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

Health Insurance for Landscaping Contractors in Aurora, CO

Self-employed landscaping contractors in Aurora can purchase health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official marketplace.
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Aurora's Rating Area 1, including Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, and United Healthcare.
Colorado expanded Medicaid (Health First Colorado) in 2014, making adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level eligible.
Aurora residents can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO plans on-exchange, with PPO options available from carriers like Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado.

As a self-employed landscaping contractor in Aurora, Colorado, securing reliable health insurance is crucial for managing your health and finances. You have several options for obtaining coverage, primarily through Connect for Health Colorado, the state-based marketplace. Here, you can compare plans, determine your eligibility for financial assistance, and enroll in a plan that fits your needs and budget. Understanding the available plan types, subsidies, and local carrier options can help you make an informed decision for yourself and your family.

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How Do Self-Employed Landscaping Contractors Get Health Insurance in Aurora?

For self-employed landscaping contractors in Aurora, the primary pathway to comprehensive and affordable health insurance is through Connect for Health Colorado. This marketplace, established under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), allows individuals and families to shop for plans and access subsidies that can significantly reduce monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Enrollment typically occurs during the annual Open Enrollment Period, but you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event, such as getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new area.

Understanding ACA Subsidies and Cost Assistance

The ACA offers two main types of financial assistance to make coverage more affordable:

Premium Tax Credits (PTC): These subsidies reduce your monthly premium payments. Eligibility is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In Colorado, individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% FPL may qualify for significant tax credits.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): These subsidies lower your out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. CSRs are only available with Silver-tier plans and are designed for individuals and families with incomes up to 250% FPL.

Even if your income fluctuates as a contractor, it's essential to report your estimated annual income accurately when applying to ensure you receive the correct amount of assistance.

What Types of Health Plans Are Available in Aurora?

Aurora residents, including self-employed contractors, have access to a variety of health plan types through Connect for Health Colorado. Unlike some states, PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Colorado, offering greater flexibility. You can choose from:

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans: These plans typically have lower premiums and require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the plan's network. Your PCP will then refer you to specialists as needed.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plans: Similar to HMOs, EPOs require you to stay within a specific network of doctors and hospitals. However, you generally don't need a referral to see a specialist.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans: PPO plans offer more flexibility. You can see any doctor or specialist, in or out of network, without a referral, though out-of-network care will cost more. In Colorado, PPO plans are offered on-exchange by carriers like Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado, among others.

Plans are also categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but the highest out-of-pocket costs, while Platinum plans have the highest premiums and lowest out-of-pocket costs. Silver plans are particularly valuable if you qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions.

Health First Colorado: Medicaid for Low-Income Contractors

Colorado expanded its Medicaid program, known as Health First Colorado, in 2014. This means that adults, including self-employed landscaping contractors, with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. For pregnant women in Aurora, Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) covers those with incomes up to 195% FPL with comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Women at or below 138% FPL will qualify for full Health First Colorado Medicaid first. Children in households up to 260% FPL can also qualify for CHP+. Applications for these programs can be submitted through Colorado PEAK at colorado.gov/PEAK. If your income falls within these thresholds, Health First Colorado or CHP+ can provide essential medical services, reducing the financial burden of healthcare for you and your family.

Health Insurance Carriers in Aurora

In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Aurora's Rating Area 1, which covers Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. This provides a robust selection of plans for self-employed landscaping contractors. The confirmed local carriers for this rating area include:

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

When comparing plans, consider each carrier's network of doctors and hospitals, specific plan benefits, and customer service reputation. Aurora, with a population of 394,432 and an uninsured rate of 13.7% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is served by Rating Area 1. Residents of Arapahoe County, which has a population of 659,844, have access to three acute care hospitals: Hca-healthone DBA Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital in Aurora, and Adventhealth Littleton in Littleton. These facilities provide critical healthcare services to the region.

Making the Right Choice: Next Steps for Aurora Contractors

Choosing the right health insurance plan involves evaluating your income, health needs, and budget. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision:

Estimate Your Income: Accurately project your household income for the upcoming year. This is crucial for determining your eligibility for subsidies through Connect for Health Colorado.
Check Medicaid Eligibility: If your income is at or below 138% FPL, apply for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) through Colorado PEAK.
Compare Plans on Connect for Health Colorado: Review the metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) and plan types (HMO, EPO, PPO) offered by the 6 local carriers in Rating Area 1. Pay close attention to deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Utilize Subsidies: If eligible, apply your Premium Tax Credits to lower your monthly premiums. If your income is up to 250% FPL, consider a Silver plan to benefit from Cost-Sharing Reductions.
Consider Your Healthcare Needs: If you have chronic conditions or anticipate frequent medical care, a Gold or Platinum plan might offer better value despite higher premiums. If you primarily need coverage for emergencies, a Bronze plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) could be an option.

Navigating these options can be complex, but a licensed health insurance producer can provide free, unbiased assistance. They can help you understand your options, compare plans from different carriers, and guide you through the enrollment process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get health insurance if I'm a self-employed landscaping contractor in Aurora?

Yes, self-employed landscaping contractors in Aurora can purchase health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace. You may qualify for subsidies to lower your monthly premiums based on your household income.

What types of health plans are available to contractors in Aurora?

In Aurora, you can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO health plans through Connect for Health Colorado. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Colorado, offering more flexibility in choosing providers without referrals.

What is Health First Colorado and how do I know if I qualify?

Health First Colorado is Colorado's Medicaid program. If your household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for low-cost or no-cost coverage. You can apply through Colorado PEAK at colorado.gov/PEAK.

Do I need a special plan for contractors or self-employed individuals?

No, there isn't a specific 'contractor' health insurance plan. Self-employed individuals purchase the same individual and family health plans available to anyone through Connect for Health Colorado. The key is to find a plan that fits your budget and healthcare needs.