Medicaid Income Guidelines in Colorado

Medicaid is a government program that provides health insurance coverage for low-income people who qualify. In Colorado, these residents include families, children, pregnant women, seniors, blind people and people who have disabilities. A potential Medicaid enrollee should contact his Colorado county's social services or human services office to inquire about eligibility requirements and to obtain an application. He must complete the application and provide required information about income. That income information plays a key role in determining whether the applicant is approved for Medicaid enrollment. Income is defined as all gross (before taxes) monthly household income and earnings. Information on Medicaid income guidelines and limits may change over time, so it is important to contact the county or state Medicaid program's office for the most current information.

Pregnancy

• A pregnant woman can receive Medicaid coverage, and her household income must be 133 percent or less of the federal poverty level to qualify. An unborn child of a pregnant woman is counted as one family member.

Children Under 6

• To meet the Medicaid income guidelines, the family income of children who are less than 6 years old must be no more than 133 percent of the federal poverty level.

Children 6-18

• For children between the ages of 6 and 18, the Medicaid guidelines stipulate that their family's income must be at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify.

Parents

• Parents with dependent children may qualify for Medicaid coverage if their income is 100 percent or less of the federal poverty level.

Adults Under 64

• Adults without dependent children who are less than 64 years old must be disabled or blind to qualify for Medicaid. Low-income disabled people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible for Medicaid coverage and thus are not required to separately meet Medicaid income guidelines.

65 and Older

• Adults who are at least 65 years old and who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Old Age Pension (OAP) are eligible for Medicaid coverage. Also, retired seniors who are enrolled in Medicare may meet the requirements to obtain Medicaid. Their income might be too high to meet the Medicaid guidelines, but Medicaid may help cover Medicare expenses. If a senior citizen's income is below the federal poverty level, Medicaid pays Medicare monthly premiums, deductibles and coinsurance. If the senior's income is less than 120 percent of the poverty level, he may qualify for Medicaid to pay only Medicare Part B premiums.

Colorado Works

• A person who receives assistance through Colorado Works, also called Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), is eligible for Medicaid and does not necessarily need to separately meet Medicaid income guidelines. If she starts employment that increases her income such that she is no longer within the Medicaid guidelines, she may be able to continue Medicaid coverage for a certain period of time.

Long-Term Care

• People who receive long-term care may meet the requirements to have Medicaid coverage. Those in this category include senior citizens and disabled people. Also, disabled people may qualify for long-term care Medicaid coverage. Their income must be below a certain amount to qualify, and current income limit information is available through the county department of human or social services.