Medical Assistance

Need help with applying for Medicaid? Losing your Medicaid coverage? Get a navigator! Denver Benefits in Action has navigators who can support you through the whole process. Call (720)-221-8354.

Health insurance plays an important role in keeping your family in good health. It can also help you pay for care when you are ill and protect you from debt.

Changes to SNAP and Medicaid Eligibility (Updated Oct. 15, 2025)

Recent federal legislation will change SNAP and Medicaid eligibility for some Denver Human Services customers

For SNAP, beginning Nov. 1, 2025: 

  • Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) ages 64 and under may need to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. Some exceptions apply.
  • Parents whose youngest child is 14 years old or older may also need to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. Some exceptions apply.

For Medicaid, the same groups will be required to work or volunteer 80 hours per month in order to remain eligible. However, changes to Medicaid eligibility will be implemented no earlier than December 31, 2026. 

Additionally, noncitizen immigrants should be aware of the following:  

  • Noncitizen immigrants who are NOT Legal Permanent Residents (noncitizens without green cards) will remain ineligible for SNAP.  
  • Some immigrants with humanitarian relief such as asylum or refugee status will no longer be eligible for Medicaid starting October 1, 2026.  
  • All noncitizen immigrants will remain eligible for Emergency Medicaid.

More information can be found at the websites of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing for Medicaid and the Colorado Department of Human Services for SNAP.

How to Apply

Online

Apply online through the Colorado PEAK website. Se ofrece servicio en español.

Apply Now

In Person

To apply in person, visit us at one of our DHS locations.

Mail/Fax

Have an application sent to you by mail or fax. Call 720-944-4DHS (4347) for more information.

You may mail your completed application to:

1200 Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO 80402

or fax it to 720-944-3094.

Phone

While you cannot apply by phone, you can call 720-944-4DHS (4347) for more information about the application process or for updates regarding your application. Se habla español.

What You Need To Know

We provide individual assistance in finding the health insurance plan that is right for you. We can help you apply for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program), Medicare, Child Health Plan +, and other health insurance plans available through Connect for Health Colorado, Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace and the only place to apply for financial help to cover monthly health insurance costs..

If you qualify for Medicaid, you may also be eligible for Long-Term Care, which can include nursing facility care and home- and community-based services, which health care providers deliver in your home.

What are the differences between Medicaid and Medicare?

Medicare is a health care program that provides coverage to people who are 65 and older or have a severe disability, regardless of income. Medicaid is a health care program that provides coverage to people with low incomes. When you apply for benefits with us, we can determine which non-Medicare programs you qualify for and will help you with the health insurance application process. Visit www.medicare.gov for information on how and when to apply for Medicare (we do not enroll or determine eligibility for Medicare).

How do I apply for Medicaid?

You can apply for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) in person at any of our offices or outreach locations. You can also apply through Colorado PEAK, which is an online service for Coloradans to apply for medical, food, cash, and early childhood assistance programs.

When you apply for Medicaid, your eligibility for other programs, including Long-Term Care, will also be determined.

 

How do I locate a Medicaid provider?

If you’re a current Medicaid recipient, you can locate a doctor or provider near you with the state’s Find a Doctor searchable database. 

What services are covered by Medicaid?

Typical Medicaid services include primary care, preventative and wellness services, emergency services, and more. Visit the state Medicaid office for more information and a complete list of covered services.    

What are my options if I don't qualify for Medicaid?

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you may qualify for other programs. Call us at 720-944-4DHS (4347); a customer service representative can help you determine your options and next steps.

How can I qualify for children's or maternity health insurance if I make too much to qualify for Medicaid?

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you may qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Plan Plus (CHP+). CHP+ is a low-cost health insurance program for children under 18 and pregnant woman age 19 and over. CHP+ provides primary care, emergency and urgent care, some hospital services, dental care (for children only), drug prescriptions, immunizations, maternity care (prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care), and mental/behavioral health care.

Learn more about CHP+ at the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing’s website.

I'm experiencing homelessness and need medical care. What should I do?

Services at the Stout Street Health Center are available to individuals who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. More information about the clinic, including hours, locations, and a complete list of services is available at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless website, or by calling 303-293-2200.    

Contact Us

Phone

720-944-4DHS (4347)

Med-9 Form

Do you need a Med-9 Form? You can download it directly from the Colorado Department of Human Services at the link below:

Download a Colorado Med-9 Form

You May Also Find Helpful

Need help applying for Medicare? Denver Benefits in Action is the Colorado State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for people who live in Denver County.

 

Health First Colorado is Colorado's Medicaid program.

 

Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing administers Health First Colorado, Child Health Plan Plus, and other health care programs.

 

Child Health Plan Plus provides insurance for children 18 and under and pregnant women 19 and older.

 

Colorado Crisis Services is a statewide resource for mental health, substance abuse, or emotional crisis help, information, and referrals.

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