Changes to Medicaid Enrollment and Reporting Rules start January 1, 2027

The rules for keeping your Health First Colorado health insurance are changing quickly. The federal government has changed how people qualify. At the same time, Colorado lawyers are fighting in court to protect you. This free website helps you find the right information to keep your insurance. It lists places in Longmont  where you can find in-person help from trained professionals.

You are not alone!

This website makes you aware of upcoming changes. It is not your only resource. While there are links here to do-it-yourself ways to access Health First Colorado (Medicaid), the links are never the only way to do things. If you are not comfortable with working on-line, go to Boulder County Housing and Human Services (BC-HHS) on the main floor of the St. Vrain Community Hub (515 Coffman St). If you already have a case worker through another agency, they can help too.

What to do first 

If you already are a member of Health First Colorado (Medicaid) the first thing to do is make sure the state service can find you.

1. Check your US Mail to see if you have received a letter from Health First Colorado about the changes coming up.
2. Update your phone number and mailing address, even if you think it hasn't changed. This is essential if you didn't receive your letter! If you are not comfortable using the PEAK website, see below for how to get in-person help.
3. Find out if you are affected. Here is a screening tool to see if you are subject to six month renewals and work requirements. A case worker can also help with this.

Help is available. You can go to Boulder County Housing and Human Services (BC-HHS) on the first floor of the St. Vrain Community Hub (515 Coffman St). It is easy to reach by the free bus in Longmont. 

Note: from now on this website will abbreviate Boulder County Housing and Human Services as BC-HHS. 

Six Month Renewals

In the past, all Medicaid members were required to renew their membership every year. Now, some individuals must renew every six months, You may have already received a warning letter about this. If you are between the ages of 19 and 64, you probably must follow this rule. Here is Health First Colorado's description of who is exempt from this rule.

Work Requirements 

The new Medicaid Rules assume that each person who is not exempt must either earn $580.00 in a month or work at least 80 hours in a month for pay, or as an unpaid trainee or volunteer. Medicaid considers this requirement fulfilled if you meet or exceed this any one month of the six in your enrollment period. Here is Health First Colorado's explanation of the work requirements.

What if I lose my coverage?

Go to BC-HHS as soon as possible. You can always re-enroll. If you do so quickly, your coverage may be retroactively restored. Don't count on this, but do act promptly.