Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in Colorado and need health care, start with Colorado PEAK. One application can check Health First Colorado, which is Colorado Medicaid, and Child Health Plan Plus, often called CHP+. If you do not qualify, Connect for Health can check private plan savings.
Children, pregnant people, and many parents may qualify for low-cost or no-cost coverage. If you already have a hospital bill, ask the hospital for Hospital Discounted Care before you agree to a payment plan. If you need a clinic now, use the health center finder or call 2-1-1 for local clinics.
This guide is for finding coverage and care. It is not medical advice. For symptoms, treatment, medicine, or a health emergency, call your doctor, a clinic, 911, or a licensed health professional.
Urgent health help in Colorado
- Medical emergency: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Mental health, emotional, or substance-use crisis: Call or text 988. You can also use Colorado Crisis Services for statewide crisis support.
- Pregnant with no coverage: Apply through PEAK and ask a clinic, hospital, or county office about same-day or faster screening options.
- Hospital bill you cannot pay: Ask the hospital billing office to screen you for Hospital Discounted Care and financial assistance before paying.
- No doctor and no insurance: Search for a community clinic through the HRSA finder or the Colorado clinic network before you travel.
Where to start
Do not try to solve every health problem at once. Pick the path that matches your most urgent need today.
I need insurance
Apply through PEAK. It can check Medicaid and CHP+ first. If your income is too high, your application may point you toward Connect for Health Colorado.
My child needs care
Apply for Health First Colorado or CHP+. Children may qualify even when the parent does not. Keep school, shot, and doctor records together.
I am pregnant
Apply as soon as you can. Report pregnancy, ask about pregnancy coverage, and ask your clinic whether it can help with temporary screening.
I have a bill
Call the billing office and ask for Hospital Discounted Care, charity care, Medicaid screening, and an itemized bill. Do this before paying if possible.
For a broader Colorado benefit plan, see ASMOM’s Colorado help guide before you apply for several programs. For a national overview, use the Medicaid guide as a backup explainer.
Quick reference: Colorado health help
| Need | Best first step | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage for you | Apply through Colorado PEAK or ask a county office for help. | Adults may have lower income limits than children and pregnant people. |
| Coverage for children | Check Health First Colorado first, then CHP+ if income is higher. | Kids can qualify even when a parent has to use another option. |
| Pregnancy care | Apply, report pregnancy, and ask the clinic about faster screening. | Keep all letters. Missing proof can slow the case. |
| Private plan help | Use Connect for Health Colorado or a certified assister. | Open enrollment is closed for 2026, but some life changes allow special enrollment. |
| Hospital bill help | Ask the hospital to screen you for Hospital Discounted Care. | You can ask even if you have insurance. |
| No clinic | Use a community health center or call 2-1-1. | Call first to confirm hours, cost, and new-patient openings. |
Health First Colorado: Medicaid coverage
Health First Colorado is Colorado’s Medicaid program. It can cover doctor visits, hospital care, emergency care, prescriptions, behavioral health care, dental care, pregnancy care, and other covered services when you qualify.
Colorado lists monthly income guides by family size. As of the April 2026 update shown by Connect for Health Colorado, a family of three may qualify for adult Medicaid around $3,028 per month, while children and pregnant people have higher limits. These are guides, not a promise. The safest way to know is to apply because deductions, household rules, and program category can change the result.
You can apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person. If you need in-person help, use the county office list. County offices handle many case details, so response time can vary by county.
Tip for single moms
If you apply for yourself and your children, do not assume one denial covers everyone. Your child may qualify for Medicaid or CHP+ even if you need a marketplace plan.
If food, rent, child care, or utility bills are part of the same crisis, it may help to also read ASMOM’s SNAP guide, child care guide, and bill help guide while you wait for notices.
CHP+ for children and pregnant people
Child Health Plan Plus is low-cost public health insurance for children age 18 and under and pregnant people who earn too much for Health First Colorado but not enough to easily pay for private insurance. CHP+ covers primary care, emergency care, hospital services, prescriptions, immunizations, maternity care, mental or behavioral health care, dental care, and vision care.
Connect for Health Colorado’s April 2026 chart shows CHP+ income ranges for children and pregnant people. For example, a family of three may fall into CHP+ if monthly income is above the Medicaid child limit and up to about $5,920. The full decision depends on current rules and your household details.
| Family size | Approximate CHP+ monthly range in 2026 | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,890 to $3,458 | Applies to eligible children or pregnant people. |
| 2 | $2,562 to $4,689 | Some copays may apply, but pregnancy care has special protections. |
| 3 | $3,234 to $5,920 | Apply even if you are not sure where your income fits. |
| 4 | $3,906 to $7,150 | Check the current chart when you apply. |
CHP+ is not a grant. It is health coverage. That can still be one of the most valuable supports for a single-parent household because one ER visit, dental problem, or child illness can become a major bill.
Pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn help
If you are pregnant, apply right away and make sure pregnancy is reported on your case. Colorado has higher income limits for pregnant people than for many adults. Coverage may also continue through the postpartum period when you stay eligible and keep your case information current.
Cover All Coloradans helps eligible children age 18 and under and pregnant people get Health First Colorado or CHP+-like coverage no matter what their immigration status is. HCPF says these groups should apply if they are pregnant, had a pregnancy end on or after January 1, 2025, or are age 18 or younger.
Health First Colorado members can also ask about doula benefits. A doula is not a doctor or midwife. A doula may offer nonmedical support before, during, and after birth. Provider availability may vary by area, so ask your clinic or health plan how to find an enrolled doula.
If you need nutrition help during pregnancy or for a young child, Colorado WIC can help with food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals. Use the Colorado WIC page to find a clinic or send a referral. ASMOM also has a WIC guide for more basic steps.
Marketplace plans when you do not qualify for Medicaid or CHP+
Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s official marketplace for private plans and financial help. For 2026 coverage, open enrollment ran from November 1, 2025, through January 15, 2026. Outside open enrollment, you may still be able to sign up after a qualifying life change, such as losing coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby.
Use Connect customer service or ask for a certified assister before choosing a plan. The cheapest premium is not always the cheapest plan if your child has prescriptions, therapy, asthma care, dental needs, or a specialist.
Some Coloradans who do not qualify for Health First Colorado or CHP+ because of immigration status may be able to compare private plans through OmniSalud. Financial help through SilverEnhanced Savings has been limited for plan year 2026, so do not wait until the last minute to ask for help.
Help with hospital bills
Colorado Hospital Discounted Care requires hospitals to screen uninsured patients and insured patients who ask for financial assistance. HCPF says patients at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify for discounted hospital and emergency-room bills, and hospitals must give patients the chance to apply when they receive services.
Ask for help in writing if you can. Use the words “Hospital Discounted Care,” “financial assistance,” “Medicaid screening,” and “itemized bill.” Do not sign a payment plan you do not understand. If a bill has already gone to collections, still ask the hospital whether financial assistance can be applied.
Watch out for medical bill mistakes
Check whether your name, insurance, dates of service, duplicate charges, and provider names are correct. Ask the hospital to pause collections while your application or appeal is being reviewed.
If health costs are causing a rent or utility crisis, use ASMOM’s rent help guide, housing help guide, and local resources guide to plan next calls.
Clinics, doctors, dental care, and rides
Finding a doctor
If you have Health First Colorado, use Find a Doctor, then call the office before you go. Health First Colorado says the provider tool uses information that providers report themselves, so you should confirm that the office still accepts your coverage and is taking new patients.
Free or lower-cost clinics
Federally supported health centers often use sliding fee scales and can help with primary care, prenatal care, behavioral health, dental referrals, and enrollment help. Search the HRSA health center finder or ask 2-1-1 for clinics near your ZIP code.
Dental care
Health First Colorado includes dental services for enrolled members. HCPF’s dental benefits page explains the benefit and points members to dental resources. If you need a broader dental plan, see ASMOM’s dental help guide for more options.
Rides to care
If you are on Health First Colorado and have no ride to covered care, Non-Emergent Medical Transportation may help. The NEMT member page says to set up a ride at least two days before the appointment. In Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties, Transdev/IntelliRide is used for scheduling. Other counties use local ride providers listed by HCPF.
If you are not sure where to call, the HCPF NEMT page explains the county-based setup. NEMT is not for emergencies.
Nurse advice
Health First Colorado members can use the Nurse Advice Line for free nurse advice in English and Spanish. It can help you decide what kind of care to seek, but it does not replace a doctor or 911.
Documents and information to gather
You may not need every item, but having these ready can make the application smoother.
| Item | Examples | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Driver license, state ID, school ID, passport, other ID if available | Helps verify who is applying. |
| Household details | Names, birth dates, Social Security numbers if you have them | Coverage depends on who is in the household. |
| Income | Pay stubs, employer letter, unemployment, child support, self-employment notes | Programs must check current income. |
| Address | Lease, mail, shelter letter, utility bill, county-approved proof | Shows Colorado residence and where notices should go. |
| Current coverage | Insurance card, employer plan letter, Medicaid/CHP+ notice | Helps avoid gaps or duplicate coverage issues. |
| Pregnancy or newborn info | Due date, provider name, birth record, hospital paperwork | Can affect eligibility and newborn coverage. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting because you think income is too high. Children and pregnant people may have higher limits.
- Ignoring mail or PEAK notices. A missing proof request can close or delay a case.
- Not reporting pregnancy, birth, or address changes. These changes can affect coverage.
- Assuming a doctor still takes your plan. Always call the office before the visit.
- Paying a hospital bill too fast. Ask for screening and a written decision first.
If you are denied, delayed, ignored, or overwhelmed
First, read the notice. Look for the reason, the deadline, and whether the office is asking for more proof. Then check your PEAK account, upload missing items, and call the Member Contact Center or your county office.
If the issue is a medical bill, ask the hospital for a written Hospital Discounted Care decision and appeal steps. If the issue is a benefits denial, ask how to appeal and whether you can keep coverage during the appeal. If you need legal help, Colorado Legal Services may be able to help with some civil legal problems.
If you need help beyond health coverage, ASMOM’s organizations guide can help you think through charities and local support. For tax-related help that may affect your health coverage application, see the tax credits guide before tax season.
Backup options if one door does not work
- Call 2-1-1 Colorado and ask for clinics, medication help, transportation help, diapers, food, or local enrollment help.
- Ask a community health center if it has an enrollment specialist or sliding fee scale.
- Ask your child’s school nurse or family liaison for local clinic referrals.
- Ask your county human services office whether you should apply for SNAP, Colorado Works, or child care help at the same time.
- If you lost job-based insurance, ask Connect for Health Colorado about special enrollment.
Phone scripts
Calling PEAK or county human services
“Hi, I am a single parent in Colorado applying for health coverage for myself and my child. Can you tell me what proof is missing, the deadline to submit it, and whether my child can be reviewed for Medicaid or CHP+ separately from me?”
Calling a clinic
“Hi, I need an appointment and I may qualify for Health First Colorado or CHP+. Do you accept new patients, do you have enrollment help, and do you offer a sliding fee scale if my coverage is not active yet?”
Calling hospital billing
“Hi, I cannot afford this bill. I want to be screened for Hospital Discounted Care, Medicaid, CHP+, and financial assistance. Can you send me the application, pause collections, and give me an itemized bill?”
Calling Connect for Health Colorado
“Hi, I do not qualify for Medicaid or CHP+. I need help checking financial help, doctors, prescriptions, and whether I have a special enrollment reason. Can I speak with a certified assister?”
Resumen en español
Si eres madre soltera en Colorado y necesitas seguro médico, empieza con Colorado PEAK. Una solicitud puede revisar Health First Colorado y CHP+. Si estás embarazada, tienes un hijo sin seguro, o recibiste una factura de hospital, pide ayuda lo antes posible.
Para una emergencia médica llama al 911. Para crisis emocional o de salud mental llama o manda texto al 988. Si no tienes clínica, llama al 2-1-1 o busca un centro de salud comunitario. Si no puedes pagar una factura de hospital, pide “Hospital Discounted Care” y ayuda financiera por escrito.
FAQ
Can a single mother in Colorado get Medicaid?
Yes, if she meets program rules. Health First Colorado is Colorado Medicaid. Income limits depend on family size and category. Children and pregnant people may have higher limits than some adults.
Can my child qualify if I do not?
Yes. A child may qualify for Health First Colorado or CHP+ even when the parent does not qualify for adult Medicaid. Apply for the whole household so Colorado can check each person.
Can I apply for Medicaid in Colorado any time?
Yes. Health First Colorado and CHP+ do not use the private marketplace open enrollment window. You can apply any time if you need coverage.
What if I have a hospital bill I cannot pay?
Ask the hospital billing office to screen you for Hospital Discounted Care, Medicaid, CHP+, and financial assistance. Ask for the decision in writing and request an itemized bill.
Where can I get care if I do not have insurance?
Community health centers and some local clinics may use sliding fee scales. Use the HRSA health center finder, Colorado’s community clinic network, or 2-1-1 to find nearby options.
Does Colorado have help for rides to medical appointments?
Health First Colorado members who have no other ride may be able to use Non-Emergent Medical Transportation for covered care. Schedule early and confirm the county-specific provider.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org with the correction.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.