You should be able to use all the current channels (Colorado PEAK, Health First Colorado app, mail, in-person drop-off) to submit proof that you’ve met the new requirements.
We will update these FAQs as the information becomes available.
I just lost my job and my employer-sponsored insurance. How do I show I have met the new work requirements when I apply for Health First Colorado?
You may need to comply with work requirements if
- You are an adult age 19 to 64
- Are not enrolled in LTSS or buy-in program, and
- Do not have an approved reason for not complying with work requirements
To comply with work requirements, first time applicants will need to show in the calendar month before they submit their application, that they
- earned at least $580, or
- spent at least 80 hours working, going to school, participating in a work program, volunteering, or a combination of these activities.
I’m a gig worker, self employed or have seasonal income. How do I prove that I meet the work requirements?
For seasonal workers, all earned income must be totaled over the previous 6 months and divided by 6. The average income over those 6 months must be at or above $580. The $580 represents 80 hours at the federal minimum wage of $7.25. We expect the federal government to issue final guidance by June 2026. We will update these FAQs as more information becomes available.
If I’m a current member and already working, do I still have to show that I meet the work requirement?
If a current member subject to work requirements earns at least $580 per month (federal minimum wage x 80 hours) and we can verify that income, they should not have to complete additional documentation to show that they meet the work requirements. The $580 represents 80 hours at the federal minimum wage of $7.25. If you work but we cannot verify that income, we will send a letter asking for proof.
How often do I have to show I’ve complied with the work requirement?
- First time applicants:
- You must show that you complied with the work requirement in the calendar month before you submit your application, or prove that you do not have to comply.
- Current members who are renewing:
- You must show that you complied with work requirements during at least 1 calendar month since your last renewal deadline, or prove that you don’t have to comply.
We’re using current federal guidance to set these rules. We’ll update this page if we get new information
Are work requirements the same for SNAP and Health First Colorado?
(Updated April 20, 2026)
The requirements are different. However, people who comply with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Colorado’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) work requirements will also meet the work requirement for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program).
People with SNAP or TANF who fail to comply with their work requirement must comply with Health First Colorado’s work requirement to keep their health coverage.
I’m a current Health First Colorado member. When do I need to prove that I have met the new work requirements?
Health First Colorado will send you a letter in September 2026 letting you know if, based on the information we have, you must comply with work requirements.
The new work requirements begin January 1, 2027. Not all Health First Colorado members who are subject to the new work requirements will need to show proof right away.
Current members will need to prove they complied with work requirements during at least 1 calendar month since their last renewal deadline
They will also need to renew their health coverage every 6 months instead of once a year.
For example, if your renewal is due in March 2027, you will need to show proof that in one calendar month since your last renewal deadline you either:
- earned at least $580, or
- worked, participated in a work program, volunteered, or attended school (or a combination of these) for at least 80 hours.
Do people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) have to complete the work requirements?
No, work requirements do not apply to people receiving SSI or Social Security Administration income such as SSDI.
Do people with severe mental illness or who are in treatment for substance use disorder have to complete the new work requirements?
No, people with severe mental illness or who are in treatment for substance use fall under the “medically frail” exemption. They do not need to complete the work requirements.
How are you defining “medically frail?”
A person is considered medically frail if they:
- Are blind or have a disability
- Have a substance use disorder
- Have a disabling mental health condition
- Have a physical, intellectual, or developmental disability that makes it hard to do daily activities
- Have a serious or complex medical condition
We’re using current federal guidance to set these rules. We’ll update this page if we get new information.