A guide for seniors, families & caregivers — Updated 2026
If you or a loved one is a senior living in Colorado and struggling with the cost of medical care or long-term services, Colorado Medicaid may be able to help. Known officially as Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program covers a wide range of health and support services for eligible residents — including nursing home care, home health services, and assistance with daily living activities. This guide breaks down who qualifies, what the income and asset limits are, and how to apply.
What Is Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado)?
Health First Colorado is Colorado’s Medicaid program, jointly funded by the state and federal government. For seniors aged 65 and older, it can cover doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health services, and — critically — long-term care in nursing facilities or through home- and community-based programs. Many seniors use Medicaid alongside Medicare to reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Get the Complete Medicaid Guide for Seniors →
Who Is Eligible? Basic Requirements
To qualify for Colorado Medicaid as a senior, you generally must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualifying immigration status
- Be a Colorado resident
- Be age 65 or older (or blind or disabled under other categories)
- Meet income limits for the specific program
- Meet asset (resource) limits for long-term care programs
There are several different Medicaid pathways for seniors in Colorado, each with its own rules. The two most common are standard Medicaid (for basic health coverage) and long-term care Medicaid (for nursing home or home-based care).
2026 Income and Asset Limits for Colorado Seniors
The table below outlines the general eligibility thresholds for Colorado seniors in 2026. Note that figures are approximate and subject to change — always verify with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF).
| Program | Monthly Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Medicaid (Single) | ~$1,732/month | $2,000 |
| Standard Medicaid (Married Couple) | ~$2,345/month | $3,000 |
| Long-Term Care Medicaid (Single) | ~$2,829/month | $2,000 |
| Long-Term Care Medicaid (Married — Community Spouse) | Income of institutionalized spouse only | Up to ~$157,920 (CSRA) |
* CSRA = Community Spouse Resource Allowance. The at-home spouse is permitted to keep a protected portion of the couple’s combined assets. Figures are estimates based on 2026 federal guidelines and may be adjusted.
What Assets Are Exempt?
Not everything you own counts toward the asset limit. Colorado excludes the following from the Medicaid asset calculation:
- Your primary home (if you or a spouse lives in it, or you intend to return)
- One vehicle
- Personal belongings and household goods
- Prepaid burial or funeral plans up to certain limits
- Term life insurance policies with no cash value
Home- and Community-Based Waiver Programs
Colorado offers several HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) waivers that allow seniors to receive Medicaid-funded care at home rather than in a nursing facility. Key programs include:
- PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) — combines medical and social services for seniors who qualify for nursing home level of care
- HCBS-ELD Waiver (Elderly, Blind, and Disabled) — provides personal care, homemaker services, and more
- Consumer Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS) — lets eligible seniors manage and hire their own caregivers
These waiver programs often have waiting lists, so it’s important to apply early even if you don’t need services immediately.
How to Apply for Colorado Medicaid
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Last Updated on 12 August 2026 by ingmin