H.R. 1 Updates
Information for Health First Colorado Members and Providers
NHP is committed to helping members, providers, and community partners understand upcoming federal changes related to H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This page will be updated as additional guidance becomes available from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Please note: The information currently available is based on federal legislation and guidance in effect today. Requirements and timelines may change as additional state and federal guidance is released. For the most current official information, please visit the Colorado HCPF H.R. 1 webpage.
Stay informed. Stay covered.
Federal changes are coming to Colorado’s Medicaid program, Health First Colorado.
These changes do NOT apply to everyone, and not everyone is affected in the same way. We want to help you prepare and stay informed, and we need your help:
✔ Update your contact info and communication preferences:
Do this online with Colorado PEAK: co.gov/PEAK
OR in person or by calling your county human services department
✔ Watch for official communications
✔ Respond quickly if needed
For the latest updates and guidance visit: HealthFirstColorado.com/Changes
We know these changes may feel confusing or stressful. We will continue sharing updates and resources to help people prepare.
What is Changing?
Several updates may affect some Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid) members, including:
- New community engagement (work requirement) rules for certain adults.
- More frequent renewal requirements for some low-income adults.
- Changes to Medicaid eligibility for certain immigrant populations.
- New documentation requirements for some applicants and members during the application or renewal process.
Not all members will be affected by these changes, and not everyone will need to provide information right away. If additional documentation is needed, members will receive a letter with instructions.
NHP can help you:
Assess your health care needs
Understand and access your physical and behavioral health benefits
Find providers, specialists, and counselors
Be empowered in your care
Connect with community resources that support your overall health, including transportation to your medical appointments and other social services
Community Engagement (Work Requirement)
Beginning in 2027, some adults ages 19 through 64 may need to show that they meet a community engagement requirement to qualify for or renew Health First Colorado coverage.
In general, eligible individuals may satisfy this requirement by:
- Completing approved work, education, volunteer, or workforce activities.
- Meeting a minimum earned income threshold.
- Qualifying for an exemption under federal and state guidelines.
Current members generally will provide information during their renewal process, while new applicants may need to show they met the requirement before submitting an application. Specific instructions will be included in member notices when action is required.
Who May Be Exempt?
Many people are expected to be exempt from the community engagement requirement. Examples include:
- Children and older adults.
- Pregnant individuals and those who have recently been pregnant.
- People enrolled in Medicare, Long-Term Services and Support (LTSS), or Medicaid Buy-In programs.
- Individuals receiving SSI or SSDI.
- Former foster youth.
- Certain caregivers.
- Individuals are considered medically frail or are receiving treatment for a mental health or substance use disorder.
- American Indians and Alaska Natives who qualify for the Indian Health Service.
If Health First Colorado does not already have information showing a member qualifies for an exemption, the member may receive a letter requesting additional documentation.
Changes to Medicaid Renewals
Some adults who are subject to the new federal requirements may need to renew their Health First Colorado coverage every six months instead of once a year.
Members should:
- Watch for mail, email, or text messages from Health First Colorado.
- Keep contact information up to date.
- Respond promptly if additional information is requested.
Immigration-Related Eligibility Changes
Federal law also changes which immigration groups may qualify for full Health First Colorado coverage beginning October 1, 2026. These changes will affect some individuals who currently receive benefits.
Health First Colorado will notify impacted members before any changes occur. Some children and pregnant individuals may continue to qualify for coverage under existing Medicaid rules or other state programs, depending on their circumstances.
Information for Providers and Community Partners
Providers and community organizations play an important role in helping members maintain coverage. We encourage partners to:
- Share accurate information about upcoming changes.
- Encourage members to update their contact information in PEAK.
- Remind members to open and respond to Health First Colorado mail and notices.
- Direct members to official HCPF resources for the latest guidance.
NHP will continue to provide updates and educational resources as more information becomes available.
Stay Informed
The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) maintains the official source for H.R. 1 implementation updates, frequently asked questions, and member guidance. We encourage members and providers to review that information regularly as timelines and requirements may change.
Visit the official HCPF H.R. 1 information page for the latest updates.
For Members, visit HFC’s ‘Changes Are Coming’ page for more information on specific changes to Colorado’s Medicaid program.
Providers, Stakeholders, and Partners, visit HCPF’s H.R. 1 Key Changes page for up-to-date information on H.R. 1.
Toolkits, FAQ’s and Additional Information
While these changes are still being implemented, there are a few simple steps you can take to be prepared:
- Watch your mail for letters from Health First Colorado about your coverage or renewal.
- Open and respond to letters as soon as possible. If Health First Colorado needs more information, responding quickly can help prevent delays or interruptions in coverage.
- Make sure your contact information is up to date. Keep your mailing address, phone number, and email current through PEAK or the Health First Colorado app so you don’t miss important updates.
- Reach out if you need help. If you have questions or are unsure what a notice means, contact Northeast Health Partners. Our team can help connect you with resources and guide you to the right information.
Need support? Contact NHP Member Services at 800-541-6870 or nhpmembersupport@nhpllc.org for assistance.
H.R. 1 Timeline: What to Expect
Please note: This timeline is based on the latest information available from Health First Colorado and the federal government. Dates and requirements may change as new guidance is released.
Summer 2026
Health First Colorado begins sharing information.
- Members who may be affected by immigration-related changes will begin receiving letters, texts, and emails with more information.
- Some members may be contacted if additional information is needed to confirm their eligibility.
Fall 2026
Members may start receiving notices about upcoming changes.
- Health First Colorado will begin sending information about new community engagement (work) requirements and more frequent renewal schedules for some members.
- Members who may be affected by immigration-related eligibility changes will receive advance notice before any changes take place.
October 2026
Some immigration-related changes take effect.
- Federal law changes may affect Medicaid eligibility for certain immigrant groups.
- Health First Colorado will notify impacted members before any coverage changes occur.
January 2027
New work requirements and 6-month renewals begin.
- Some adults ages 19 through 64 may need to show they meet a community engagement requirement or qualify for an exemption.
- Some members may also move from annual renewals to renewing their coverage every six months.
- Members who need to take action will receive instructions from Health First Colorado.
Spring 2027
The first group of members will complete the new renewal process.
- Health First Colorado will begin reviewing eligibility under the new federal requirements.
- Members who receive requests for information should respond as soon as possible to help avoid interruptions in coverage.
Looking Ahead
Federal and state agencies will continue to implement H.R. 1 over the next several years. Northeast Health Partners will update this page as new information becomes available and will continue sharing resources to help members understand any changes that may affect their coverage
H.R. 1 Support Form
If you need support for H.R. 1 changes, or have questions about how it affects you, fill out this form. Our Member Support team will reach out shortly.