Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) in Colorado: CHIP for Children
- Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) provides low-cost health and dental coverage for children up to 260% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- For a family of three, children can qualify for CHP+ with a household income up to $67,132 in 2026.
- Pregnant women can also qualify for CHP+ for comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care, with household incomes up to 195% FPL ($50,349 for a family of three in 2026).
- Families apply for CHP+ and Health First Colorado (Medicaid) through a single application on Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK).
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What is Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)?
Colorado's CHP+ is a state-federal partnership designed to cover uninsured children and pregnant women with incomes too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private health insurance. It functions as a bridge, ensuring that vital medical, dental, and vision services are accessible to Colorado's youth and expectant mothers. Unlike private plans, CHP+ often has very low or no monthly premiums, and minimal co-payments, making it a highly affordable option for eligible families. The program aims to remove financial barriers to care, promoting better health outcomes for children from birth through age 18.Income and Eligibility for CHP+ and Health First Colorado
Eligibility for CHP+ and Health First Colorado (Medicaid) is determined by household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and household size. Colorado has expanded Medicaid, meaning adults up to 138% FPL qualify for Health First Colorado. For children and pregnant women, the income thresholds are significantly higher. For children, CHP+ covers those in households up to 260% FPL. For pregnant women, CHP+ provides coverage up to 195% FPL. It's important to note that if a pregnant woman's income is at or below 138% FPL, she would first qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid). The 195% FPL threshold for pregnant women is specifically for the CHP+ program. Here’s a snapshot of the 2026 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) income thresholds relevant to Colorado's health programs:| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL (Medicaid Adults) | 195% FPL (CHP+ Pregnant Women) | 260% FPL (CHP+ Children) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,060 | $20,783 | $29,367 | $39,156 |
| 2 people | $20,440 | $28,207 | $39,858 | $53,144 |
| 3 people | $25,820 | $35,632 | $50,349 | $67,132 |
| 4 people | $31,200 | $43,056 | $60,840 | $81,120 |
| 5 people | $36,580 | $50,480 | $71,331 | $95,108 |
| 6 people | $41,960 | $57,905 | $81,822 | $109,096 |
| +1 additional | +$5,380 | +$7,424 | +$10,491 | +$13,988 |
Source: HHS 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (applied to 2026 ACA plan year). Figures are for 48 contiguous states + DC.
For example, a family of three with a household income of $40,000 would likely not qualify for Health First Colorado but would be well within the 260% FPL limit for their children to receive CHP+ coverage. A pregnant woman in the same family, earning $40,000, would also qualify for CHP+ for her pregnancy care, as this is below the 195% FPL threshold.Navigating Coverage Options for Families in Colorado
When considering health coverage for your family in Colorado, it's essential to understand how CHP+, Health First Colorado, and the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace interact. The best option depends on your household income and specific needs.| Household Income (Family of 3) | FPL % (Family of 3) | Recommended Coverage Path | Typical Cost for Children/Pregnant Women | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under $35,632 | Under 138% FPL | Health First Colorado (Medicaid) | $0 | Comprehensive coverage with no premiums or co-pays for eligible adults, children, and pregnant women. |
| $35,632 – $50,349 | 138% – 195% FPL | CHP+ (Children & Pregnant Women) ACA Marketplace (Adults) |
Low-cost for CHP+; ~$0-$100/month for ACA Silver (adults) |
Children and pregnant women qualify for low-cost CHP+. Adults may qualify for significant ACA subsidies on Connect for Health Colorado. |
| $50,349 – $67,132 | 195% – 260% FPL | CHP+ (Children) ACA Marketplace (Adults) |
Low-cost for CHP+; ~$100-$200/month for ACA Silver/Gold (adults) |
Children qualify for low-cost CHP+. Pregnant women may need ACA plans. Adults likely receive partial ACA subsidies on Connect for Health Colorado. |
| $67,132 – $103,280 | 260% – 400% FPL | ACA Marketplace (All Family Members) | Varies, partial subsidies | CHP+ eligibility ends. Families qualify for Premium Tax Credits (APTC) to reduce monthly premiums on Connect for Health Colorado. |
| Above $103,280 | Above 400% FPL | ACA Marketplace (All Family Members) or Direct-to-Carrier | Varies, reduced/no subsidies | Families may receive reduced APTC or no subsidies. HDHP+HSA plans can be a good option for healthy families. |
Net premium after APTC. Actual premium varies by plan year and specific plan choice. This table assumes a family of three.
The CHP+ Advantage: Comprehensive Coverage for Colorado's Children and Pregnant Women
One of the most significant advantages of CHP+ in Colorado is its comprehensive benefit package. Designed specifically for the health needs of children and pregnant women, it covers much more than just basic medical care. For children, this includes doctor visits, immunizations, hospital care, prescription drugs, emergency services, mental health and substance use disorder services, and crucial dental and vision care. Access to preventive services helps children stay healthy and detect potential issues early. For pregnant women, CHP+ offers extensive prenatal care, labor and delivery services, and postpartum care. This comprehensive coverage ensures both the mother's and baby's health throughout the pregnancy journey, covering check-ups, necessary tests, and support services. The program prioritizes early and consistent care, which is vital for healthy pregnancies and births. Unlike many short-term health insurance plans, CHP+ meets the Essential Health Benefits (EHB) requirements, ensuring robust coverage without gaps for critical services like maternity care.Health Insurance in Colorado: What Families Need to Know
Colorado operates its own state-based marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, which serves as the hub for individuals and families to explore and enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant health plans. For families whose income exceeds CHP+ or Health First Colorado thresholds, Connect for Health Colorado offers a range of subsidized plans. In Colorado, marketplace shoppers can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO structures, giving families flexibility in network types and provider access. Carriers like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente are among those participating in the Colorado marketplace. Colorado's expansion of Medicaid (Health First Colorado) in 2014 means that adults with incomes up to 138% FPL qualify for Medicaid, and the state's CHP+ program further extends coverage for children up to 260% FPL and pregnant women up to 195% FPL. This robust support system minimizes the number of uninsured families in the state. Families can apply for both Health First Colorado and CHP+ through a single, streamlined application process via Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK), which also assesses eligibility for other state assistance programs.Enrollment Steps for CHP+ in Colorado
Navigating the application process for CHP+ is designed to be straightforward. Here are the steps to ensure your family gets the coverage they need:- Estimate Your Household Income: Gather your income information for all household members. This includes wages, self-employment income, and any other taxable income. Your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) will be used to determine eligibility.
- Access Colorado PEAK: Visit the Colorado PEAK website at colorado.gov/PEAK. This is the central online portal for applying for Health First Colorado (Medicaid), CHP+, and other state benefits.
- Complete the Combined Application: Fill out the application thoroughly. The system will automatically check your eligibility for both Health First Colorado and CHP+ based on your submitted income and household information.
- Submit Required Documentation: You may be asked to provide documents to verify your income, residency, and household size. Submitting these promptly helps avoid delays in processing your application.
- Review Your Eligibility Determination: Once your application is processed, you will receive a notification regarding your eligibility for either Health First Colorado or CHP+. If eligible for CHP+, you'll receive information about any premiums or co-pays.
- Enroll in a Plan (if applicable): If you qualify for CHP+, you will be guided through selecting a health plan within the program, if options are available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CHP+ in Colorado?
CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus) is Colorado's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), providing low-cost health and dental coverage for children up to age 18 and pregnant women who exceed Medicaid eligibility but have household incomes up to 260% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for children, and up to 195% FPL for pregnant women.
What are the income limits for CHP+ in Colorado?
For 2026, children in a family of three can qualify for CHP+ with household incomes up to $67,132 (260% FPL). For pregnant women, the limit is $50,349 for a family of three (195% FPL). These limits are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).
How does CHP+ compare to Health First Colorado (Medicaid)?
Both CHP+ and Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) offer low-cost health coverage. Health First Colorado is for individuals and families with lower incomes (generally up to 138% FPL for adults, higher for children/pregnant women), often with no premiums or cost-sharing. CHP+ is for those whose incomes are too high for Medicaid but still qualify for assistance, typically involving small premiums and co-pays based on income.
How do I apply for CHP+ in Colorado?
You can apply for CHP+ online through Colorado PEAK at colorado.gov/PEAK. This single application also checks eligibility for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and other assistance programs, streamlining the process for families seeking coverage.
Does CHP+ cover dental care and vision for children?
Yes, CHP+ provides comprehensive health benefits for children, including medical, dental, and vision care, as well as prescription drugs, mental health services, and preventive care. The specific benefits are designed to meet the needs of growing children.