Here are the 2026 Medicare Savings limits for Colorado, with the asset rules and application steps that apply there. The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026, or $2,434.80 a year, so a Medicare Savings Program can free up real money on a fixed income.
Updated October 18, 2026. The details for Colorado come from the official and legal aid sources listed at the bottom of this page. Confirm with your state Medicaid office before you apply.
| Program | Individual | Couple | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB | $1,350/mo | $1,824/mo | Part B premium, deductibles & copays + auto Extra Help |
| SLMB | $1,616/mo | $2,184/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
| QI-1 | $1,816/mo | $2,455/mo | Part B premium + auto Extra Help |
Colorado uses the federal income limits but a higher asset limit than most states. A state memo (HCPF OM 25-078) raised the resource test effective January 1, 2026 to $11,450 for one person and $17,910 for a couple for QMB, SLMB and QI-1. The previous figures were $11,160 and $17,470. NCOA's chart and the federal $9,950 limit both understate it.
The state's own Medicare Savings page still printed the 2025 numbers when we checked, so use the January 2026 memo as the guide and ask your county worker to confirm. The memo also notes that the limit includes burial expenses of $1,500 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.
You apply through your county Department of Human Services. The state's Health First Colorado Member Contact Center can answer questions at 1-800-221-3943.
All three Medicare Savings Programs pay your Medicare Part B premium — currently one of the biggest fixed costs for anyone on a limited income. But they're not identical:
You qualify for whichever tier matches your income — you don't choose between them, and Medicaid determines the right one automatically based on what you report on your application.
Colorado's limit is $11,450 for an individual or $17,910 for a couple as of January 1, 2026, and it includes $1,500 or $3,000 for burial expenses. QDWI has separate limits of $4,000 and $6,000.
MSP denials are appealable in every state — a common reason for denial is a paperwork gap (missing income verification, an asset statement not submitted) rather than a genuine eligibility mismatch. Most states give you a window of at least 30–90 days to request a fair hearing. If your income is only slightly over the limit, ask specifically about income disregards — several categories of income (like certain wage income or in-kind support) may not count the way you'd expect.
If you qualify for an MSP, it's worth checking these at the same time, since eligibility criteria often overlap:
Colorado's published pages do not say how far back coverage reaches, so ask when your first covered month will be. Under federal rules, QMB starts the month after approval, while SLMB and QI-1 can reimburse up to three months of Part B premiums already paid. If you are within a few months of turning 65 or newly enrolling in Medicare, apply for a Medicare Savings Program at the same time.
Does my Social Security count as income for this?
Yes — Social Security benefits count toward the income limit, though some states exclude a portion of earned income if you're still working part-time.
Can I qualify for Medicare and Medicaid at the same time?
Yes — MSP recipients are sometimes referred to as "dual eligible," and having both isn't unusual. Full Medicaid eligibility (beyond just MSP) depends on separate, typically lower income limits.
Will my MSP status change my Medicare coverage itself?
No — MSPs don't change what Medicare covers medically. They only affect who pays the premiums and cost-sharing amounts you'd otherwise owe out of pocket.
What is Colorado's asset limit for Medicare Savings in 2026?
$11,450 for one person and $17,910 for a couple, effective January 1, 2026, per state memo HCPF OM 25-078. It includes burial expenses.
Are Colorado's income limits higher than the federal ones?
No. Colorado uses the federal income limits: $1,350, $1,616 and $1,816 a month for one person.
Where do I apply in Colorado?
Contact your county Department of Human Services. The Member Contact Center at 1-800-221-3943 can answer questions.
Questions: Health First Colorado Member Contact Center, 1-800-221-3943 (State Relay 711)
Email: hcpf_medicare_buyin@state.co.us
Do I need to reapply every year?
Most states require an annual redetermination to confirm your income and (where applicable) assets still qualify — your state Medicaid agency will typically mail a renewal notice before your coverage would lapse. Losing MSP coverage because a renewal notice went to an old address is common and avoidable, so keep your contact information current with Medicaid.
What if my income changes partway through the year?
Report it. An increase that pushes you over the limit doesn't always mean immediate loss of coverage — some states have income disregards or grace periods — but not reporting a change can create a repayment obligation later. It's better to report and find out you still qualify than to stay quiet and risk a clawback.