Colorado Health Insurance Guide

Health Insurance Overview in Colorado

Colorado operates Connect for Health Colorado, a state-based marketplace established in 2013. Colorado expanded Medicaid (Health First Colorado) to cover adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Colorado has been active in insurance market innovation, including creating a state reinsurance program and exploring a state public option.

Average Health Insurance Costs in Colorado

Marketplace Enrollment in Colorado

Colorado residents can enroll in individual and family health insurance plans through Connect for Health Colorado (State-Based). Open enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 (Connect for Health Colorado).

Average Premiums by City in Colorado

Medicaid in Colorado

Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid) covers adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Colorado's reinsurance program reduces premiums for marketplace enrollees.

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) in Colorado

CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus) covers children and pregnant women in families with incomes up to 260% of the federal poverty level.

What Makes Colorado Unique

Colorado created a state reinsurance program that has significantly reduced marketplace premiums and was exploring a state public option health plan — a government-sponsored plan that competes with private plans on the marketplace. Colorado's active health policy environment has made it a laboratory for insurance market reform.

ACA Subsidies: What Colorado Residents Should Know

The enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. For 2026, premium tax credits follow the original ACA rules: there is no credit above 400% (the “subsidy cliff”), and enrollees are expected to pay up to 9.96% of income toward the benchmark Silver plan. House in January 2026 but has not become law, so 2027 plans are being priced and subsidized under the same rules unless Congress acts.

Colorado’s Marketplace for 2027: Insurers, Rates, and Dates

Colorado residents enroll through Connect for Health Colorado. Full-price premiums rose about 21.2% on average for 2026, before subsidies. 6 insurers sold plans for 2026; for 2027, Cigna is leaving and Colorado Access is entering. Proposed 2027 changes average about 12.7% before subsidies.

About 277,000 people enrolled for 2026. About 70% received premium tax credits, and the average net premium after credits was about $318 a month.

What’s Different About Health Coverage in Colorado

Colorado layers several state programs on the federal credit. For 2026 it switched its state help from cost-sharing to premium assistance for incomes up to 400% FPL (about $80 a month for the primary enrollee). Colorado Option standardized public-option plans drew about half of 2026 marketplace enrollees, and OmniSalud provides subsidized coverage to residents who can’t use the federal marketplace because of immigration status, with a limited number of spots awarded by lottery. Reinsurance has operated since 2020, though its funding was reduced for 2026.

Tips for Choosing Health Insurance in Colorado

Colorado residents should enroll through Connect for Health Colorado to access all available subsidies. Colorado's reinsurance program has reduced premiums below what they would otherwise be. Health First Colorado Medicaid covers low-income adults. Colorado has been working toward a public option that may provide additional affordable coverage options.

• Enroll during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15 (Connect for Health Colorado)) — missing the deadline means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which insurers are leaving the Colorado marketplace for 2027?

Cigna is leaving for 2027. Enrollees with that insurer should choose a new plan during open enrollment; an automatic replacement may have a different network or drug list.

How much do Colorado marketplace enrollees pay after subsidies?

In 2026 about 70% of Colorado enrollees received premium tax credits, and the average net premium was about $318 a month. There is no credit above 400% of the federal poverty level.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and program eligibility rules as of 2026. Health insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, marketplace options, and program rules change annually. Always verify current eligibility and enrollment options at the official Connect for Health Colorado (State-Based) or by contacting a certified navigator or broker. Premium figures shown are approximations before subsidies — actual net premiums depend on individual income, household size, and plan selection.