New rules are coming to Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) in 2027. If you or someone in your family has Medicaid coverage, here's what you need to know and how to prepare.
Beginning January 1, 2027, some adults enrolled in Health First Colorado will need to meet new work requirements to keep their health coverage.
These rules, also called community engagement requirements, mean that certain adults will need to work, attend school, participate in job training, or volunteer.
But not everyone will be affected. Many people will not need to meet these requirements because of their age, health conditions, caregiving responsibilities, or other circumstances.
At Uptown Community Health Center, we want to help our patients understand what's changing, find out whether the new rules may apply to them, and know what steps to take next.
Prefer to Watch?
Check Out this Helpful Video about the Federal Changes to Colorado’s Medicaid Program: Work Requirements
Who Will Need to Meet the New Medicaid Work Requirements?
The new requirements apply to certain adults ages 19–64 who receive Health First Colorado.
If the requirements apply to you, you'll need to complete at least 80 hours per month of activities such as:
Working
Attending school
Participating in job training
Volunteering
You can also combine these activities to meet the 80-hour requirement.
Another way to meet the requirement is by earning at least $580 per month from work.
If you already meet work requirements for SNAP (food assistance) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), that also counts toward Health First Colorado's requirement. You won't need to provide separate proof for Medicaid.
Who Does Not Need to Meet Medicaid Work Requirements?
Many Health First Colorado members will not need to meet the new requirements.
These include people who meet certain criteria, such as:
Children ages 18 and younger
Adults ages 65 and older
People who are pregnant or have been pregnant within the past 12 months
People enrolled in Medicare or receiving SSI/SSDI
People with certain disabilities or serious medical conditions
People caring for a child age 13 or younger
People caring for someone with a disability
Former foster youth ages 19–26
Certain veterans with service-connected disabilities
American Indian or Alaska Native individuals who qualify for Indian Health Services
People with drug or alcohol use disorders that prevent them from working
People who are currently incarcerated or have been incarcerated within the past three months, under certain circumstances
People enrolled in certain long-term services and supports or Medicaid buy-in programs are also excluded from the new requirements.
It's important to know that each exception has specific criteria. For example, having a medical condition or caring for a family member doesn't automatically mean the requirements won't apply to you.
Not sure whether the new rules apply to you?
Health First Colorado has a free, anonymous screening tool that can help you understand whether you may need to meet the new requirements.
Use the Health First Colorado Work Requirements Screener
The results are intended as a guide, not an official determination.
For more information about exceptions, visit Health First Colorado's official work requirements page.
Another Important Change: Medicaid Renewals Every Six Months
Work requirements aren't the only change coming in 2027.
Most adults who are required to meet the new work requirements will also need to renew their Health First Colorado coverage every six months instead of every 12 months.
This means it will be especially important to pay attention to renewal notices and deadlines.
Health First Colorado will notify members who need to meet work requirements and renew their coverage more frequently.
If you receive a notice, be sure to read it carefully and follow any instructions by the deadline provided.
How Will You Report Your Work or Volunteer Hours?
If the new requirements apply to you, it's a good idea to keep track of the time you spend working, attending school, participating in job training, or volunteering.
According to Health First Colorado's guidance, members will be able to use their own records to report their hours in 2027.
The ways members will need to prove their hours will change in 2028, and Health First Colorado will provide additional information before those changes begin.
For now, keeping track of your activities and hours can help you prepare.
What Can You Do Now to Prepare?
Even if you're not sure whether the changes will affect you, there are a few simple steps you can take now.
1. Find Out Whether the New Rules May Apply to You
Start with the free Health First Colorado Work Requirements Screener.
The tool is anonymous and can help you understand whether you may need to meet the new requirements or qualify for an exception.
2. Make Sure Your Contact Information Is Up to Date
Health First Colorado will send important information about these changes through the mail and Colorado PEAK.
Make sure your contact information and communication preferences are current so you don't miss important notices.
You can update your information through:
Colorado PEAK: Manage your benefits and update your information online.
Health First Colorado mobile app: Access your Medicaid information.
Your county human services department: Get assistance with updating your information.
3. Watch for Letters and Notifications
Health First Colorado began sending notices in September 2026 to adults who may need to meet the new requirements.
If you receive a letter or notification about your Medicaid coverage, open it, read it carefully, and respond by any deadlines provided.
These notices will help you understand what you need to do to keep your coverage.
4. Stay Informed as More Details Become Available
Some details about how the new requirements will work are still being finalized.
Rather than relying on information that may change, check the state's official website for updates.
Visit Health First Colorado for the latest information about work requirements
What Happens If You Don't Meet the Requirements?
If you're required to meet the new Medicaid work requirements and don't comply, you will lose your Health First Colorado coverage.
That's why it's important to understand whether the requirements apply to you and respond to any notices you receive.
If you're unsure what you need to do, start with the state's screening tool and review the official information available through Health First Colorado.
We're Here to Help You Stay Informed
At Uptown Community Health Center, we know that changes to health coverage can bring questions and uncertainty, especially when you're already balancing work, family responsibilities, or health concerns.
We want our patients to have the information they need to understand these changes and prepare.
While Health First Colorado determines eligibility and administers the new requirements, we're committed to helping our patients stay informed and connected to reliable resources.
The most important steps you can take right now are to find out whether the new rules may apply to you, keep your contact information updated, and pay attention to notices from Health First Colorado.
Helpful Resources
Health First Colorado: Medicaid Work Requirements
Official information about the new requirements, who may be affected, exceptions, and updates.
Medicaid Work Requirements Screener
A free, anonymous tool to help you understand whether the new requirements may apply to you.
Manage your Medicaid benefits, update your contact information, and review notifications.
General information about Colorado Medicaid coverage, benefits, and member resources.
Source: This article is based on Health First Colorado's August 2026 reference guide. Requirements and implementation details may change. Visit the official Health First Colorado website for the most current information about your coverage.