An Overview of Colorado’s Medicaid Program

Medicaid is a joint federal and state insurance program that provides health care coverage to low-income families and individuals, including children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. The federal government establishes general rules and policies for Medicaid, including required services and eligible populations, and each state administers its own Medicaid program. Within these federal rules and with federal approval, states have the flexibility to cover certain optional services, expand coverage to additional populations, and offer unique services to targeted populations. As such, Medicaid programs vary considerably from state to state. This memorandum provides an overview of Colorado’s Medicaid program, Health First Colorado, including its history, governing structures, coverage and eligibility, and funding.