Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Colorado. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Colorado)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Colorado SHIP)
Colorado's program is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), housed within the Colorado Division of Insurance (DORA) with counselors at partner agencies around the state. SHIP gives free, unbiased one-on-one help with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, Medigap, appeals, and notices. Statewide line: 1-888-696-7213 (Spanish: 1-866-665-9668). Online: doi.colorado.gov.
Medicaid in Colorado
Colorado's Medicaid program is called Health First Colorado, run by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. Apply online through Colorado PEAK (coloradopeak.secure.force.com) or at healthfirstcolorado.com, by phone through the Member Contact Center at 1-800-221-3943, or at your county human services office. Health First Colorado can help pay Medicare premiums and long-term care costs for those who qualify.
Prescription help
Colorado does not run a traditional state program that pays a fixed share of drug costs for all seniors. Start with Colorado SHIP at 1-888-696-7213, which screens you for Medicare Extra Help (the Low-Income Subsidy) and other prescription assistance and helps you apply. You can also use BenefitsCheckUp.org to find manufacturer and nonprofit patient assistance programs for specific medications.
Energy and utility help
Colorado runs LIHEAP as the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), through the Colorado Department of Human Services. LEAP helps pay a portion of winter home heating costs and accepts applications from about November 1 through April 30. Call 1-866-432-8435 (1-866-HEAT-HELP) to request a paper application or for a heating emergency, apply online through Colorado PEAK, or dial 211. Both homeowners and renters may apply.
Property tax relief (Colorado)
- Senior Property Tax Exemption (the Senior Homestead Exemption), through the Division of Property Taxation and your county assessor: for qualifying homeowners, 50 percent of the first $200,000 of the home's actual value is exempt (a maximum of $100,000 in value removed from taxation). To qualify you must be at least 65 on January 1, be the owner of record who has owned the home for at least 10 consecutive years, and have occupied it as your primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years. Apply with your county assessor between January 1 and July 15. Note: in tight budget years the state has reduced or temporarily suspended funding for this exemption, so confirm the current year's status.
- Property Tax / Rent / Heat (PTC) Rebate, filed with the Colorado Department of Revenue on Form DR 0104PTC: a rebate for low-income residents who are age 65 or older (or a surviving spouse age 58 or older, or disabled). For tax year 2025, the rebate can be up to $1,178, and income must be under $19,094 (single) or $25,788 (married filing jointly). Apply with the Colorado Department of Revenue (tax.colorado.gov/PTC-rebate). Note the state has announced changes that move some applicants into a new related program, so check the current PTC page.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Colorado's Area Agencies on Aging (there are 16 statewide, coordinated through the State Unit on Aging at the Colorado Department of Human Services) arrange home-delivered meals, in-home care, caregiver support, and senior transportation. Reach your local AAA through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or by dialing 211. For free civil legal help, ask your Area Agency on Aging or 211 for the legal aid office serving your county.
Frequently asked questions
What is Colorado's SHIP program? It is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, housed in the Colorado Division of Insurance. Free Medicare counseling at 1-888-696-7213.
Does Colorado offer senior property tax relief? Yes. The Senior Property Tax Exemption exempts 50 percent of the first $200,000 of value for homeowners 65+ who have owned and lived in the home 10 consecutive years (apply with your county assessor by July 15). The Property Tax / Rent / Heat (PTC) Rebate also gives low-income residents 65+ up to $1,178 for tax year 2025.
How do Colorado seniors get help with prescription costs? Colorado has no flat statewide drug-payment program, so call SHIP at 1-888-696-7213 to apply for Medicare Extra Help, and use BenefitsCheckUp.org for patient assistance programs.
How do Colorado seniors get help with heating bills? Through the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). Call 1-866-432-8435, apply through Colorado PEAK, or dial 211.
Sources
- Colorado Division of Insurance, Senior Health Care and Medicare / SHIP (1-888-696-7213): https://doi.colorado.gov/insurance-products/health-insurance/senior-health-care-medicare . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Health First Colorado, Apply Now (Member Contact Center 1-800-221-3943): https://www.healthfirstcolorado.com/apply-now/ . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Colorado Department of Human Services, LEAP (1-866-432-8435): https://cdhs.colorado.gov/leap . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Colorado Division of Property Taxation, Property Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens (50% of first $200,000, age 65, 10 years): https://dpt.colorado.gov/senior-property-tax-exemption . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Colorado Department of Revenue, Property Tax/Rent/Heat (PTC) Rebate (up to $1,178 for 2025; income $19,094 single / $25,788 married): https://tax.colorado.gov/PTC-rebate . Verified June 7, 2026.