Health Insurance for Childcare Providers & Contractors in Burlington, Colorado

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

Burlington, CO, childcare providers and contractors can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO plans on Connect for Health Colorado, the state marketplace.
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 9, which includes Kit Carson County.
Individuals and families with income up to 400% FPL may qualify for significant premium tax credits to lower monthly costs.
Colorado's Health First Colorado (Medicaid) covers adults up to 138% FPL, offering comprehensive, low-cost coverage.

As an independent childcare provider or contractor in Burlington, Colorado, securing reliable health insurance is crucial for protecting your health and finances. You have several options for coverage, primarily through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace, or directly from private carriers. Many self-employed individuals and families in Kit Carson County may qualify for financial assistance, such as premium tax credits, which can significantly reduce the cost of monthly premiums. Understanding these options and your eligibility for support is the first step toward finding the right plan for your unique needs.

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What Are Your Health Insurance Options as a Contractor in Burlington?

Independent contractors and self-employed individuals, including childcare providers, typically do not receive employer-sponsored health benefits. This means you'll need to find coverage on your own. In Burlington, Colorado, your primary avenues for health insurance include:

Connect for Health Colorado: This is Colorado's state-based health insurance marketplace. Here, you can compare plans from various carriers, and if your income qualifies, you can receive subsidies in the form of Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs). These subsidies can make coverage much more affordable.
Medicaid (Health First Colorado): Colorado is a Medicaid expansion state. If your income falls below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for Health First Colorado, which provides comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost.
Direct Enrollment with Carriers: You can purchase plans directly from health insurance companies outside of Connect for Health Colorado. However, plans bought directly from carriers are not eligible for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions.

For many contractors, the best approach is to explore Connect for Health Colorado first, as it offers the potential for significant financial assistance based on income and household size.

How Connect for Health Colorado Works for Self-Employed Individuals

Connect for Health Colorado is designed to help individuals and families find affordable health insurance. As a self-employed childcare provider or contractor, you'll report your estimated annual income when applying. This income, along with your household size, determines your eligibility for financial assistance.

Plan Categories and Benefits

On Connect for Health Colorado, plans are categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers reflect the percentage of healthcare costs the plan is expected to cover versus what you pay out-of-pocket:

Bronze plans: Cover approximately 60% of costs, with you paying 40%. They have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
Silver plans: Cover approximately 70% of costs, with you paying 30%. They have moderate premiums and deductibles. Silver plans are also the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) if you qualify.
Gold plans: Cover approximately 80% of costs, with you paying 20%. They have higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
Platinum plans: Cover approximately 90% of costs, with you paying 10%. They have the highest monthly premiums but the lowest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

For many self-employed individuals, Silver plans can be particularly advantageous due to the availability of CSRs, which further reduce deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums beyond the standard Silver tier benefits. This is especially true for those with incomes between 100% and 250% of the FPL.

Understanding Plan Types: HMO, EPO, and PPO

In Colorado, marketplace shoppers in Burlington can choose from various plan structures, 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 such as Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado, among others.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Generally requires you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network and get referrals for specialists. Offers lower premiums but less flexibility in choosing providers.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): Similar to an HMO in that it only covers care from in-network providers, but typically does not require a PCP referral for specialists.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Offers the most flexibility. You don't need a referral to see a specialist, and you can see out-of-network providers for a higher cost. PPO plans usually have higher premiums but offer a broader choice of doctors and hospitals.

Medicaid (Health First Colorado) and CHP+ in Kit Carson County

Colorado expanded its Medicaid program, known as Health First Colorado, in 2014. This means that adults, including independent contractors in Burlington, can qualify for comprehensive health coverage if their income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. This program provides essential health benefits with little to no cost for premiums, deductibles, or copayments. For families, Colorado also offers the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). CHP+ covers pregnant women with income up to 195% FPL, providing comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Children in households with income up to 260% FPL can also qualify for CHP+. Applications for Health First Colorado and CHP+ can be submitted through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK). Burlington, part of Kit Carson County, has a city population of 3,152 and a county population of 7,023, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. The uninsured rate in Burlington is 12.3%, and in Kit Carson County it is 12.0%. These figures highlight the importance of accessible programs like Health First Colorado and Connect for Health Colorado for local residents.

Health Insurance Carriers in Burlington

When seeking health insurance in Burlington, you'll be looking at plans available in Rating Area 9, which covers a multi-county region including Alamosa, Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Cheyenne, Clear Creek, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, Elbert, Fremont, Gilpin, Huerfano, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Lake, Las Animas, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Otero, Park, Phillips, Prowers, Pueblo, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma counties. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 9 through Connect for Health Colorado:

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

When comparing plans, consider each carrier's network of doctors and specialists, prescription drug coverage, and customer service reputation. Since Kit Carson County has no acute care hospitals within its boundaries, residents often travel to a neighboring county for acute care services. Therefore, checking the service area and network of any chosen plan is particularly important for Burlington residents.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Childcare Business or Contract Work

Selecting the best health insurance plan depends on your individual health needs, financial situation, and preferences.

Factor	Consideration for Contractors/Childcare Providers
Income & Subsidies	Estimate your annual net income carefully. If it's between 100% and 400% FPL, you likely qualify for premium tax credits. If below 138% FPL, you may qualify for Health First Colorado.
Health Needs	If you anticipate frequent doctor visits or have chronic conditions, a Gold or Platinum plan with lower out-of-pocket costs after premiums might be more cost-effective. For minimal health needs, Bronze plans offer lower premiums.
Network Preference	Consider if you have preferred doctors or need access to specific hospitals outside Kit Carson County. PPO plans offer more flexibility, while HMOs and EPOs are often more budget-friendly within their networks.
Deductibles & Out-of-Pocket Max	Evaluate how much you are comfortable paying before your insurance starts covering costs, and what your maximum potential out-of-pocket expense could be in a worst-case scenario.
Family Coverage	If covering family members, assess their health needs and factor in how each plan's cost-sharing applies to multiple individuals.

Working with a licensed health insurance producer can simplify this process. They can help you accurately estimate your income, compare plans from all available carriers in Rating Area 9, and ensure you receive all eligible subsidies, all at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What health insurance options are available for independent childcare providers in Burlington?

Independent childcare providers in Burlington can access health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, the state-based marketplace, where they may qualify for premium tax credits. Medicaid (Health First Colorado) is also an option for those with lower incomes, and direct enrollment with carriers for off-exchange plans is available.

Can I get a PPO plan through Connect for Health Colorado in Burlington?

Yes, PPO plans are available on-exchange through Connect for Health Colorado in Burlington, alongside HMO and EPO options. Carriers like Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado offer PPO structures in Rating Area 9.

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

Adults in Colorado, including independent contractors, may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) if their income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. This program provides comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost.

How do I apply for health insurance as a contractor in Burlington?

You can apply for health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official marketplace, to explore subsidized plans. Alternatively, you can apply directly with carriers for off-exchange plans. Many independent contractors find it helpful to work with a licensed health insurance producer for free personalized guidance.