Can contractors and real estate agents get health insurance subsidies in Aurora, CO?

Yes, self-employed individuals in Aurora, including contractors and real estate agents, are generally eligible for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's marketplace. Eligibility depends on household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

What types of health insurance plans are available for self-employed individuals in Aurora?

In Aurora, self-employed individuals can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO plans on Connect for Health Colorado. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Colorado, offering more flexibility in choosing providers without a referral.

Health Insurance for Contractors & Real Estate Agents in Aurora, Colorado

Q: What is Health First Colorado, and can self-employed individuals qualify?

Health First Colorado is Colorado's Medicaid program. Self-employed adults in Aurora with a household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. Applications can be submitted through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK).

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

Self-employed contractors and real estate agents in Aurora can access subsidized health plans through Connect for Health Colorado.
Individuals with incomes between 100% and 400% FPL may qualify for significant premium tax credits, reducing monthly costs.
Colorado's Medicaid program, Health First Colorado, covers adults with incomes up to 138% FPL, providing low-cost or free comprehensive care.
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which includes Aurora, offering choices of HMO, EPO, and PPO plans.
An Aurora resident with an income of $40,000 (2026 FPL equivalent) could pay as little as $80-$150 per month for a Silver plan after subsidies.

For contractors and real estate agents in Aurora, Colorado, securing affordable health insurance is crucial, especially without employer-sponsored benefits. The most common and often most cost-effective solution for self-employed individuals is purchasing a plan through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace. Here, you can compare a variety of plans and determine if you qualify for financial assistance, such as premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, which can significantly lower your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Colorado expanded Medicaid in 2014, meaning many self-employed individuals with lower incomes may qualify for Health First Colorado.

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How Do Self-Employed Individuals Get Subsidized Coverage in Aurora?

Self-employed individuals, including contractors and real estate agents, access subsidized health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado. Your eligibility for financial assistance is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and household size. As an Aurora resident, if your income falls between 100% and 400% of the FPL, you will likely qualify for premium tax credits that reduce your monthly insurance premiums. If your income is below 250% FPL, you may also be eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. For example, a single individual in Aurora earning $40,000 annually (approximately 270% FPL in 2026) would qualify for substantial premium tax credits. These subsidies are paid directly to your chosen insurance carrier, reducing the amount you pay each month. It's important to accurately estimate your annual income, as changes can affect your subsidy amount.

What Health Plans Are Available for Contractors and Real Estate Agents in Aurora?

In Aurora, self-employed individuals can choose from a range of health plan types offered on Connect for Health Colorado, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Unlike some states, PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Colorado, offering greater flexibility to see specialists without referrals and often providing some coverage for out-of-network care, albeit at a higher cost. Plans are categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Metal Tier	Key Features for Self-Employed	Typical Out-of-Pocket Costs
Bronze	Lowest premiums, highest deductibles. Best for those who rarely visit the doctor and want protection against catastrophic events.	High deductibles ($7,000-$9,000+), high copays, low monthly premiums.
Silver	Moderate premiums and deductibles. The only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) if your income is below 250% FPL.	Moderate deductibles ($4,000-$7,000), moderate copays, moderate monthly premiums (often significantly reduced by subsidies).
Gold	Higher premiums, lower deductibles. Good for those who expect to use medical services frequently and prefer predictable costs.	Low deductibles ($1,500-$3,000), low copays, higher monthly premiums.

Choosing the right plan involves balancing monthly premiums with potential out-of-pocket costs, considering your health needs and financial situation.

Health First Colorado (Medicaid) for Aurora's Self-Employed

Colorado expanded its Medicaid program, known as Health First Colorado, in 2014. This means that self-employed adults in Aurora with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for comprehensive health coverage at very low or no cost. For example, a single individual earning up to approximately $20,783 annually (based on 2026 FPL projections) would be eligible. Health First Colorado provides extensive benefits, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and more. Pregnant women in Colorado may also qualify for Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) if their income is up to 195% FPL, which covers comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Applications for Health First Colorado and CHP+ can be submitted through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK). Aurora, Colorado, with a population of 394,432, is a diverse city where 13.7% of residents are uninsured, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This city, located in Arapahoe County, is part of Colorado Rating Area 1, which also covers Adams, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital and Adventhealth Littleton are among the acute care hospitals serving residents within Arapahoe County, which has an uninsured rate of 9.3%.

Health Insurance Carriers in Aurora

In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which serves Aurora. These carriers provide a range of plan options (HMO, EPO, PPO) across the metal tiers, allowing self-employed individuals to compare and select a plan that best fits their needs. The confirmed carriers for this rating area include:

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

When choosing a plan, consider not only the premium but also the carrier's network of doctors and hospitals to ensure your preferred providers are covered. All plans offered on Connect for Health Colorado cover essential health benefits, regardless of the carrier or metal tier.

Making Your Health Plan Decision in Aurora

Navigating health insurance as a contractor or real estate agent in Aurora requires understanding your income, household size, and health needs.

If your income is below 138% FPL: You likely qualify for Health First Colorado. Apply through Colorado PEAK to receive comprehensive, low-cost coverage.
If your income is between 100% and 400% FPL: Focus on plans available through Connect for Health Colorado. You'll qualify for premium tax credits. Consider Silver plans if your income is below 250% FPL, as they offer additional cost-sharing reductions.
If your income is above 400% FPL: While you won't qualify for subsidies, you can still purchase a plan through Connect for Health Colorado. Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans based on your expected medical expenses. Bronze plans offer the lowest premiums for catastrophic coverage, while Gold plans have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs.

A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, help you estimate subsidies, and enroll you in a plan at no additional cost. Their expertise ensures you understand your options and choose the best coverage for your unique situation as a self-employed professional in Aurora.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deduct health insurance premiums if I'm self-employed in Aurora?

Yes, if you are self-employed and not eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan, you can generally deduct the premiums you pay for health insurance. This is known as the self-employed health insurance deduction and is taken as an adjustment to income, reducing your adjusted gross income (AGI).

What if my income fluctuates throughout the year as a contractor or real estate agent?

If your income fluctuates, it's crucial to update your income estimate on Connect for Health Colorado as soon as possible. Changes in income can affect your eligibility for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. Updating your information helps prevent owing money back to the IRS or missing out on additional subsidies you qualify for.

Is short-term health insurance a good option for self-employed individuals in Aurora?

Short-term health insurance plans are generally not recommended as a primary coverage option. They do not cover essential health benefits, may exclude pre-existing conditions, and do not qualify for premium tax credits. While they offer lower premiums, they provide significantly less comprehensive coverage than ACA-compliant plans available through Connect for Health Colorado.