Reviewed for accuracy on November 3, 2026 by Tina Price, one of Grove's licensed advisors.
Pregnant in Colorado: how to get health coverage
If you're pregnant, you can get coverage now, not just at open enrollment. Apply for Health First Colorado and CHP+ first, since the income limits are higher during pregnancy. If you earn too much, a provider's pregnancy certification lets you buy a Connect for Health Colorado plan.
Last updated November 2, 2026
The short version
- During pregnancy, Health First Colorado covers incomes up to about 195% of the federal poverty level, and CHP+ up to 260%.
- Coverage for pregnant people doesn't depend on immigration status.
- In Colorado, a provider's certification of pregnancy opens a 60-day window to buy a plan.
- After the birth, you have 60 days to add the baby.
Start with Health First Colorado and CHP+
The income limits are higher while you're pregnant. Health First Colorado covers pregnant people up to about 195% of the federal poverty level. CHP+ covers them up to 260%.
Coverage continues for 12 months after the pregnancy ends. One application covers both programs, and you can apply any day of the year.
Since January 1, 2025, pregnant people in Colorado can get this coverage no matter their immigration status. The program is called Cover All Coloradans.
Buying a plan while pregnant
If your income is too high for those programs, you can buy a plan through Connect for Health Colorado outside open enrollment.
In Colorado, a health care provider's certification of your pregnancy counts as a qualifying life change event. That gives you 60 days to enroll. Coverage can start the first of the month your pregnancy was certified, or the first of the next month. Your insurance company may ask for proof.
Every plan sold through Connect for Health Colorado covers pregnancy, maternity and newborn care. A plan can't refuse you or charge you more because you're pregnant.
Choosing a plan for a birth
A birth usually means meeting your deductible, and often your out-of-pocket maximum. Compare plans on that cost, not just the monthly price.
If your income is up to 250% of the federal poverty level, look at enhanced silver plans. Their deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums are lower.
Check that your doctor and the hospital where you plan to deliver are in the plan's network.
After the baby is born
If you already have a plan, Colorado law covers your newborn on it from the moment of birth. To keep the baby covered past 31 days, tell your insurance company and pay any added premium within 31 days.
Report the birth to Connect for Health Colorado within 30 days. The birth also opens a 60-day window to add your baby or change plans. Coverage starts on the date of birth, or on the first of the next month if you ask.
Your household is bigger now, so your tax credit may go up. Your baby may qualify for Health First Colorado or CHP+ even if you don't.
Next step
Price plans for your household, or call a licensed Grove advisor to check your options before your due date. It costs you nothing.
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 pregnancy a pre-existing condition?
No. Plans sold through Connect for Health Colorado can't refuse you or charge you more because you're pregnant.
Can I keep my Connect for Health Colorado plan if I qualify for Health First Colorado?
Generally no. If you're found eligible for Health First Colorado or CHP+, you can't keep the tax credit on a marketplace plan.
Does it matter when I apply?
Apply as early in the pregnancy as you can. Health First Colorado and CHP+ accept applications any day.
Sources
- Colorado HCPF: programs for pregnant people
- Colorado HCPF: Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)
- Colorado HCPF: reproductive, perinatal, and sexual health (12-month postpartum coverage)
- Health First Colorado: Cover All Coloradans, coverage for pregnant people and children
- Health First Colorado: apply now
- Connect for Health Colorado: when can I buy insurance? (qualifying life change events)
- C.R.S. 10-16-105.7: special enrollment, including pregnancy (effective January 1, 2024)
- C.R.S. 10-16-104(1): newborn coverage from the moment of birth (individual policies included)
- 45 CFR 155.420(b)(2)(i): coverage effective on the date of birth, or the first of the month if chosen
- Connect for Health Colorado: special enrollment period reference chart (August 2020)
- Connect for Health Colorado: health services covered
- HealthCare.gov: health coverage if you're pregnant or plan to get pregnant
- HealthCare.gov: cost-sharing reductions (save on out-of-pocket costs)
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Connect for Health Colorado decides eligibility and tax credits.