Colorado Health Insurance Guide

From stunning mountain vistas to world-class ski resorts, Colorado remains a highly desirable place to live — and understanding your health insurance options here is key to protecting your health and finances.

As of 2025, the uninsured rate in Colorado has decreased, reflecting expanded coverage options and steady enrollment through the state marketplace. If you’re currently without coverage, here’s what you need to know about getting insured in Colorado.

Health Insurance Options in Colorado

Colorado offers a range of health insurance options tailored to residents’ needs, depending on age, income, employment, and family size. Here are the most common coverage types available:

Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Many Colorado residents receive health insurance through their employer. If your workplace offers coverage, this is usually the most cost-effective and convenient option.

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace Plans

The ACA allows individuals and families to buy health insurance through state or federal Marketplaces. These plans offer essential health benefits, free preventive care, and protection for preexisting conditions.

If you don’t have employer coverage, you may qualify for subsidies to lower your premiums. Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check your eligibility.

Starting this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requiring income verification to confirm eligibility for premium subsidies. As part of this effort, CMS will reduce the ACA subsidies by $5 per month for individuals who are automatically re-enrolled in fully subsidized plans without verified eligibility.

ACA Marketplace Plans

ACA marketplace plans are available in four tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each with distinct costs and coverage levels. Plans also vary by provider networks and out-of-pocket expenses, so compare carefully to find what fits your needs.

Marketplace Plan Options:

• Bronze: Low monthly premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs; ideal for minimal healthcare usage.
• Silver: Moderate costs; eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
• Gold: Higher monthly premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs; best for frequent healthcare users.
• Platinum (if available): Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs.

Metal Tier Breakdown:

Medicaid

Health First Colorado is the state’s Medicaid program. It provides free or low-cost coverage for eligible low-income residents. Medicaid plan benefits typically include preventive care, hospital visits, mental health services, prescriptions, and more.

Short-Term Medical (STM) Plans

Short-term medical (STM) plans are not available in Colorado. The state prohibits the sale of short-term health insurance policies due to strict consumer protection regulations. Residents seeking temporary coverage may need to consider alternative options, such as Medicaid, catastrophic coverage, or COBRA.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Colorado’s CHIP program is known as Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). It helps children and pregnant women in families that earn too much for Medicaid but need affordable insurance.

Student Health Insurance

College students in any state have multiple health insurance options, including staying on a parent’s plan until age 26, enrolling in a school-sponsored plan, or applying for coverage through the ACA Marketplace. Depending on your income and location, you may also qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or low-cost catastrophic or short-term plans—making Colorado student health insurance accessible and flexible for a wide range of needs.

Medicare

Medicare plans are available for residents aged 65+ and younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. Options include:

• Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C): Offered by private insurers as an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). These plans often include additional benefits like vision or dental care.
• Medicare Part D: Provides prescription drug coverage. Plans vary in cost and coverage and are available through private insurers.
• Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap): Help pay out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare. Useful for limiting medical expenses throughout the year.

COBRA Coverage

If you’ve recently lost job-based insurance, COBRA allows you to temporarily continue your employer coverage. This can bridge the gap while you explore ACA, Medicaid, or other options.

Enrollment Periods in Colorado

Open Enrollment for 2025 Coverage:

November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
During this window, all eligible residents can apply for, renew, or change their marketplace health plans through Connect for Health Colorado.

Special Enrollment Period

Available year-round for those experiencing qualifying life events (QLE), such as:

• Loss of coverage
• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Relocation
• Major change in income

You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll.

Health Insurance Providers in Colorado

As of 2025, these insurers typically offer individual and family plans through Connect for Health Colorado:

• Anthem (HMO Colorado, Inc.)
• Bright Health
• Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company
• Denver Health Medical Plan, Inc.
• Friday Health Plans
• Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado
• Oscar Health Plan
• Rocky Mountain Health Plans

Plan availability may vary by county or zip code. Some insurers may also offer Colorado Option standardized plans alongside traditional ACA plans.

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

When selecting a plan, be sure to understand these common cost terms:

• Premium: Monthly payment to maintain your plan.
• Deductible: What you pay before insurance covers services.
• Copayment (Copay): Fixed amount per visit/service.
• Coinsurance: Shared costs with your insurer after the deductible.
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Your yearly cost cap for covered services.
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Staying in-network helps you avoid higher charges.

Understanding health insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This glossary offers clear definitions of key terms—from agents to costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles—to help you make confident coverage decisions.

Bottom Line

Health insurance in Colorado comes with many choices—whether from your employer, through the ACA marketplace, or public programs like Medicaid and Medicare. By staying informed and comparing plans during the right enrollment periods, you can secure affordable, reliable coverage that supports your well-being and budget.

Need help choosing a plan? Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to see if you are eligible for ACA plan financial aid or speak with a licensed insurance agent about all your options.