Medicare in Colorado
Key Takeaways
- People aged 65 or older and some younger people living with disabilities qualify for Medicare in Colorado.
- Colorado offers cost-savings programs for residents facing financial needs and for anyone on Medicare looking to control costs related to out-of-pocket expenditures like copays and coinsurance.
- GoHealth licensed insurance agents are licensed in the state of Colorado to help you navigate Medicare resources.
You know the natural beauty of Pikes Peak. You know what the chances are that your beloved Broncos will reach the Super Bowl. You know where to order green chili — and where to pass.
You know Colorado. But do you know Medicare in Colorado? GoHealth does.
Who Qualifies for Medicare in Colorado?
You qualify for Medicare in Colorado if any of the following are true:
- You have received Social Security Disability Insurance payments or Railroad Retirement Board payments for at least 24 months.
- You are a U.S. citizen age 65 and older.
- You have End Stage Renal Disease.
- You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS.
Find the Medicare Plan that works for you.
How Does Medicare Work in Colorado?
To enroll in Medicare in CO when you turn 65, you have the opportunity during your Initial Enrollment Period — a seven-month period that begins three months before your 65 birthday month.
- Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). If you enroll in both, you have the option of switching to Medicare Advantage in Colorado.
- Because Original Medicare doesn’t cover all your needs, you have the option to add a Part D drug plan as well as Medicare supplement coverage called Medigap to help with out-of-pocket costs.
- Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) replaces your Parts A and B coverage while also offering benefits like dental and vision coverage, and some Medicare plans in Colorado also include a monthly stipend for purchasing over-the-counter supplies.
Does Colorado Have Free Healthcare?
You may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid in Colorado. If you qualify for Medicaid and Medicare, your plans cover the cost of healthcare. You may also qualify for programs that cover prescription drug costs. In most cases, the beneficiary can receive treatment at healthcare facilities without costs.
When it comes to Medicare plans in Colorado, Medicare Part A doesn’t have a monthly premium for anyone who has paid Medicare and Social Security taxes through an employer for at least 10 years.
What Is the Income Limit for Medicaid in Colorado?
To qualify for Medicaid in Colorado as of 2023, your annual household income needed to be below $19,392 for individuals or $39,900 for a family of four. Contact the state Department of Health Care Policy and Financing if you have questions about whether you’re eligible for benefits.
Looking for a plan with prescription drug coverage?
What Is the Cost of Medicare When You Turn 65?
When you are eligible for Medicare at 65, the cost of your plan depends on your needs. To get started, you have two options for Medicare in CO: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.
Original Medicare
- Part A: Most people get it free but some don’t.
- Part A and Part B: Together they cover most of your costs but not all.
- Part D and Supplement: Require additional premiums to cover costs.
Medicare Advantage
- Replaces your Original Medicare Part A and Part B.
- Part D included for most plans.
- Networks play a huge role in costs.
While Medicare Part A doesn’t have a monthly premium for most Coloradans age 65 or older, Medicare Part B usually does carry a monthly premium. The monthly premium for 2025 is $185.
If you need the type of medical coverage that Part B covers, you may be able to reduce or even cover your Medicare Part B premium by switching to a Medicare Advantage plan. A GoHealth licensed insurance agent who is knowledgeable about Medicare in CO can help you weigh your options.
What Is the Downside to Medicare Advantage Plans?
You should understand networks if you want to compare the upside and downside of Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare.
If your providers are in-network with Medicare Advantage in Colorado, you may be able to save money compared to an Original Medicare plan. Still, Original Medicare may be what you want if you desire the flexibility to visit any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
Is Medicare Advantage Better Than Traditional Medicare?
You will have to consider your needs to determine if Medicare Advantage is better for you than traditional Medicare. Your Part A and Part B are available through the public federal Medicare program, or you have a private insurance option for Part A and Part B.
A GoHealth licensed insurance agent, without any obligation, can look at your specific situation and determine what Medicare plans in Colorado fit you best. While there is just one Original Medicare plan available, Medicare Advantage in Colorado has many options.
Let’s find your ideal Medicare Advantage plan.
Thousands of older adults enroll in Medicare every day across the United States. The latest CMS data shows that 873,040 people are enrolled in Medicare Part A and B in Colorado. The total number of beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage increased from 394,192 to 425,786 year over year. Medicare Advantage participation in Colorado went from 46.64% to 48.77% year over year. If you’d like to dive deeper into how Medicare in Colorado breaks down across the state, we provide a glance at who is using Medicare and how.
873,040 Beneficiaries with Part A & Part B
425,786 Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries
48.77% Medicare Advantage Participation Rate
52.65% Female
47.35% Male
83.44% Non-Hispanic White
2.65% African American
8.79% Hispanic
5.12% Other/Unknown
14.72% Eligible for Medicaid
0.87 Average HCC Score
$9,144.65 Actual Per Capita Costs
14.66% Hospital Readmission Rate
24.60% % of Beneficiaries with an Emergency Department Visit
394,192 Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries, Previous Year
Increased Medicare Advantage, Year over year
46.64% Medicare Advantage Participation Rate, Previous Year
Table reflects the latest Beneficiary Demographics Data: Medicare Geographic Variation – by National, State & County
Average HCC Score: The Hierarchical Condition Category score gauges a population’s overall health. The score is based on a value of 1.0. Populations with an HCC score of less than 1.0 are considered relatively healthy. The score can be used to estimate health costs.
Colorado Division of Insurance
https://doi.colorado.gov/
What should I know about the Colorado Division of Insurance?
This state organization answers questions and responds to insurance-related complaints.
Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid)
Phone lines open M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Fridays 2:30-3:30 p.m.)
https://www.healthfirstcolorado.com/
What should I know About Health First Colorado?
Administers Medicaid for the state of Colorado, accepting applications year-round for Colorado residents in need.
Colorado Department of Human Services
COVID-19 questions: call 2-1-1
https://cdhs.colorado.gov/
What should I know about the Colorado Department of Human Services?
Coloradans can turn to this department for support and resources at any stage of life.
Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs
Fax: 1-303-284-3163
M-F, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Denver office)
https://vets.colorado.gov
What should I know about the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs?
Helps family members and survivors secure benefits earned through military service.
Nationwide Resources
Speak with a GoHealth insurance agent that is licensed in Colorado about your Medicare questions.
Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
You can reach the Social Security Administration by phone for general questions. Not all questions can be answered over the phone.
Also, SSA.gov provides online resources for the following: Review information, apply for benefits, or manage your account online
1-800-722-1213
TTY 1-800-325-0778
Speak to SSA Representative, Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 7 PM ET
Medicare Learning Guides
Healthcare is personal. So is choosing insurance. If you are new to Medicare, a beneficiary researching options, or a caregiver, we have tailored Medicare Guides for you.
Before 65 Guide
Understanding health insurance before age 65, especially when considering early retirement
Medicare Plans Guide
Costs, coverage and enrollment details for each Medicare plan
Medicare Beneficiary Guide
For those currently enrolled in Medicare
Low Income and Medicare Guide
For individuals with a qualifying income status
A Caregiver's Guide
For individuals with a qualifying income status
Sources
Do I qualify. Health First Colorado.
This website is operated by GoHealth, LLC., a licensed health insurance company. The website and its contents are for informational and educational purposes; helping people understand Medicare in a simple way. The purpose of this website is the solicitation of insurance. Contact will be made by a licensed insurance agent/producer or insurance company. Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Our mission is to help every American get better health insurance and save money.
Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.