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

Health Insurance for Plumbing Contractors in Burlington, Colorado

Burlington plumbing contractors can find subsidized ACA health plans through Connect for Health Colorado, with PPOs, HMOs, and EPOs available.
Individuals and families earning up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for significant premium tax credits, reducing monthly costs.
Health First Colorado (Medicaid) provides comprehensive, low-cost coverage for adults with incomes up to 138% FPL, and for pregnant women up to 195% FPL via CHP+.
Kit Carson County, home to Burlington, has a population of 7,023 and an uninsured rate of 12.0%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

For plumbing contractors in Burlington, Colorado, securing reliable and affordable health insurance is a critical business and personal decision. As self-employed professionals, you have access to a range of options, primarily through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace. Here, you can compare plans from multiple carriers, determine eligibility for financial assistance like premium tax credits, and enroll in coverage that fits your needs and budget. Understanding these options is key to ensuring you and your family have protection against unexpected medical costs.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available to Burlington Plumbing Contractors?

Plumbing contractors in Burlington, CO, typically have several pathways to health coverage, depending on their income, family situation, and health needs. The primary options include:

Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace Plans: This is the most common route for self-employed individuals. Through Connect for Health Colorado, you can purchase individual and family health plans that comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These plans cover essential health benefits, cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, and offer financial assistance to eligible individuals and families.
Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies): Many plumbing contractors in Burlington qualify for subsidies to lower their monthly premiums. These tax credits are available to individuals and families with household incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The amount of assistance depends on your income, household size, and the cost of plans in Rating Area 9, which covers Kit Carson County.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): If your income is below 250% FPL, you may also qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions, which lower your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. CSRs are only available on Silver-tier plans.
Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and CHP+: Colorado expanded Medicaid in 2014, meaning adults with incomes up to 138% FPL can qualify for Health First Colorado. This program provides comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. Additionally, Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) covers pregnant women with income up to 195% FPL and children in households up to 260% FPL.
Off-Marketplace Plans: You can also purchase health insurance directly from carriers outside of Connect for Health Colorado. However, plans purchased off-marketplace are not eligible for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions.

For many self-employed plumbing contractors, the ACA marketplace offers the best balance of comprehensive coverage and financial assistance.

Understanding ACA Plan Tiers and Costs in Burlington, CO

ACA plans on Connect for Health Colorado 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 through deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

Typical ACA Plan Tiers for a Single Plumbing Contractor in Burlington (2026 Estimates)
Metal Tier	Plan Pays (Avg.)	You Pay (Avg.)	Monthly Premium (Before Subsidy)	Deductible Range
Bronze	60%	40%	Lower	High (e.g., $6,000-$9,000)
Silver	70%	30%	Moderate	Medium (e.g., $3,000-$6,000)
Gold	80%	20%	Higher	Low (e.g., $1,000-$3,000)
Platinum	90%	10%	Highest	Very Low (e.g., $0-$1,000)

Note: These are general estimates. Actual premiums and deductibles vary significantly based on your age, location (Rating Area 9), tobacco use, and chosen plan.

Burlington is located in Kit Carson County, which is part of Colorado Rating Area 9. This rating area also covers Alamosa, Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Cheyenne, Clear Creek, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, Elbert, Fremont, Gilpin, Huerfano, Kiowa, Lake, Las Animas, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Otero, Park, Phillips, Prowers, Pueblo, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma counties. The specific costs for plans are determined by the average healthcare costs within this broad multi-county region.

Medicaid (Health First Colorado) and CHP+ Eligibility for Burlington Families

Colorado has expanded its Medicaid program, Health First Colorado, providing a crucial safety net for low-income individuals and families. For plumbing contractors or their family members in Burlington with limited income:

Adults: Individuals and families with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible for Health First Colorado. This means a single adult earning approximately $20,782 per year (2023 FPL) or less would qualify.
Pregnant Women: Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) covers pregnant women with incomes up to 195% FPL, offering comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Women at or below 138% FPL would first qualify for Health First Colorado.
Children: CHP+ also provides coverage for children in households with incomes up to 260% FPL.

These programs offer extensive benefits with very low or no out-of-pocket costs, ensuring essential healthcare access for vulnerable populations in Kit Carson County. Applications can be submitted through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK).

Health Insurance Carriers in Burlington

In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 9, serving plumbing contractors and other residents in Burlington, Colorado. These carriers provide a variety of plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO options, on Connect for Health Colorado:

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

When choosing a plan, consider the network of doctors and hospitals. While Kit Carson County has no acute care hospitals within its boundaries, residents often travel to neighboring counties for acute care. It's important to verify that your chosen plan includes preferred providers and facilities in the areas you typically access healthcare.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Plumbing Business

Selecting the best health insurance plan as a plumbing contractor involves balancing premiums, out-of-pocket costs, network access, and your expected healthcare needs. Consider these steps:

Estimate Your Income: Your projected annual income is crucial for determining subsidy eligibility. As a self-employed individual, accurately estimating your net income (after business deductions) is vital for receiving the correct amount of financial assistance.
Assess Your Healthcare Needs: If you anticipate frequent doctor visits, prescription medications, or have a chronic condition, a Gold or Silver plan with lower deductibles and copayments might be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions on a Silver plan. If you are generally healthy and prefer lower monthly premiums, a Bronze plan might be suitable, but be prepared for higher out-of-pocket costs if you need significant care.
Check Provider Networks: Ensure that your preferred doctors, specialists, and any facilities you might use (even those outside Kit Carson County) are in the plan's network. This is particularly important for PPO plans, which offer more flexibility, but also for HMOs and EPOs, which require you to stay within their network for covered services.
Compare Plan Types (HMO, EPO, PPO):
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Generally lower premiums, requires you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) who refers you to specialists.
- EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): Similar to HMOs but often without the PCP referral requirement. You must stay within the network.
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Offers more flexibility, allowing you to see out-of-network providers for a higher cost. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Colorado.
Utilize Connect for Health Colorado: This is the most efficient way to compare plans side-by-side, apply for subsidies, and enroll. The platform allows you to filter plans by carrier, metal tier, and estimated out-of-pocket costs.

The median income in Burlington is $74,308, and the median age is 38.1 years, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. These figures indicate a diverse range of income levels and ages among the city's 3,152 residents, suggesting that many plumbing contractors and their families may qualify for some form of financial assistance when purchasing health insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can plumbing contractors in Burlington get health insurance with pre-existing conditions?

Yes, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all health insurance plans offered through Connect for Health Colorado must cover pre-existing conditions without charging you more or denying coverage. This applies to all plumbing contractors in Burlington, CO, regardless of health status.

What income level qualifies a Burlington plumbing contractor for Medicaid (Health First Colorado)?

In Colorado, adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid). For a single individual, this was approximately $20,782 per year in 2023. Eligibility thresholds are updated annually.

Are PPO plans available for plumbing contractors on Connect for Health Colorado in Burlington?

Yes, PPO plans are available on-exchange in Colorado through Connect for Health Colorado. Plumbing contractors in Burlington, CO, can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO plan structures, with options from carriers like Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado.

How does self-employed health insurance affect my taxes as a plumbing contractor?

Self-employed plumbing contractors may be able to deduct 100% of their health insurance premiums from their gross income, reducing their taxable income. This deduction is available if you are not eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan, including one offered by a spouse's employer. Consult with a tax professional for personalized advice.