Select Health Insurance Plans in Custer County, Colorado
- Select Health is one of 6 carriers offering health insurance plans on Connect for Health Colorado in Custer County for 2026.
- Colorado residents with household incomes between 100% and 400% FPL (e.g., $15,060 to $60,240 for a single person in 2024) may qualify for significant premium subsidies.
- Adults in Colorado with incomes up to 138% FPL (approximately $20,782 for a single person in 2026) are eligible for Health First Colorado (Medicaid).
- Custer County has a population of 5,247 and an uninsured rate of 5.0%, significantly lower than the national average.
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What Health Insurance Plans Are Available in Custer County?
In Custer County, residents have access to a variety of health insurance plans through Connect for Health Colorado, the state-based marketplace. For the 2026 plan year, you can choose from 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 more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers both within and outside a specific network, often at a higher cost. HMO and EPO plans typically require you to stay within a defined network of doctors and hospitals, which can lead to lower monthly premiums. All plans offered on Connect for Health Colorado cover essential health benefits, including doctor visits, prescription drugs, emergency services, maternity care, and mental health services. These plans are categorized into metal tiers—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—to help you compare coverage levels and costs:- Bronze plans: Offer the lowest monthly premiums but have the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. They are best suited for individuals who expect minimal healthcare use or want catastrophic coverage.
- Silver plans: Provide a balance of moderate premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Critically, Silver plans are the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), which can significantly lower your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums if your income qualifies.
- Gold plans: Feature higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, making them suitable for those who anticipate more frequent healthcare needs.
- Platinum plans: Have the highest premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs, covering a large portion of your medical expenses from the start.
Understanding Financial Assistance and Eligibility in Custer County
Many residents of Custer County qualify for financial assistance to make health insurance more affordable. Connect for Health Colorado offers two main types of subsidies: Premium Tax Credits (PTCs) and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs).Premium Tax Credits (PTCs)
PTCs lower your monthly premium payments. Eligibility is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In Colorado, individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% FPL may qualify for PTCs. For example, a single individual with an income between approximately $15,060 and $60,240 (based on 2024 FPL data for 2025 plans, subject to 2026 updates) could receive a tax credit. The exact amount of your subsidy depends on your income, household size, and the cost of the benchmark Silver plan in your area.Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)
CSRs reduce the amount you pay when you use healthcare services, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. To qualify for CSRs, your household income must be between 100% and 250% FPL, and you must enroll in a Silver-tier plan. These reductions can significantly lower your out-of-pocket expenses, making Silver plans a particularly strong value for eligible individuals.Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and CHP+
Colorado expanded its Medicaid program in 2014, known as Health First Colorado. This program provides comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost for eligible individuals and families. Adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $20,782 for a single person in 2026) may qualify. Additionally, Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) covers pregnant women with income up to 195% FPL for comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Children in households up to 260% FPL can also qualify for CHP+. Applications for both Health First Colorado and CHP+ can be submitted through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK).Health Insurance Carriers in Custer County
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 9, which covers Alamosa, Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Cheyenne, Clear Creek, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, Elbert, Fremont, Gilpin, Huerfano, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Lake, Las Animas, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Otero, Park, Phillips, Prowers, Pueblo, Sedgwick, Washington, Yuma counties. Residents of Custer County have several choices for their health insurance needs:- Cigna
- Denver Health Medical Plan
- HMO Colorado
- Kaiser Permanente
- Select Health
- United Healthcare
How to Choose the Right Plan in Custer County
Selecting the ideal health insurance plan involves evaluating your healthcare needs, financial situation, and preferred providers. Here’s a step-by-step approach:| Factor | Consideration | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Healthcare Use | Do you visit the doctor frequently, or do you mostly need catastrophic coverage for emergencies? | High Use: Gold or Platinum plans (higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket). Low Use: Bronze plans (lower premiums, higher out-of-pocket). |
| Budget | How much can you afford for monthly premiums versus potential out-of-pocket costs? | Utilize premium tax credits for all tiers. If income is 100-250% FPL, a Silver plan with Cost-Sharing Reductions offers the best value. |
| Preferred Providers | Do you have specific doctors or hospitals you want to continue seeing? | PPO plans offer the most flexibility. HMO/EPO plans require you to stay within their network. Verify your providers are in-network for any plan you consider. |
| Prescription Needs | Do you take regular medications? | Check the plan's formulary (list of covered drugs) and tier structure to estimate your prescription costs. |
| Emergency Care Access | Given Custer County's lack of acute care hospitals, consider network access to facilities in neighboring counties. | Ensure your chosen plan's network includes hospitals in nearby areas like Fremont County or Pueblo County. |
Get Your Free Quote
Understanding your health insurance options in Custer County can be complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, help you compare plans from carriers like Select Health, Cigna, and Kaiser Permanente, and determine your eligibility for financial assistance through Connect for Health Colorado. This service is provided at no cost to you.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Select Health plan with a subsidy in Custer County?
Yes, Select Health is one of six carriers offering plans on Connect for Health Colorado in Rating Area 9, which includes Custer County. If your household income is between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for premium tax credits to lower your monthly costs.
What types of health insurance plans are available in Custer County, Colorado?
Residents of Custer County can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO health insurance plans on Connect for Health Colorado. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Colorado, offering greater flexibility in provider choice compared to HMOs and EPOs.
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Colorado?
In Colorado, adults with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid), which provides comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. For a single individual in 2026, this is approximately $20,782 per year.
Are there any hospitals in Custer County?
Custer County does not have any acute care hospitals within its boundaries. Residents needing hospital services typically travel to neighboring counties, such as Fremont County or Pueblo County, for medical care. When choosing a plan, consider the network's coverage for facilities in these adjacent areas.