Medicaid in Colorado supports people who do not earn much money get health insurance. If you are finding medicaid income limits colorado, you probably want to know one important thing: Do I qualify or not?
Colorado said yes to expanding Medicaid (thanks to that big health law), so way more low-income adults can get it now. But the limits change depending on the program, and messing that up is why a lot of people get denied. This guide keeps it simple, shows how they count money, and what to do next—whether you make it or not.
How Colorado Sets Medicaid Income Limits 2026
They base the limits on a percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)—that’s this federal thing they update every year. Colorado uses the same rules all over the state, but your county handles the apps and checks.
Stuff that changes your limit:
- How big your household is (who counts)
- What category you’re in (adult expansion, kid, pregnant, senior, disabled)
- How they count income (MAGI or non-MAGI)
Most people under like 65 use MAGI rules. Old folks or disabled peeps might use non-MAGI, and sometimes they look at your savings too.
Colorado Medicaid Income Limits by Category
Adults Ages 19–64 (Medicaid Expansion)
Colorado lets adults get coverage up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Approximate limits (based on 2026 updates):
| Household Size | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
| 1 | ~$1,732 | ~$20,784 |
| 2 | ~$2,351 | ~$28,214 |
| 3 | ~$2,970 | ~$35,640 |
| 4 | ~$3,588 | ~$43,056 |
These are ballpark numbers—they tweak ’em yearly.
Children and Pregnant Women
Kids and pregnant girls get way higher limits than regular adults.
- Kids (CHP+ and Medicaid): Up to like 147% or even 260-265% FPL in some cases
- Pregnant women: Up to around 195-265% FPL
So if your fam makes too much for you as an adult to get Medicaid, your kids or a pregnant person might still get covered. Pretty cool.
Seniors (65+) and People with Disabilities
Old peeps and folks who are blind or disabled usually go under non-MAGI rules.
Big differences:
- Income limits are usually lower
- They might check your assets (like bank savings)
- There are special programs for long-term care or SSI stuff
These are trickier, so county offices handle them case by case.
How Income Is Calculated: MAGI vs Non-MAGI
Figuring out what counts as income can make or break your app.
MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income)
This is for:
- Adults under 65
- Kids
- Pregnant women
Stuff that counts:
- Wages/salary
- Self-employment money
- Unemployment
- Taxable Social Security
Stuff that usually doesn’t:
- SSI
- Child support you get
- Veterans benefits
- Some tax credits
It’s based on gross (before taxes), not what hits your bank.
Non-MAGI Income Rules
For:
- Seniors
- Blind or disabled peeps
- Long-term care
These can look at:
- Different income types
- Asset limits
- Medical bills you pay
Who Qualifies for Colorado Medicaid?
You might get it if you:
- Live in Colorado
- Are a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
- Hit the income limits for your group
- Fit an eligible category
Extra protected groups:
- Former foster kids (up to 26)
- Homeless folks
- People just out of jail
Household Size Rules That Affect Eligibility
Household size isn’t just “who lives here.” It’s usually based on taxes.
Usually counts:
- You
- Spouse if you file together
- Kids/dependents you claim
Common mess-ups:
- Adding roommates who do their own taxes
- Forgetting a kid you claim
- Getting shared custody wrong
Local Administration and County Differences
Limits are the same everywhere, but counties run the apps. That’s why people Google stuff like “Colorado Medicaid income limits near me” or for Denver, Colorado Springs, etc.
Popular counties:
- Denver County
- El Paso County (Colorado Springs)
- Jefferson County
- Boulder County
- Pueblo County
Local spots help with:
- Applying in person
- Showing docs
- Renewal questions
- Weird situations
How to Apply for Medicaid in Colorado
Most peeps use Colorado PEAK—it’s the state’s official site run by HCPF.
Steps:
- Make or log into Colorado PEAK
- Put in your household and income deets
- Upload whatever papers they want
- Hit submit
- Check status and answer any messages
You can also call, mail, or go to a county office.
What Happens If Your Income Is Too High?
If you’re over the limit:
- You might get cheap plans through Connect for Health Colorado
- Subsidies and lower costs can help
- Kids could still get CHP+
Being over doesn’t mean no insurance—just different options.
Reporting Income Changes and Renewals
If you’re in, tell them quick (like within 10 days) if stuff changes.
Things to report:
- New job or raise
- Losing a job
- Household size switch
- Moving
They make you renew every year. Ignoring letters is how tons of people lose it even if they still qualify.
Medicaid vs CHP+ vs ACA Plans
Knowing the diff helps pick what’s best.
- Medicaid: Free/low cost, strict income rules
- CHP+: For kids/pregnant with a bit higher income
- ACA Plans: Marketplace with help for middle incomes
Each one’s for different money levels and fam stuff.
Common Mistakes That Cause Denials
Don’t do these:
- Saying net pay instead of gross
- Forgetting to add a dependent
- Missing deadlines for papers
- Thinking savings count for MAGI (they usually don’t)
- Not telling about income changes
Practical Scenarios
Scenario 1: Single adult in Denver making $1,600/month? Probably qualifies for expansion.
Scenario 2: Fam of four at $4,200/month? Might be over for adults, but kids could get CHP+.
Scenario 3: Senior with low income but some savings? Needs non-MAGI check.
Tips to Maintain Coverage
- Keep your Colorado PEAK account fresh
- Open mail from HCPF or county
- Report changes fast
- Ask local peeps if you’re stuck
FAQs for medicaid income limits colorado
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Colorado?
Most adults up to 138% FPL, higher for kids/pregnant.
Does Colorado have expanded Medicaid?
Yup, under the ACA.
Is Medicaid based on gross or net income in Colorado?
Gross, using MAGI for most.
Can I qualify if I’m unemployed in Colorado?
Yeah, if income’s low enough for your group.
Do assets count for Medicaid in Colorado?
Usually only for seniors, disabled, long-term care.
What if my income changes during the year?
Report it quick—eligibility might change.
Where do I apply for Colorado Medicaid?
Colorado PEAK or county human services office.
Conclusion
Colorado’s Medicaid income limits are there to help the people who really need coverage. Once you get how the limits work, how they count money, and what group you’re in, you won’t mess up as much. Whether it’s Medicaid, CHP+, or an ACA plan, Colorado’s got ways to get covered—figuring out the rules lets you handle it. Learn more about SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits on SnapUSDA.com
