Choosing health insurance in Colorado in 2026 is more important than ever. Monthly premiums look different than last year, plan designs have evolved, and state programs continue to expand access for families and small businesses. If you are shopping for coverage, this guide explains how health insurance works in Colorado, the differences between public and private options, which companies offer plans, typical prices, and the exact steps to choose confidently.
Use this as your go‑to reference before you enroll.
Health insurance in Colorado operates through three pillars. Understanding these pillars helps you decide where you belong and how to get the best value from your dollars.
Public programs are funded by state and federal dollars and are designed to keep essential care affordable for people who qualify based on income, age, or disability. In Colorado, the biggest public programs are:
These programs focus on comprehensive benefits with minimal out‑of‑pocket costs. Enrollment for Medicaid and CHP+ is available year‑round, which is a key difference from private plans.
If you do not get coverage through an employer and you do not qualify for Medicaid or CHP+, you will likely shop in the individual market. In Colorado, individuals and families buy plans through Connect for Health Colorado, the state health insurance marketplace. Plans are offered by private insurance companies. Many Coloradans qualify for financial help that lowers monthly premiums and reduces costs when they see a doctor or fill prescriptions.
Plans are grouped by metal tiers:
Colorado also offers Colorado Option plans, which are standardized designs across insurers. These plans make it easier to compare, and they include many low or zero cost services such as primary care visits and mental health office visits.
If you work for a company, you may receive health coverage through your employer. In Colorado, small employer group plans generally apply to companies with 1 to 50 employees. Large employers offer their own group plans or self‑funded arrangements. Employer plans often share costs between the company and employees, and they may include dental, vision, and wellness features.
The right choice depends on four things:
Colorado’s public programs are administered by state agencies and delivered through regional partners and plan administrators. Below are the key names residents should know in 2026.
Program administrator
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
Regional accountable entities and plan partners
These organizations coordinate care, provider networks, and services by region:
What Medicaid covers
Doctor visits, preventive care, hospital services, prescriptions, behavioral health, some dental and vision, maternity and newborn care, durable medical equipment, and more. Copays are either low or not required, and there are no monthly premiums for most members.
Who typically qualifies
Adults, children, pregnant individuals, and people with disabilities with income at or below program limits. Seniors may qualify under specific categories or may also have Medicare.
Program administrator
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
CHP+ plan providers
What CHP+ covers
Primary and urgent care, emergency and hospital services, immunizations, dental and vision benefits for children, maternity care, prescriptions, and mental health services. Enrollment fees are not required and copays are low. Annual spending is capped to protect families from high bills.
Who typically qualifies
Children under 19 and pregnant individuals whose household income is above Medicaid limits but below CHP+ thresholds.
Medicare itself is a federal program, but private insurers offer Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans in Colorado. These plans often include additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and fitness.
Common Medicare Advantage insurers in Colorado
Private insurers sell plans directly to individuals and families through the marketplace and to employers through group plans.
Connect for Health Colorado lists the following private companies offering individual and family plans across Colorado. Availability varies by county:
These companies offer Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans. They also offer Colorado Option standardized designs that simplify comparisons and reduce out‑of‑pocket costs for many routine services.
The Colorado Option is designed by the state and sold by the same private insurers. It standardizes benefits to make shopping more transparent and keeps many essential services at no cost.
Colorado Option plans are offered by:
Small group plans cover employers with 1 to 50 employees. Large groups may have broader choices or self‑funded plans. Major names serving Colorado employers include:
The table below summarizes who does what, so you can pinpoint the right contact and enrollment path.
| Category | Who offers coverage in Colorado | How you enroll | Typical cost profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid | Colorado Access, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, Denver Health Medical Plan, Colorado Community Health Alliance, Health Colorado Inc, Northeast Health Partners | Apply year‑round through state portals or assistance centers | Premiums are usually $0, copays are minimal |
| CHP+ | Colorado Access, Kaiser Permanente, Denver Health Medical Plan, Rocky Mountain Health Plans | Apply year‑round for children and pregnancy coverage | No monthly premium, low copays, spending cap applies |
| Medicare Advantage | UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Kaiser Permanente, Anthem, Devoted Health, Cigna Healthcare | Enroll during Medicare annual election periods | Many plans have low or no premiums, out‑of‑pocket varies by plan |
| Individual marketplace | Anthem, Cigna, Kaiser, SelectHealth, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, Denver Health Medical Plan | Open Enrollment or Special Enrollment if you qualify | Premiums vary by tier and county, financial help may apply |
| Small group employer plans | Anthem, Kaiser, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna Healthcare, Rocky Mountain Health Plans | Through your employer’s HR or benefits broker | Employer often pays part of the premium, employee pays remainder |
Prices vary widely based on county, age, plan tier, and whether you receive financial assistance. The ranges below help you set expectations while you shop. Your actual quote may be lower if you qualify for premium tax credits or state assistance.
Individual market monthly premiums before financial help
Medicare Advantage monthly premiums
Small group plans
What changes your price
Colorado Option plans simplify life for shoppers who want predictable costs and easier comparisons. The state sets the standardized benefits. Insurers then price and sell the same core design. Key advantages include:
If you expect to use primary care or counseling, or if you want predictable copays and coverage for everyday services, Colorado Option can be a strong value.
Follow this checklist to get the best balance of price, coverage, and access to your doctors.
Start with Medicaid and CHP+ if your income is near program limits. These plans have no monthly premiums and minimal copays. For seniors, confirm Medicare eligibility and compare Medicare Advantage plans if you want additional benefits and a capped out‑of‑pocket maximum.
If you buy coverage through Connect for Health Colorado, use the marketplace estimator to see your premium tax credit and cost‑sharing reductions. Financial assistance can dramatically lower your monthly bill and reduce deductibles and copays. If you qualify for state premium assistance, your monthly payment may be reduced further.
Do not shop only on premium. Add your expected outpatient visits, prescriptions, and potential hospital costs to estimate total yearly spending. Many households find that a slightly higher premium with lower copays saves money if they use care often.
Carrier networks differ by county. Always verify your primary care doctor, key specialists, local hospitals, and pharmacies are in network. Check your medication list against each plan’s formulary. This step prevents surprise bills and delays in care.
If you use primary care, counseling, or pregnancy services, look closely at Colorado Option plans. The standardized benefits place many high‑value services at low or no cost, which reduces your out‑of‑pocket and makes monthly budgeting easier.
Colorado has certified assisters and licensed brokers who help you enroll at no cost. They can explain eligibility, compare networks, and identify the best value for your budget and health needs. This is especially useful for small employers and families with complex situations.
Small businesses face unique challenges when premiums rise. To manage costs and maintain competitive benefits:
Can I enroll outside of Open Enrollment
Yes if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Examples include losing other coverage, moving to Colorado, marriage, birth or adoption, or significant changes in income. Medicaid and CHP+ allow year‑round enrollment.
What is the difference between Bronze, Silver, and Gold
Bronze has lower premiums and higher out‑of‑pocket. Silver balances premiums and cost sharing and unlocks additional discounts if you qualify. Gold has higher premiums and lower out‑of‑pocket. Choose based on expected care and your budget.
Do all plans include pediatric dental and vision
Marketplace plans include essential health benefits, which cover pediatric dental and vision. Adults may need separate dental or vision coverage unless included in Medicare Advantage or a specific employer plan.
Is Colorado Option a government insurance plan
No. The state designs the standardized benefits, but private insurance companies sell and administer the plans. You still choose from the same carriers and pay premiums to those companies.
Are premiums higher everywhere in 2026
Premiums vary by county, age, and plan type. Many households still pay modest net premiums after tax credits and state assistance. The key is shopping early and comparing options with the help of an assister or broker.
Colorado’s 2026 health insurance landscape is built around clear categories, standardized plan designs, and strong public programs. If you qualify for Medicaid or CHP+, start there. If you shop the marketplace, compare Colorado Option and traditional plans carefully, verify your doctors and prescriptions, and use every dollar of financial help that is available to you. If you work for a small employer or run one, invest time in comparing group plans and contribution strategies so benefits stay affordable and competitive.
The system has a lot of moving parts. The simple way to approach it is to ask four questions. What is my eligibility. What is my budget. Which doctors do I want. Which plan design lowers my total yearly spending. Once you answer those, your decision becomes straightforward.
