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

HMO Colorado Health Insurance Plans in Denver County, CO

HMO Colorado offers health insurance plans in Denver County through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official marketplace.
In 2026, six carriers, including HMO Colorado, provide marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which covers Denver County and five other counties.
Colorado's marketplace offers a variety of plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO options, ensuring diverse choices for Denver County residents.
Residents with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid), avoiding a coverage gap.
Denver County has a population of 718,877 and an uninsured rate of 9.0%, according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Navigating health insurance options in Denver County, Colorado, can feel complex, but understanding your choices, especially with a prominent carrier like HMO Colorado, is straightforward. HMO Colorado offers a range of health plans on Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace. These plans are designed to provide comprehensive coverage with varying levels of cost-sharing and network structures, making them accessible to a wide array of residents. Whether you are seeking individual coverage, family plans, or exploring options with financial assistance, the marketplace provides a structured way to compare and enroll in plans that fit your needs and budget.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available in Denver County?

Denver County residents have several avenues for obtaining health insurance, primarily through Connect for Health Colorado, the state-based marketplace. This platform allows individuals and families to compare plans, determine eligibility for subsidies, and enroll in coverage. In Colorado, the marketplace offers a variety of plan types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Unlike some states, PPO plans are readily available on-exchange in Colorado, offered by carriers such as Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado, providing greater flexibility for those who prefer them. Beyond the marketplace, options include employer-sponsored plans, Medicare for those 65 and older or with certain disabilities, and Health First Colorado (Medicaid) for eligible low-income individuals and families. Colorado expanded its Medicaid program in 2014, meaning adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level can qualify for coverage, ensuring no coverage gap for those just above the federal poverty line.

Understanding HMO Colorado Plans

HMO Colorado is a key participant in the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace, offering Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans to residents of Denver County and the broader Rating Area 1. HMO plans are characterized by their focus on coordinated care, typically requiring members to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network. This PCP then acts as a gatekeeper, providing referrals for specialist visits or other medical services. This structure often leads to lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs compared to other plan types, making HMOs an attractive option for those who value predictable costs and a structured approach to healthcare. While HMO plans generally require members to stay within a specific network of doctors and hospitals, HMO Colorado's offerings are designed to provide robust coverage for essential health benefits, including preventive care, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and mental health services. It is always important to review the specific plan details, including network providers and referral requirements, to ensure it aligns with your healthcare needs.

Financial Assistance and Medicaid Eligibility in Colorado

Many Denver County residents may qualify for financial assistance to help reduce the cost of health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses through Connect for Health Colorado. These subsidies, known as Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), are available to individuals and families based on their household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For those with lower incomes, Colorado's expanded Medicaid program, known as Health First Colorado, offers comprehensive coverage at little to no cost. Adults with household incomes up to 138% of the FPL are eligible. For instance, a single individual earning up to approximately $20,782 per year (based on 2024 FPL guidelines) would qualify. Pregnant women may qualify for Health First Colorado or the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program with incomes up to 195% FPL, and children up to 260% FPL through CHP+. Applications for these programs can be submitted through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK). The availability of these subsidies and Medicaid expansion means that most Denver County residents can find affordable health coverage options, preventing the "coverage gap" seen in non-expansion states.

Health Insurance Carriers in Denver County

Denver County is part of Colorado Rating Area 1, which covers Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson counties. For the 2026 plan year, six carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1. These confirmed local carriers provide a competitive landscape, allowing residents to choose from a variety of plans and networks. The carriers available in Denver County through Connect for Health Colorado include:

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

When selecting a plan, it is important to consider not only the premium but also the plan type (HMO, EPO, PPO), the deductible, out-of-pocket maximums, and whether your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network. For example, Denver County is home to six acute care hospitals, including Denver Health & Hospital Authority, HCA Healthone Presbyterian St Luke's, and Saint Joseph Hospital, which are vital for the county's population of 718,877. These facilities serve a diverse population with a median age of 35.3 years and a median income of $94,718, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. The county's uninsured rate stands at 9.0%.

Choosing the Right Plan: Next Steps for Denver County Residents

Selecting the ideal health insurance plan involves evaluating your healthcare needs, financial situation, and preferred provider access. Here’s a guide to help Denver County residents make an informed decision:

Assess Your Income: Determine if you qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or marketplace subsidies. If your income is below 138% FPL, explore Health First Colorado. If between 100% and 400% FPL, you likely qualify for significant premium tax credits.
Consider Plan Types: Decide whether an HMO, EPO, or PPO best fits your needs. HMOs like those from HMO Colorado often have lower premiums but require a PCP and referrals. PPOs offer more flexibility but usually come with higher costs.
Check Networks: Verify that your preferred doctors, specialists, and local hospitals, such as HCA Healthone Rose or Adventhealth Porter, are included in the plan's network.
Evaluate Out-of-Pocket Costs: Look beyond just the premium. Consider deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and the out-of-pocket maximum, as these determine your costs when you use medical services.
Utilize Connect for Health Colorado: This is the official platform to compare plans, apply for financial assistance, and enroll.

A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, helping you compare plans, understand subsidy eligibility, and enroll in a plan that meets your unique needs, all at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of health plans does HMO Colorado offer in Denver County?

HMO Colorado primarily offers Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, which typically coordinate care through a primary care provider and require referrals for specialists. These plans are available on Connect for Health Colorado, the state marketplace, for residents of Denver County.

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

Yes, unlike some other states, PPO plans are available on-exchange through Connect for Health Colorado in Denver County. In 2026, carriers like Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado, among others, offer PPO options alongside HMO and EPO plans, giving marketplace shoppers more flexibility.

What are the income limits for Medicaid (Health First Colorado) in Denver County?

In Colorado, adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Health First Colorado, the state's Medicaid program. For a single individual, this threshold is approximately $20,782 per year in 2024. Eligibility can be checked and applications submitted through Colorado PEAK.

How many health insurance carriers offer plans in Denver County's marketplace?

For the 2026 plan year, six carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which includes Denver County. These include Cigna, Denver Health Medical Plan, HMO Colorado, Kaiser Permanente, Select Health, and United Healthcare.