This page shares recent changes to public benefits, including health care and food assistance programs. Many of these changes come from H.R. 1, a new federal law. Others come from state changes. We’ll share updates as we learn about them.
Federal and State Human Services Impacts
Last updated: Sept. 28, 2026
Health First Colorado is Colorado’s Medicaid program. It offers public health insurance to residents who qualify.
Several changes are coming on these dates:
- Oct.1, 2026
- Medicaid coverage will end for some immigrants who are living here lawfully. This includes refugees, people granted asylum, and people allowed to stay for humanitarian reasons.
- Jan. 1, 2027
- Some adults will need to renew their coverage every six months.
- Some adults applying for the first time will need to meet new work requirements. This can include working or taking part in approved community or volunteer activities.
- Medicaid will cover fewer medical bills from before the date a person applies.
- March 1, 2027
- Some adults renewing their coverage will also need to meet work requirements.
- Oct. 1, 2027
- Provider fees will change.
For more information, visit:
- H.R. 1 Resources for Stakeholders, Providers, and Partners
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) created this webpage. It has links to webinar recordings, a timeline of changes, and key messages to share with community members. - Communications Toolkit for Partners
This toolkit has ready-to-use materials. They help Health First Colorado members understand upcoming federal changes and take action. - Immigrant Eligibility Screener Tool
This tool helps members see how Medicaid will change in Oct. 2026 for different immigrant groups. - Work Requirements Screener Tool
This tool helps members find out if they need to meet work requirements. These are also called community engagement requirements. For some people, meeting them will be required to keep coverage starting in Jan. 2027. - H.R. 1 Medicaid Partner Questions and Answers
HCPF created this webpage to answer common questions about federal law H.R. 1. - Flowchart: How HR. 1 Affects Health Coverage for Some Immigrants
HCPF created this flowchart. It helps providers guide community members through changes to health coverage under the H.R. 1 law.
Last updated: Sept. 28, 2026
SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP helps people and families who qualify buy food. It adds money for groceries each month.
These changes took effect on Nov. 1, 2025:
- Most adults ages 18 to 64 without a disability now have work requirements.
- Parents whose youngest child is 14 or older now have work requirements.
- Most immigrants who are not U.S. citizens or green card holders can no longer get SNAP.
For more information, visit:
- Colorado Department of Human Services SNAP webpage
This webpage provides updates about SNAP, including how to apply, notices about renewing, and answers to common questions. - SNAP Work Rules Screener Tool
This tool helps SNAP participants know if the new work rules apply to them. If the rules do apply, the tool shows whether they already meet them or are close to it. - SNAP H.R. 1 Digital Toolkit
Materials designed to help SNAP participants understand federal changes and take action.
Last updated: Sept. 28, 2026
Child Care Assitance Program helps families with low incomes pay for childcare. It covers children from birth to age 12.
Right now, Boulder County CCAP has an enrollment freeze. This means the program is not adding new families at this time. Families can still apply to join the waitlist.
For more information, visit:
- Colorado Department of Early Childhood CCAP webpage
This webpage provides updates about CCAP from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. It includes how to apply, a childcare provider search tool, and details about other family support programs.
Last updated: Sept. 28, 2026
Colorado Works is Colorado’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It gives monthly cash help to families with children. Families can use it to pay for basic needs like food, housing, and clothing.
There are no changes to this program right now.
For more information, visit:
- Colorado Department of Human Services Colorado Works webpage
This webpage provides updates about Colorado Works, including how to apply, renewal updates, and answers to common questions.
Last updated: Sept. 28, 2026
Cover All Coloradans (CAC) offers health coverage similar to Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). It covers people who are pregnant or recently gave birth and children. This is true no matter their immigration status.
Changes are coming on two dates:
On July 1, 2026
- Children’s dental care will be limited to $1,100 per year per child.
- No more than 25,000 children can join the program.
On Jan. 1, 2027
- The program will change how members get care and which plans cover them.
- Some members will move to new types of coverage.
Anyone can schedule a free appointment through the Boulder County Health Coverage Enrollment Center webpage.
For more information:
- See the webinars on CAC changes.
- Read these Key Messages on CAC Changes.
This summary outlines important changes to CAC starting July 1, 2026, and Jan. 1, 2027. It covers what is staying the same, who the changes might affect, and steps members might need to take. - Flowchart: How HR. 1 Affects Health Coverage for Some Immigrants
HCPF created this flowchart. It helps providers guide community members through changes to health coverage under the H.R. 1 law.
Last updated: Sept. 28, 2026
OmniSalud gives undocumented Coloradans a safe way to compare and enroll in affordable health insurance online.
Members can renew their 2027 plan from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30, 2026. Here is what will change for the 2027 plan year:
- Members with a current $0 plan will be first in line to renew.
- Current members must apply and enroll again to renew.
- The monthly cost will go up from $0 to $15 per person.
- New members can enter a lottery for any spots left over. We expect very few to be open.
- Full-price plans have no limit, and anyone can apply for one. People can apply for a full-price plan from Nov. 1, 2026 to Jan. 15, 2027.
Anyone can schedule a free appointment through the Boulder County Health Coverage Enrollment Center webpage.
For more information, visit:
- Connect for Health Colorado OmniSalud Program webpage
This webpage contains information on how to apply for OmniSalud, Colorado Option plan updates, and answers to common questions. - Flowchart: How HR. 1 Affects Health Coverage for Some Immigrants
HCPF created this flowchart. It helps providers guide community members through changes to health coverage under the H.R. 1 law.


