HMO Colorado Health Insurance Plans in El Paso County, Colorado

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

In 2026, six carriers, including HMO Colorado, offer marketplace plans in El Paso County, part of Colorado Rating Area 5.
El Paso County's population is 742,999, with a median income of $90,363 and an uninsured rate of 7.2%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.
Colorado expanded Medicaid (Health First Colorado) in 2014, making adults up to 138% FPL eligible for coverage.
Marketplace plans in Colorado include HMO, EPO, and PPO options, with subsidies available through Connect for Health Colorado for eligible residents.

Navigating health insurance options in El Paso County, Colorado, involves understanding the specific plans available through carriers like HMO Colorado and how they fit into the broader Colorado marketplace. For 2026, residents of El Paso County have access to a variety of plans, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) structures, all offered through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance exchange. HMO Colorado specializes in HMO plans, which typically emphasize coordinated care through a primary care provider (PCP) and require referrals for specialist visits. These plans can be a cost-effective choice for individuals and families seeking comprehensive coverage within a defined network.

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Understanding HMO Colorado Plans in El Paso County

HMO Colorado offers Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans designed to provide integrated care. With an HMO plan, you generally choose a primary care physician (PCP) from the carrier's network who then coordinates most of your healthcare services. Referrals from your PCP are typically required to see specialists, ensuring your care is managed efficiently. While HMO plans generally have lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs compared to other plan types, they usually limit coverage to providers within their network, except in emergencies. This structure can be beneficial for those who prefer a single point of contact for their medical needs and are comfortable working within a defined network of doctors and hospitals.

What Health Insurance Options Are Available in El Paso County?

Residents of El Paso County, Colorado, have several health insurance options available through Connect for Health Colorado for the 2026 plan year. These options include:

Marketplace Plans (ACA Plans): These plans are offered by private insurance companies and are available through Connect for Health Colorado. They are categorized into metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) based on how costs are split between you and the plan. Marketplace plans are the only way to receive federal subsidies, such as premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, which can significantly lower your expenses.
Medicaid (Health First Colorado): Colorado expanded its Medicaid program in 2014. Individuals and families in El Paso County with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Health First Colorado, which provides comprehensive coverage at very low or no cost.
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+): This program offers low-cost health and dental insurance for Colorado's children and pregnant women. Children in households up to 260% FPL and pregnant women up to 195% FPL may be eligible for CHP+.
Off-Exchange Plans: These are plans purchased directly from an insurance carrier or through a broker outside of Connect for Health Colorado. While they offer the same essential health benefits as marketplace plans, they do not qualify for federal subsidies.

In El Paso County, which is part of Colorado Rating Area 5, the marketplace offers a choice of HMO, EPO, and PPO plan types. This provides flexibility for residents to choose a plan structure that best fits their healthcare needs and preferences, whether they prioritize lower premiums, broader network access, or coordinated care.

Connect for Health Colorado and Subsidies in El Paso County

Connect for Health Colorado is the official state-based marketplace where El Paso County residents can enroll in health insurance plans and access financial assistance. For 2026, significant subsidies remain available to make coverage more affordable.

Premium Tax Credits (PTC): If your household income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for premium tax credits. These credits can be used to lower your monthly premium payments, making health insurance more accessible.

Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): Available exclusively for those who select Silver-tier plans and have incomes up to 250% FPL, CSRs reduce your out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. This means you pay less when you receive care, offering significant savings beyond just the monthly premium.

To determine your eligibility and the amount of assistance you could receive, it is essential to apply through Connect for Health Colorado. Even if you think your income might be too high, it's worth checking, as income thresholds and subsidy amounts can change annually.

Health Insurance Carriers in El Paso County

In 2026, six carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 5, which covers El Paso and Teller counties. Residents of El Paso County can choose from a range of plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO options, from these confirmed local carriers:

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

When selecting a plan, it is crucial to verify that your preferred doctors, specialists, and medical facilities are included in the network of the plan you choose. While HMO Colorado provides robust HMO options, comparing their offerings with other carriers can help ensure you find the best fit for your specific healthcare needs.

Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities in El Paso County

El Paso County, with a population of 742,999 and an uninsured rate of 7.2% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is home to a robust healthcare infrastructure. The county's median income is $90,363, and its poverty rate stands at 8.5%. Residents have access to several acute care facilities and specialized hospitals. These include Uch-memorial Health System in Colorado Springs, Centura Health-penrose St Francis Health Services in Colorado Springs, Evans Ach (Fort Carson) in Fort Carson, Uchealth Grandview Hospital in Colorado Springs, St Francis Hospital - Interquest in Colorado Springs, and Children's Hospital Colorado - Colorado Springs in Colorado Springs. When choosing a health plan, especially an HMO plan from HMO Colorado, confirming that these key local facilities and your preferred providers are within the plan's network is an important step to ensure convenient access to care.

Making Your Health Plan Decision in El Paso County

Choosing the right health insurance plan in El Paso County depends on your individual health needs, financial situation, and preferences for accessing care.

Income Level (as % FPL)	Recommended Action	Key Benefit
Below 138% FPL	Apply for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) through Colorado PEAK.	Comprehensive coverage with little to no cost.
138% - 250% FPL	Enroll in a Silver plan through Connect for Health Colorado and apply for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions.	Significant savings on both monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
250% - 400% FPL	Enroll in any metal-tier plan (Bronze, Silver, Gold) through Connect for Health Colorado and apply for premium tax credits.	Reduced monthly premiums, allowing flexibility to choose a plan that balances cost and coverage.
Above 400% FPL	Shop for plans on Connect for Health Colorado or directly with carriers like HMO Colorado. While not eligible for subsidies, you benefit from ACA consumer protections.	Access to a wide range of plans; may consider PPO options for broader network flexibility.

A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, helping you compare plans from HMO Colorado and other carriers, understand your subsidy eligibility, and enroll in the best option for your family—all at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In El Paso County, HMO Colorado offers Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans through Connect for Health Colorado. HMO plans typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within their network and get referrals for specialist visits.

Can I get a subsidy for an HMO Colorado plan in El Paso County?

Yes, if your household income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for premium tax credits to lower your monthly costs. Additional cost-sharing reductions are available for incomes up to 250% FPL, further reducing out-of-pocket expenses for deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. You must purchase your plan through Connect for Health Colorado to receive these subsidies.

Is Medicaid available in El Paso County?

Yes, Colorado expanded Medicaid in 2014. Adults in El Paso County with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Health First Colorado, the state's Medicaid program, which provides comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. Pregnant women may qualify up to 195% FPL via Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), and children up to 260% FPL.

How many health insurance carriers offer plans in El Paso County for 2026?

For the 2026 plan year, six health insurance carriers offer marketplace plans in El Paso County, which is part of Colorado Rating Area 5. These carriers include Cigna, Denver Health Medical Plan, HMO Colorado, Kaiser Permanente, Select Health, and United Healthcare.