Updated July 2026 · ColoradoPlanFinder.com — Licensed Health Insurance Producer (NPN #21249133)

Health Insurance for Contractors and Childcare Providers in Aurora, Colorado

Aurora contractors and childcare providers can access subsidized health plans through Connect for Health Colorado.
Colorado's Medicaid program, Health First Colorado, covers adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
In 2026, 6 carriers, including Kaiser Permanente and United Healthcare, offer plans in Aurora's Rating Area 1.
PPO plans are available on-exchange in Colorado, offering more network flexibility than HMO/EPO-only states.
Aurora's uninsured rate is 13.7%, slightly above Arapahoe County's 9.3%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

For self-employed contractors and childcare providers in Aurora, Colorado, securing affordable health insurance is a critical step in managing both personal and business finances. Unlike traditional employees, you are responsible for finding and funding your own coverage, which often means navigating the state's official marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado. This marketplace offers a range of plans, including HMO, EPO, and PPO options, often with financial assistance in the form of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, depending on your household income. Understanding these options, and whether you qualify for Colorado's expanded Medicaid program, Health First Colorado, is key to making an informed decision.

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How Do Self-Employed Individuals Get Health Insurance in Aurora?

As a self-employed contractor or childcare provider in Aurora, your primary pathway to comprehensive health insurance is through Connect for Health Colorado. This state-based marketplace allows individuals and families to compare plans, apply for financial assistance, and enroll in coverage. Because Colorado expanded Medicaid in 2014, adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible for Health First Colorado (Medicaid), providing robust coverage at minimal or no cost. For those above the Medicaid threshold but below 400% FPL, significant subsidies can reduce monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs on marketplace plans. Beyond the marketplace, some contractors may explore private off-exchange plans directly from carriers, but these plans do not come with federal subsidies. Short-term health insurance plans are another option, but they typically offer limited benefits, do not cover pre-existing conditions, and are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For most self-employed individuals, the ACA marketplace provides the most comprehensive and affordable solution due to available subsidies.

What Types of ACA Plans Are Available in Aurora, Colorado?

In Aurora, which is part of Colorado Rating Area 1, you have access to a variety of health plan structures through Connect for Health Colorado. Unlike some states that primarily offer HMO and EPO plans on-exchange, Colorado's marketplace includes Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. This means you can choose from:

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans: Typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network and get referrals for specialists. They often have lower premiums.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plans: Offer a network of doctors and hospitals, but generally don't require a PCP referral for specialists. Out-of-network care is usually not covered, except in emergencies.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans: Provide the most flexibility, allowing you to see any doctor or specialist without a referral, both in-network and out-of-network (though out-of-network care will cost more). PPO plans are offered by carriers like Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado in this rating area.

These plans are categorized into metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) based on how costs are shared between you and the insurance company. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but highest out-of-pocket costs, while Platinum plans have the highest premiums but lowest out-of-pocket costs. Silver plans are unique because individuals and families with incomes up to 250% FPL may qualify for additional Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), which lower deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.

Understanding Income and Eligibility for Subsidies in Aurora

Your income plays a crucial role in determining what type of health insurance assistance you qualify for as a self-employed individual in Aurora.

Household Income (as % FPL)	Eligibility for Contractors/Childcare Providers
Below 138% FPL	Eligible for Health First Colorado (Medicaid), providing comprehensive coverage at little to no cost.
138% - 250% FPL	Eligible for significant premium tax credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) on Silver plans.
250% - 400% FPL	Eligible for premium tax credits to reduce monthly premiums on marketplace plans.
Above 400% FPL	Eligible to purchase unsubsidized plans through Connect for Health Colorado or directly from carriers.

For a single individual in 2026, 138% FPL is approximately $20,783 annually, and 250% FPL is around $37,600. These thresholds increase with household size. When estimating your income as a contractor, it's important to consider your net earnings (income minus business expenses). Incorrectly estimating your income can lead to discrepancies in subsidies and potential tax liabilities.

Health Insurance Carriers in Aurora

Aurora, part of Colorado Rating Area 1, is served by a robust selection of health insurance carriers on Connect for Health Colorado. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which covers Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. These carriers provide a range of plan types and networks to choose from:

Cigna
Denver Health Medical Plan
HMO Colorado
Kaiser Permanente
Select Health
United Healthcare

When selecting a plan, it is important to review each carrier's specific offerings for Aurora to ensure that your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in-network. For example, local facilities like The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital and Adventhealth Littleton are key considerations for residents of Arapahoe County.

Making the Right Choice: Next Steps for Aurora Contractors

Choosing the right health insurance as a self-employed childcare provider or contractor in Aurora requires careful consideration of your unique needs and financial situation.

Assess Your Healthcare Needs: Consider how often you visit the doctor, whether you have ongoing prescriptions, or if you anticipate any major medical events in the coming year. This will help you decide between a lower-premium Bronze plan or a higher-premium, lower-out-of-pocket Gold or Silver plan with CSRs.
Estimate Your Income: Accurately calculate your projected net income for the year, as this determines your eligibility for premium tax credits and Medicaid. Resources on Connect for Health Colorado or a tax professional can assist with this.
Compare Plans on Connect for Health Colorado: Use the marketplace to compare the specific plans offered by Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, and other carriers in Rating Area 1. Pay close attention to premiums, deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Check Provider Networks: Confirm that your preferred doctors, clinics, and hospitals, such as Hca-healthone DBA Swedish Medical Center in Englewood or The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital, are included in the plan's network before enrolling.
Seek Expert Assistance: A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, help you understand complex plan details, and assist with the enrollment process at no additional cost to you.

Aurora, Colorado, with a population of 394,432 and a median income of $88,368 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is part of a dynamic healthcare landscape. Arapahoe County's 3 acute care hospitals, including The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital, serve a population of 659,844. These local factors underscore the importance of selecting a plan that offers both financial protection and access to necessary medical care within Rating Area 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get health insurance if I'm a self-employed childcare provider in Aurora?

Yes, as a self-employed childcare provider or contractor in Aurora, you can purchase health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official marketplace. Depending on your income, you may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to make coverage more affordable. You may also qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) if your income is below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What types of health plans are available on Connect for Health Colorado?

In Aurora, which is part of Colorado Rating Area 1, you can choose from various plan types on Connect for Health Colorado, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Colorado, offered by carriers like Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado, allowing greater flexibility in choosing providers.

What is the income limit for Medicaid (Health First Colorado) in Colorado?

In Colorado, adults with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid), which provides comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. For pregnant women, the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program covers those with income up to 195% FPL. You can apply for these programs through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK).

How do I choose the best health insurance plan for my family as a contractor?

Choosing the best plan involves evaluating your healthcare needs, budget, and preferred doctors. Consider plans with lower deductibles if you anticipate frequent medical care, or higher deductibles with lower premiums if you primarily need catastrophic coverage. Review the provider networks of Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, and other local carriers to ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals, such as The Medical Center of Aurora, are included. A licensed health insurance producer can help you compare options and apply for subsidies.