CHIP in Colorado

Colorado at a glance

Colorado is home to about 576,653 foreign-born residents (9.8% of the state’s 5,862,189 people) and 1,320,937 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (22.5%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Colorado regardless of immigration status unless noted.

CHIP covers health insurance for uninsured children from families earning too much for Medicaid but unable to afford private insurance.

CHIP eligibility limits in Colorado (verified data)

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — CHIP data by state

Verified on: 2026-05-25

Children’s health coverage in Colorado

Child ageMedicaid (% FPL)
Infants 0-1 yearup to 147% FPL
Children 1-5 yearsup to 147% FPL
Children 6-18 yearsup to 147% FPL

CHIP upper income limit in Colorado: 265% of FPL

CHIP-funded prenatal coverage (conception to end of pregnancy): up to 265% of FPL

How to apply for CHIP in Colorado

  1. Combined Medicaid+CHIP application via healthcare.gov
  2. Colorado state application (some states have own portal)
  3. By phone: 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)

Colorado adopted CHIPRA Option

Colorado adopted the CHIPRA option, eliminating the 5-year bar for permanent-resident children. This means a child with a new green card (under 5 years in US) can qualify for CHIP in Colorado without waiting.

How to apply for CHIP in Colorado

  1. Visit Healthcare.gov or Colorado’s Medicaid/CHIP portal
  2. Complete the application — ONE application covers both Medicaid AND CHIP automatically
  3. Colorado determines if your child qualifies for one or the other

Typical coverage

CHIP covers: doctor visits, vaccines, hospitalization, dental, vision, prescriptions, mental health.

Income limits

Generally 200-300% federal poverty level. For family of 4: ~$60,000-$90,000/year.

Costs

CHIP has very low co-pays (sometimes $0) and low monthly premiums ($0-$50/month).

Last verified: 2026-06-15.