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Run by Grove Benefit Advisors, a licensed broker certified by Connect for Health Colorado.

COLORADO HEALTH INSURANCE , home

Reviewed for accuracy on November 3, 2026 by Tina Price, one of Grove's licensed advisors.

You may qualify for Health First Colorado or CHP+: what to do next

Apply now. It takes one application, you can apply any day of the year, and most people find out right away. If the state says no, you can still buy a plan through Connect for Health Colorado.

Last updated November 2, 2026

The short version

  • One application covers Health First Colorado and CHP+.
  • Applying online at Colorado PEAK is the fastest way. You can also apply by phone, by mail, or at your county office.
  • Most people find out right away if they qualify.
  • If you're denied, keep the letter and price a Connect for Health Colorado plan.

Why our quote flagged this

Your quote compares your household income with the limits for these programs. Adults usually qualify for Health First Colorado up to about 138% of the federal poverty level. Children and pregnant people can qualify for CHP+ up to 260%.

This is an estimate. The state decides who qualifies, and it counts income its own way.

How to apply

Apply online at Colorado PEAK. Health First Colorado calls it the fastest way to apply.

You can also call 1-800-221-3943 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), mail a paper application, or apply in person at your county office.

One application covers both programs. If some of your family qualifies and some doesn't, the state sorts that out from the same application.

Apply now at Health First Colorado

What happens after you apply

Most people find out right away if they qualify. You can check the status of your application online.

If someone in your household is approved, they don't need a plan from Connect for Health Colorado. Price a plan only for the people who weren't approved.

Work rules for adults, starting in 2027

From January 1, 2027, most adults ages 19 to 64 must meet a work requirement to get or keep Health First Colorado. When you apply, you show that in the month before, you worked or did other approved activities for 80 hours, or earned at least $580. Coverage then has to be renewed every 6 months.

Many people don't have to meet it, including:

  • People who are pregnant, or were in the last 12 months.
  • Parents and caregivers of a child 13 or younger, or of a person with a disability.
  • Certain American Indian and Alaska Native members.

Who has to meet the work rules

If the answer is no

If you're turned down because your income is too high, you can buy a plan through Connect for Health Colorado, often with a tax credit. Keep your denial letter, since you may be asked for it.

If the only reason you're turned down is the work rules, federal law treats you as eligible for Health First Colorado. That means no tax credit on a Connect for Health Colorado plan for those months. It ends once you meet the rules or no longer qualify for another reason, such as higher income. Talk to an advisor before you buy a plan.

If your income or family changes later in the year, you can apply again.

Next step

Questions about your application or your options? A licensed Grove advisor can help, at no cost.

Want a person to check your pick? A licensed Grove advisor will, at no cost. If you make Grove your broker, you can keep calling the same advisor after you enroll.

Compare plansPrices in your countyCall (970) 840-1130

Common questions

Is there a deadline?

No. You can apply for Health First Colorado and CHP+ any day of the year.

Do I need to apply through Connect for Health Colorado?

No. Apply through Colorado PEAK, by phone, by mail, or at your county office. If you apply through Connect for Health Colorado and someone looks eligible, your application is sent to the state program.

Sources

This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Connect for Health Colorado decides eligibility and tax credits.

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