First Colorado or have other health insurance.
If you have children and your income is above the Medicaid line, do not assume you earn too much. CHP+ may still cover them.
How to apply
You can apply for Medicaid and CHP+ at any time of year. Apply even if you don't think your income qualifies, especially if you have children, are pregnant, or have a disability.
Apply online through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK). If you apply through Connect for Health Colorado instead and someone in your household looks eligible, your application is sent to the state program.
If your income is too high
If your household is not eligible, a plan through Connect for Health Colorado may come with financial help. The federal tax credit covers households from 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level.
If your income changes during the year, you can reapply. A job loss or a new baby may change the answer.
If you are leaving Medicaid
If you lose Health First Colorado or CHP+, you may qualify for a special enrollment period. HealthCare.gov says losing Medicaid or CHIP in the past 90 days may qualify you. Confirm the window for Colorado with Connect for Health Colorado.
Next step
If you don't qualify, price Connect for Health Colorado plans with your financial help.
Want a person to check your pick? A licensed Grove advisor will, at no cost.
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Common questions
Is there a cost for CHP+?
Costs depend on your income and family size. The state tells you the current amount when you apply.
If I am denied, can I still get a marketplace plan?
Yes. You can look at Connect for Health Colorado plans. Keep your denial letter, since you may be asked for it.
Can I be on Medicaid and have a tax credit?
No. If you have Medicaid, you generally do not get the premium tax credit.
Sources
- Colorado HCPF: Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)
- Colorado PEAK: apply for Health First Colorado and CHP+
- HealthCare.gov glossary: Medicaid
- HealthCare.gov: getting Medicaid and CHIP
- HealthCare.gov glossary: federal poverty level
- HealthCare.gov: special enrollment periods
- Connect for Health Colorado: get financial help
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Connect for Health Colorado decides eligibility and tax credits.