Select Health Insurance Plans in Boulder County, Colorado

In 2026, six carriers, including Select Health, offer health insurance plans on Connect for Health Colorado in Boulder County (Rating Area 2).
Boulder County, with a population of 328,961, has an uninsured rate of 4.4%, below the national average.
Coloradans with household incomes up to 400% FPL may qualify for significant subsidies (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) on marketplace plans.
Medicaid, known as Health First Colorado, covers adults up to 138% FPL, and pregnant women up to 195% FPL through CHP+.

Navigating health insurance options in Boulder County, Colorado, involves understanding your choices through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official marketplace. Select Health is one of the key carriers providing plans in this area, offering various options designed to meet diverse needs. Whether you are seeking individual coverage, family plans, or exploring options after a life change, it's essential to compare plans based on premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and network access. Eligibility for financial assistance, such as premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, can significantly reduce your costs, making coverage more affordable.

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What Health Insurance Plans Does Select Health Offer in Boulder County?

Select Health offers a range of health insurance plans through Connect for Health Colorado for residents of Boulder County. These plans typically come in different metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each designed with a different balance of monthly premium costs versus out-of-pocket expenses when you use care. Bronze plans generally have lower premiums but higher deductibles, while Gold and Platinum plans have higher premiums but lower costs when you receive medical services. In Colorado, marketplace shoppers can choose from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. PPO plans are available on-exchange, offering more flexibility in choosing providers, often without requiring a primary care physician referral to see specialists. Select Health's specific offerings may include one or more of these structures. When selecting a plan, it's crucial to review the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) to understand the full details of what is covered, cost-sharing requirements, and the provider network.

Understanding Subsidies and Affordability in Colorado

Many Boulder County residents qualify for financial assistance, known as subsidies, which can significantly reduce the cost of health insurance. These subsidies are available through Connect for Health Colorado based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Household Income (as % FPL)	Potential Financial Assistance
Below 138% FPL	May qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) for children and pregnant women.
100% - 400% FPL	Eligible for premium tax credits to lower monthly premiums.
150% - 250% FPL	Eligible for significant premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) on Silver plans, reducing deductibles and copays.
Above 400% FPL	May still find affordable plans, though not typically eligible for subsidies.

For example, a single adult in Boulder County earning up to 138% FPL ($20,782 in 2024) would likely qualify for Health First Colorado. An individual earning 250% FPL ($37,650 in 2024) would be eligible for both premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions on a Silver plan, making comprehensive coverage highly affordable. The availability and amount of these subsidies are determined during the application process on Connect for Health Colorado.

Health Insurance Carriers in Boulder County

Boulder County, part of Colorado Rating Area 2, is served by a robust marketplace. In 2026, six carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 2, providing residents with ample choice. These carriers include:

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

Each of these carriers offers a variety of plans across different metal tiers and plan types (HMO, EPO, PPO), allowing you to compare options based on your specific healthcare needs and budget. Boulder County's 328,961 residents benefit from access to these multiple providers, fostering a competitive market. Boulder County, home to major acute care facilities like Longmont United Hospital, Boulder Community Health, and Adventhealth Avista, serves a population with a median income of $103,994 and a low uninsured rate of 4.4%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This concentration of local healthcare infrastructure and relatively high income levels contributes to a stable and accessible health insurance market in Rating Area 2.

Medicaid and CHIP Options in Colorado

Colorado has expanded its Medicaid program, known as Health First Colorado, providing comprehensive health coverage for eligible individuals and families. Adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can qualify for Health First Colorado. This program offers extensive benefits at little to no cost, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and mental health services. For pregnant women, Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) covers those with incomes up to 195% FPL, providing comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Children in households up to 260% FPL can also qualify for CHP+. Applications for Health First Colorado and CHP+ can be submitted through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK). This ensures that vulnerable populations in Boulder County have access to essential healthcare services.

Choosing the Right Select Health Plan in Boulder County

When choosing a Select Health plan, or any plan, in Boulder County, consider the following:

Your Healthcare Needs: If you anticipate frequent doctor visits or have chronic conditions, a Gold or Platinum plan with lower out-of-pocket costs after the deductible might be more suitable, even with a higher premium.
Budget: Balance your monthly premium with potential out-of-pocket costs. If you qualify for cost-sharing reductions, a Silver plan can offer excellent value.
Provider Network: Verify that your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals, such as Longs Peak Hospital or Good Samaritan Medical Center LLC, are in-network for the specific Select Health plan you are considering.
Prescription Drugs: Check the plan's formulary to ensure your necessary medications are covered and understand their cost tier.

A licensed health insurance producer can help you compare Select Health plans with those from other carriers in Boulder County, ensuring you find the best fit for your needs and budget. Their assistance is typically free, and they can provide personalized guidance through the enrollment process on Connect for Health Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Select Health plan with a subsidy in Boulder County?

Yes, if your household income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for subsidies (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) to lower your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs on plans purchased through Connect for Health Colorado. Select Health is one of six carriers offering plans in Boulder County's Rating Area 2.

What types of plans does Select Health offer in Boulder County?

In Boulder County, Select Health offers marketplace plans that may include HMO, EPO, or PPO structures. Colorado's marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, provides a range of plan types, including PPOs, giving consumers flexibility in choosing their provider networks.

What hospitals in Boulder County accept Select Health plans?

Select Health plans typically contract with a network of local providers and hospitals. Major acute care facilities in Boulder County include Longmont United Hospital, Boulder Community Health, Adventhealth Avista, Good Samaritan Medical Center LLC, and Longs Peak Hospital. It is crucial to verify that specific providers and facilities are in-network for your chosen Select Health plan before receiving care.

Is Medicaid available for Boulder County residents?

Yes, Colorado expanded Medicaid (Health First Colorado) in 2014. Adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for comprehensive, low-cost health coverage. Pregnant women and children can also qualify through Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) at higher income thresholds.

When can I enroll in a Select Health plan in Boulder County?

The primary enrollment period is during Open Enrollment, typically from November 1 to January 15 each year. Outside of this window, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to Boulder County.