New federal rules will change who can get coverage and how to renew for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program).
Some changes begin October 1, 2026, and others begin January 1, 2027. These changes may impact some members differently. Not everyone will be affected.
Your letter will explain how the changes affect you and what you need to do.
What changes are coming?
Federal changes will affect some Health First Colorado members in several ways. Not all members will be affected.
Starting January 1, 2027, some adults may need to meet work or community engagement requirements.
Starting in 2027, some members may need to renew coverage every six months instead of once a year.
Starting October 1, 2026, changes to federal Medicaid eligibility rules may change coverage for some immigrants.
Work and Community Engagement Requirements
Starting January 1, 2027, some Health First Colorado adults ages 19 through 64 may need to meet work or community engagement requirements to qualify for or maintain coverage.
Who may need to meet these requirements?
Starting January 1, 2027, some Health First Colorado members ages 19 through 64 may need to meet work or community engagement requirements to get or keep coverage.
These requirements apply to some adults who have Medicaid expansion coverage or are applying for it. Some people may not have to meet these requirements.
What activities may count?
- Working
- Attending school
- Participating in job training
- Participating in an apprenticeship
- Participating in a work program
- Volunteering
- Other activities that meet federal requirements
How much activity is required?
For people who are subject to the requirements, the federal rule generally requires 80 hours of activities that count per month, although you may be able to meet the requirements in other ways. Learn more about how to comply.
You do not need to assume that the requirements apply to you. Health First Colorado will provide information if you need to report qualifying activities or information about reasons you may not have to meet the requirement.
Remember
Exemptions and other circumstances may affect whether these requirements apply to you.
Resources
Connecting Colorado (career hub)
Colorado Department of Higher Education
Idealist Volunteer Opportunities
JustServe Volunteer Opportunities
Six-Month Renewals
Starting in 2027, some Health First Colorado members will need to renew their coverage every six months instead of once a year. Not all members will be affected. When you need to renew depends on your coverage.
Keep your information current
Make sure Health First Colorado has your current mailing address, phone number, email address, household information, and income information.
Colorado PEAK account | County human services office | Health First Colorado Member Contact Center | CCHA Member Support
Watch for renewal notices
Read letters and other notices from Health First Colorado. Your notice will tell you if you need to renew your coverage and provide a deadline.
Complete your renewal on time
If you are asked to renew your coverage, complete your renewal and provide any requested information by the deadline in your notice. Responding on time can help you avoid a delay or gap in coverage.
Immigrant Eligibility Changes
Starting October 1, 2026, federal changes will affect which immigrants may qualify for some types of Health First Colorado coverage.
Some members who currently have coverage may be affected. Not everyone will lose coverage, and some people may qualify for other types of health coverage or services.
- Keep your mailing address, phone number, and email address up to date.
- Watch for letters and other notices from Health First Colorado.
- Read all notices carefully.
- Respond by any deadline listed in your notice.
- Continue to use your Health First Colorado benefits while your coverage is active.
Questions about eligibility?
Your immigration status and eligibility are personal. CCHA cannot determine whether you qualify for Health First Colorado.
Contact Health First Colorado or your county human services office.
Resources
What You Can Do Now
You may not need to take action right now. However, you can do several things to prepare.
Make sure Health First Colorado has your current mailing address, phone number, and email address. Learn more.
Watch for renewal reminders, requests for information, eligibility updates, and instructions.
If Health First Colorado asks you to renew, complete it by the deadline in your notice.
Tell Health First Colorado about changes to income, household size, address, phone number, or email.
Continue to use your benefits for your health care needs while your coverage is active.
What If I Receive a Notice?
If Health First Colorado sends you a notice, read it carefully before taking action.
Your notice will explain what is changing, whether the change applies to you, whether you need to take action, what information you need to provide, and when you need to respond.
If you have questions about your eligibility or what you need to do, contact Health First Colorado or your county human services office.
Other Federal Medicaid Changes
H.R. 1 federal rules include other changes that may affect who can get Medicaid, how people enroll, and coverage. Some changes apply only to certain members or applicants. CCHA will continue to share information about changes that may affect Health First Colorado members as additional guidance becomes available.
Information about H.R. 1 Federal Medicaid changes is available on HCPF’s website at Healthfirstcolorado.gov/changes.
CCHA is here to help you understand your Health First Colorado benefits and connect you with resources.
For questions about your CCHA benefits or help understanding information about your health care, contact CCHA Care Coordination & Navigation.
For questions about Medicaid eligibility, renewals, or whether a federal requirement applies to you, contact Health First Colorado or your county human services office.
This page was Last updated: October 2026