Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program)

There are three ways to apply. Applying online is the fastest.

Online

• Apply through Colorado PEAK
• Apply using our secure online form

Paper Forms

1. Download and print the application
2. Fill it out and sign it
3. Send us the application one of these ways:
   • Email: imaging@bouldercounty.gov
   • Fax: 303-441-1523
   • Mail or drop box: Human Services, 515 Coffman St., Longmont, CO 80501, or 3460 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304

In-Person Help With Your Application

Applying can feel like a lot. You do not have to do it alone. Free help is available from Benefits in Action:

• Make an appointment for application assistance

Keep Your Contact Information Up to Date

Make sure we have your correct mailing address, email, and phone number. That way, your renewal packet and other important letters reach you. You can update your information in one of these ways:

• Log in to Colorado PEAK and click on “Mailbox”
• Use the Health First Colorado app on your phone. This free app is for Health First Colorado and CHP+ members.
• CHP+ members can call 800-359-1991 (State Relay: 711)
• Contact Boulder County at 303-441-1000 or text us at 303-441-1069

Watch Your Mail

You may be renewed automatically without doing anything or you may get a renewal packet that you need to fill out and send back.

Starting Jan. 1, 2027, some adults will need to renew every six months. Learn more in the “Federal Changes” section.

Send Back Your Renewal on Time

If you get a renewal packet, send it back by the due date. If it is late, your coverage may end and you may have to reapply.

How to Find Your Renewal Date

1. Log in to Colorado PEAK
2. Select “Manage my benefits.”
3. Select “Overview of health coverage benefits.”
4. Find the renewal date for each person in your home.

How to Renew Online (Recommended)

1. Log in to Colorado PEAK
2. Answer the renewal questions
3. Upload any papers it asks for
4. Check your PEAK inbox often for messages about your coverage

See this step-by-step guide to renewing in PEAK for more details.

Other Ways to Renew

• Use the Health First Colorado app.
• Email your signed packet to imaging@bouldercounty.gov or fax it to 303-441-1523.
• Mail your signed packet or drop it off at one of our offices:
  • Longmont: 515 Coffman St. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Boulder: 3460 Broadway. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Lafayette: 1755 S. Public Road. Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Please be aware that some rules will change starting Oct. 1, 2026. Read the “Federal Changes” section to see if the changes affect you.

Requirements

To get Health First Colorado, you must:

• Live in Colorado
• Meet Health First Colorado income limits. The limit depends on how many people are in your family.
• Be a U.S. citizen or an immigrant who qualifies

For some groups, we also look at what you own, such as money in the bank.

Other Ways to Qualify

If You Have a Disability

• Children with a disability may qualify.
• Working adults ages 16 to 64 who have a disability may qualify.

If You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• If you get SSI, you do not need to apply. You are signed up for Health First Colorado already.
• If you get SSI but are not signed up, call us at 303-441-1000.
• To get SSI, you must apply at a Social Security office.

If You Get Old Age Pension (OAP)

• If you get OAP but do not qualify for other Health First Colorado programs, you may still get limited medical coverage.
• If you want to apply for OAP, call us at 303-441-1000.

New federal rules change who can get Health First Colorado. The rules affect some adults ages 19 to 64 and some immigrants.

Who Is Affected

You may be affected if you are:

• An adult age 19 to 64
• An immigrant who has Health First Colorado now

Two screener tools can tell you for sure. You will find them below.

Who Is Not Affected

These groups will likely see no changes:

• Children age 18 and younger
• Adults age 65 and older
• People who are pregnant now, or who were pregnant in the last 12 months
• People in a long-term care or a buy-in program

If a change affects you, Health First Colorado will mail you a letter first. Letters go out in the fall of 2026.

Immigrant Eligibility Changes: Starting Oct. 1, 2026

Some immigrants who have Health First Colorado now will lose coverage. Not everyone will. Some people may still get full coverage, limited services, or other help.

Check how immigrant eligibility changes affect you.

Work Requirements: Starting Jan. 1, 2027

Some adults ages 19 to 64 must meet work requirements to get or keep coverage. Each month, you will need to do 80 hours of one of these, or a mix of them:

• Paid work, self-employment, or seasonal work
• School or job training, at least half time
• Volunteering

You can also meet the rule by earning at least $580 a month from paid work.

Many people do not need to meet this rule. That includes parents of a child age 13 or younger, people caring for someone with a disability, people with a health condition that keeps them from working 80 hours, and people who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Check if work requirements apply to you.

Renewing Every Six Months: Starting Jan. 1, 2027

Some adults ages 19 to 64 with lower incomes will need to renew every six months instead of once a year. Most other members will keep once-a-year renewals.

See who renews every six months.

What to Do Now

• Update your information: Make sure we have your correct address, phone number, and email.
• Use your coverage now: Book your visits and refill your medicine.
• Watch your mail: Open letters and answer them right away.
• Get help: Call us at 303-441-1000. You do not have to figure this out alone.

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, Boulder County Health Coverage Guides can help you find and enroll in affordable coverage through Connect for Health Colorado.

Will the new work requirements apply to me?

Not everyone is affected. The rules start Jan. 1, 2027, for some adults ages 19 to 64. See our “Federal Changes” section for more information.

What if a health condition keeps me from being able to meet new work requirements?

You may not need to meet the work rules. This applies if a health condition, a disability, or a mental health condition keeps you from working 80 hours a month. People in treatment for drug or alcohol use may also be excused. Call us at 303-441-1000 and we can help you report this.

What if I lost my renewal paperwork?

If you lose your paperwork, you have a few options:

• Renew online. This is what we recommend. Learn how to renew online in Colorado PEAK.
• Complete this secure renewal form online
• Call 303-441-1000 or text us at 303-441-1069 for assistance. We can help you obtain a new packet or complete the process online.

What if my income changes?

Tell us right away if your income goes up or down. You can report the change in Colorado PEAK, the Health First Colorado app, or by calling us at 303-441-1000. Keeping your file current helps you keep the right coverage.

What if I get a letter I don’t understand?

Call us at 303-441-1000 or text us at 303-441-1069. We can help you and tell you what to do next. Do not throw away letters from us or from Health First Colorado, even if they are confusing.

What if I am moving to or from Colorado?

If you move out of Colorado, report your new address through Colorado PEAK or call us at 303-441-1000. You will receive a letter when your coverage ends.

If you move to Colorado, you can apply for coverage once you live here. Apply through Colorado PEAK.

What dental coverage is provided?

Adults eligible for Health First Colorado can access preventive dental care up to $1,000 per year. See the Health First Colorado Dental Providers Directory to find a dentist that takes your insurance.

How can I get information about my case?

Click on the chat icon in the bottom right corner on the Colorado PEAK website.