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Colorado Health Insurance

By Kat Tretina

Kat Tretina

Kat Tretina is a freelance writer based in Orlando, Florida. She graduated with a master’s in communications from West Chester University. Her work has been featured in publications like The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, and MarketWatch.

Updated on June 5th, 2025

Fact checked by: Joseph Amodio

Joseph Amodio Fact Checker

Joseph V. Amodio is a writer, editor and fact-checker who has served as Research Chief at Self Magazine. He has fact-checked numerous articles and consumer health books. His own writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Men’s Health, Newsday and Barrons.com, among others. When not at the computer, he runs (sometimes) and snacks (often).

We want to help you make educated healthcare decisions. While this post may have links to lead generation forms, this won’t influence our writing. We adhere to strict editorial standards to provide the most accurate and unbiased information.

With its scenic mountains and world-renowned ski resorts, Colorado remains a highly desirable place to live.

As of 2025, the uninsured rate in Colorado has decreased, reflecting expanded coverage options and strong enrollment through the state marketplace. If you’re among those currently without coverage, here’s what you need to know about your health insurance options in Colorado.

Health Insurance Options in Colorado

Colorado offers a variety of health insurance options depending on your age, income, employment status, and family situation. Here are the main types of plans available in the state:

Employer-Sponsored Insurance
Most Coloradans get their health insurance through their employer. If your job offers coverage, this is often your most convenient and cost-effective option.

ACA Marketplace Plans (Connect for Health Colorado)
Individuals and families who don’t have access to employer coverage can purchase plans through Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado.

Subsidies for ACA plans (financial aid) may be available to lower your monthly premium costs. Check your eligibility with our ACA Subsidy Calculator.

These Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant plans are available in several coverage tiers:

  • Bronze Plans: Lower monthly premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs; ideal for those who rarely use medical services.
  • Silver Plans: Moderate premiums and costs; eligible for additional cost-sharing reductions.
  • Gold Plans: Higher premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs; good for people who use healthcare services frequently.
  • Platinum Plans (limited availability): Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs.

Here’s how cost-sharing typically breaks down by plan tier:

Metal TierInsurance Company PaysConsumer Pays
Bronze60%40%
Silver70%30%
Gold80%20%
Platinum90%10%

Medicaid (Health First Colorado)
For qualifying low-income individuals and families. Provides comprehensive coverage, including preventive care, dental, emergency services, prescriptions, and more.

Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)
Available to children and pregnant women in households that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but need low-cost coverage.

Medicare
Medicare plans are available for residents aged 65 or older and for younger individuals with certain disabilities. Options include:

  • Medicare Advantage (Part C)
  • Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
  • Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)

COBRA Coverage
If you recently lost employer-sponsored insurance, COBRA lets you temporarily continue your coverage, though usually at full cost.

Special Enrollment Periods
Life events like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child may qualify you to enroll in a new health plan outside of the normal Open Enrollment Period.

Short-Term Health Plans
Not available in Colorado. The state prohibits the sale of short-term health insurance policies due to strict regulations.

When to Apply

Coloradans can enroll in health coverage through the ACA marketplace during Open Enrollment, or during a Special Enrollment Period if they experience certain qualifying life events.

  • Open Enrollment Period:
    November 1, 2025 – December 15, 2025
    During this time, anyone can apply for, renew, or change their health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado.
  • Special Enrollment Period:
    Outside of the open enrollment window, you may still be eligible to apply if you experience a qualifying life event, such as:
    • Loss of job-based insurance
    • Marriage or divorce
    • Birth or adoption of a child
    • Moving to a new coverage area
    • Change in household income

You typically have 60 days from the date of the qualifying event to enroll in a new plan.

Health Insurance Companies in Colorado

In 2025, several insurers offer individual and family plans through Connect for Health Colorado. These companies vary slightly by region, but generally include:

Each insurer may offer multiple plan types, including Colorado Option standardized plans and traditional ACA plans. Availability may depend on your zip code.

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

When choosing a health insurance plan in Colorado, it’s important to understand the key terms that define what you’ll pay and how your plan works:

  • Premium: A monthly fee paid to keep your health coverage active.
  • Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins to cover services.
  • Copay: A fixed fee you pay for services like doctor visits or prescriptions.
  • Coinsurance: The percentage you share with your insurer after meeting your deductible — for example, you might pay 20%, and your insurance covers the remaining 80%.
  • Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The maximum amount you’ll pay in a year for covered services. Once this limit is reached, insurance covers 100% of your healthcare costs for the rest of the year.
  • In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Costs can vary significantly depending on whether your provider is part of your plan’s network. In-network providers have agreed to discounted rates with your insurance company.

Bottom Line

Health insurance is essential for protecting both your health and finances. Whether through an employer, the ACA marketplace, or public programs like Medicaid or Medicare, Colorado offers a range of coverage options to fit different needs.

By staying informed about enrollment periods and comparing your plan choices, you can find the right coverage for you and your family—providing peace of mind for whatever comes next.

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  1. Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. “Health First Colorado.” colorado.gov. Accessed September 16, 2021.

  2. Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. “Child Health Plan Plus.” colorado.gov. Accessed September 16, 2021.

  3. U.S. Government Website for Medicaid. “April 2021 Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment Data Highlights.” medicaid.gov. Accessed September 16, 2021.

  4. Kaiser Family Foundation. “Total Number of Medicare Beneficiaries.” kff.org. Accessed September 16, 2021.

  5. Kaiser Family Foundation. “Distribution of Medicare Benefits By Eligibility Criteria.” kff.org. Accessed September 16, 2021.

  6. U.S. Department for Health & Human Services. “Who Is Eligible for Medicare?” hhs.gov. Accessed September 16, 2021.

  7. “Who Is Eligible for Medicare?”

  8. Kaiser Family Foundation. “Medicare Prescription Drug Plans: Standalone PDP Enrollment.” kff.org. Accessed September 16, 2021.

About Kat Tretina

Kat Tretina is a freelance writer based in Orlando, Florida. She graduated with a master’s in communications from West Chester University. Her work has been featured in publications like The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, and MarketWatch.