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

Health Insurance for Marketing Agency Contractors in Severance, Colorado

Severance marketing agency contractors can access individual plans via Connect for Health Colorado, with potential subsidies.
Colorado's Health First Colorado (Medicaid) covers adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, including many self-employed individuals.
PPO, HMO, and EPO plans are all available on-exchange in Severance, a part of Colorado Rating Area 4, offering diverse network options.
The median income in Severance is $124,572, but subsidies are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), not gross income.

For marketing agency contractors in Severance, Colorado, securing reliable and affordable health insurance is a critical business decision. As a self-employed professional, you have several avenues for coverage, primarily through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace, or potentially through Health First Colorado (Medicaid) depending on your income. Unlike traditional employees, contractors are responsible for their own benefits, which requires understanding eligibility for subsidies, plan types, and local carrier options in Weld County. This guide will walk you through the specifics for finding the right health insurance plan in Severance.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available to Severance Contractors?

Marketing agency contractors in Severance, CO, typically explore three main paths for health insurance:

Connect for Health Colorado (Individual Marketplace Plans): This is the most common route for self-employed individuals. You can enroll in plans from various private carriers, and your eligibility for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions is determined by your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Connect for Health Colorado offers Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum metal tiers, catering to different cost-sharing preferences.
Health First Colorado (Medicaid): As an expansion state, Colorado provides Medicaid coverage to adults with incomes up to 138% FPL. Many self-employed contractors with lower incomes may qualify for Health First Colorado, offering comprehensive benefits at little to no cost.
Off-Marketplace Plans: You can purchase plans directly from insurance carriers outside of Connect for Health Colorado. While these plans offer similar benefits, they do not qualify for federal subsidies, making them generally more expensive if you are eligible for financial assistance on the marketplace.

Understanding your projected annual income is key to determining which of these options offers the most affordable and comprehensive coverage for your specific situation.

Understanding Connect for Health Colorado and Subsidies for Self-Employed

Connect for Health Colorado is the state-based marketplace where Severance contractors can shop for individual and family health insurance plans. The marketplace is designed to make health insurance more affordable through financial assistance:

Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies): These credits reduce your monthly premium payment. Eligibility is based on your household income and family size. For 2026, individuals and families earning between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are typically eligible. For a single individual, 100% FPL is approximately $15,060, and 400% FPL is around $60,240, though these figures adjust annually. Severance's median income of $124,572 (per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates) is significantly higher, but subsidies are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which accounts for business deductions and can make more contractors eligible.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): These are available only with Silver plans and reduce your out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. You must have an income between 100% and 250% FPL to qualify for CSRs.

When applying, you will estimate your income for the upcoming year. It's crucial for contractors to accurately project their net self-employment income after business deductions, as this is the figure used to calculate subsidies.

Which Plan Types Are Available in Severance, Colorado?

In Colorado Rating Area 4, which includes Severance and all of Weld County, marketplace shoppers have access to a variety of plan types. Unlike some other states, PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Colorado, alongside HMO and EPO options. This provides greater flexibility for marketing agency contractors in choosing a plan that fits their needs for provider access and referrals.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Generally lower premiums, but require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network and get referrals for specialists.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): Offer more flexibility than HMOs, allowing you to see specialists without a referral, but you must stay within the network for coverage.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Typically have higher premiums but offer the most flexibility. You can see any provider, in or out of network, without a referral, though out-of-network care will be more expensive.

Consider your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals, such as Banner North Colorado Medical Center or Uchealth Greeley Hospital in nearby Greeley, when selecting a plan type and network.

Health Insurance Carriers in Severance

In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Colorado Rating Area 4, which encompasses Severance and all of Weld County. This provides a competitive market for marketing agency contractors seeking individual health insurance. The confirmed carriers for this rating area are:

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

It is important to compare plans from each of these carriers based on premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and their specific networks to ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals are included.

Navigating Health First Colorado (Medicaid) for Severance Contractors

Colorado expanded its Medicaid program, known as Health First Colorado, in 2014. This means that adults, including self-employed marketing agency contractors, with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for comprehensive health coverage. For a single individual, this income threshold is approximately $20,782 per year for 2026, though it varies by household size. Health First Colorado covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and maternity care. Pregnant women in Colorado may qualify for coverage through Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) if their income is up to 195% FPL, with those at or below 138% FPL qualifying for full Health First Colorado benefits. Applications can be submitted through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK). If your income fluctuates as a contractor, it is important to report changes to the program to ensure you maintain eligibility or transition to a marketplace plan if your income rises.

Choosing the Right Plan: Key Considerations for Contractors

When making your health insurance decision in Severance, consider these factors:

Severance Contractor Health Insurance Decision Guide

Consideration	Low Income (Below 138% FPL)	Moderate Income (138%-400% FPL)	Higher Income (Above 400% FPL)
Primary Option	Health First Colorado (Medicaid)	Connect for Health Colorado (Subsidized Plans)	Connect for Health Colorado (Unsubsidized) or Off-Marketplace
Cost Focus	Little to no cost for comprehensive coverage	Reduced premiums and out-of-pocket costs with subsidies	Full premium responsibility; potential tax deduction
Plan Type	Generally managed care (HMO/PCCM)	HMO, EPO, PPO options available	HMO, EPO, PPO options available
Tax Implications	Not applicable (no premiums)	Subsidies are non-taxable; premiums may be deductible	Premiums are 100% deductible if not eligible for employer plan
Enrollment	Year-round through Colorado PEAK	During Open Enrollment or with a Qualifying Life Event	During Open Enrollment or with a Qualifying Life Event

Weld County, with a population of 350,396 and an uninsured rate of 8.0% (per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates), offers a diverse healthcare landscape. Severance itself, with 10,130 residents and an impressive 2.2% uninsured rate, benefits from being part of Colorado Rating Area 4. Major healthcare systems like Banner North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley serve the region, making network access an important consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main health insurance options for contractors in Severance?

Marketing agency contractors in Severance can typically choose between individual plans through Connect for Health Colorado, Health First Colorado (Medicaid) if eligible, or potentially small group plans if their agency structure qualifies as a small business with employees. Individual plans offer subsidies based on income, while Health First Colorado provides low-cost coverage for those below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Can I get a PPO plan on Connect for Health Colorado in Severance?

Yes, PPO plans are available on-exchange through Connect for Health Colorado in Severance, part of Colorado Rating Area 4. Carriers like Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado, among others, offer PPO options, giving you flexibility in choosing providers without referrals.

Is Health First Colorado (Medicaid) available to Severance contractors?

Yes, Colorado expanded Medicaid (Health First Colorado) in 2014. Adults, including self-employed contractors, with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. Enrollment is managed through Colorado PEAK.

How does being a contractor affect my health insurance tax deductions?

As a self-employed marketing agency contractor, you may be able to deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums from your gross income, provided you are not eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan. This deduction applies to both individual plans purchased through Connect for Health Colorado and other qualified health insurance plans.