Medicaid changes are coming to Colorado
New federal Medicaid requirements in H.R. 1 may change who qualifies for Health First Colorado. About 7,000 lawfully present immigrants could be affected. Many members will see no immediate impact.
In plain terms
This is general information, not an individual eligibility decision. Your county office can confirm your situation.
Questions? Call 720-281-1536 or email PARS@2ndhomecommunity.com.
Who may be affected
- —Refugees and asylees
- —People granted humanitarian parole
- —People granted withholding of removal
- —Domestic violence survivors with pending or approved VAWA applications
- —Human trafficking survivors with pending or approved T-Visa applications
- —Certain American Indians born in Canada or tribal members who are not U.S. citizens
- —Certain conditional entrants admitted before 1980
- —Some other humanitarian immigration categories previously eligible for Medicaid
- —Children age 18 and younger
- —Adults age 65 and older
- —Pregnant women and people within 12 months postpartum
- —People receiving Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)
- —Most Medicaid Buy-In participants
- —U.S. citizens
- —Qualified lawful permanent residents who meet federal requirements
- —Certain Cuban and Haitian entrants
- —Citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau living in the United States
What this could mean
Loss of coverage
Primary care, specialists, behavioral health, dental care, prescriptions, preventive screenings, and routine care may no longer be covered.
Financial burden
Families may face higher medical and prescription costs, delay care, or have difficulty managing chronic conditions.
Other coverage
Marketplace or employer plans, Emergency Medicaid, reproductive health services, or Cover All Coloradans may help.
Talk with our team ↗Four things to do now
- 1
Update your information
Make sure Health First Colorado has your current address, phone, email, household details, and income information.
- 2
Watch for official notices
Read every letter and message from Health First Colorado. Respond immediately if more information is requested.
- 3
Use existing benefits
Schedule medical, dental, and behavioral health visits, and refill prescriptions before a possible interruption.
- 4
Explore other coverage
Review Marketplace and employer plans, Emergency Medicaid, reproductive health services, and Cover All Coloradans.
Later changes
2027
These are separate from the October 2026 change. Certain recipients ages 19–64 may need to work, volunteer, attend school, or participate in approved activities for a minimum number of hours each month. Some adults may also need to verify eligibility every six months instead of annually.
Common questions
The immigrant eligibility changes take effect October 1, 2026. Work requirements and six-month renewals are separate changes expected in 2027.
Colorado estimates that about 7,000 lawfully present immigrants in certain humanitarian categories could lose full Medicaid eligibility unless they qualify under another category.
Not necessarily. Many members will see no immediate change, and some people may qualify under another eligibility category. Watch for an official notice and contact your county office for an individual determination.
A loss of full coverage may affect primary and specialist visits, behavioral health, dental care, prescriptions, preventive screenings, and routine care.
Options may include Marketplace insurance, employer coverage, Emergency Medicaid, Reproductive Health Care Services, or Cover All Coloradans for eligible children and pregnant women.
Certain members ages 19–64 may need to work, volunteer, attend school, or complete other approved activities for a minimum number of hours each month. Some adults may also need to verify eligibility every six months instead of annually.