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

Select Health Health Insurance in Denver, Colorado

In 2026, Select Health is one of 6 carriers offering marketplace plans in Denver's Rating Area 1.
Denver residents can enroll in Select Health plans through Connect for Health Colorado, the state-based marketplace.
Colorado's Medicaid program, Health First Colorado, provides coverage for adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Denver County has a population of 718,877 and an uninsured rate of 9.0%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Navigating health insurance options in Denver, Colorado, can be straightforward when you understand your choices and how to access them. Select Health is one of the key providers in the Denver marketplace, offering a range of plans designed to meet various needs and budgets. As a resident of Denver, you can explore Select Health plans and potentially qualify for financial assistance by applying through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace. This article will guide you through understanding Select Health's presence in Denver, the types of plans available, how subsidies can lower your costs, and other essential local health insurance information for 2026.

Get Your Free Health Insurance Quote

A licensed agent can compare coverage options for you at no cost.

✓

You're all set!

A licensed agent will reach out shortly.

What to Know About Select Health Plans in Denver

Select Health is a health insurance carrier that offers coverage through Connect for Health Colorado, providing Denver residents with options for individual and family health plans. When considering Select Health, it is important to understand the different plan types available in Colorado's marketplace. These can include 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, giving marketplace shoppers in Denver a broader choice of network structures, including those offered by Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado, among others. Each plan type has different rules regarding network providers, referrals, and out-of-network coverage, so comparing these aspects is crucial for finding a plan that fits your healthcare preferences and budget.

Understanding Your Health Insurance Options in Denver, Colorado

Denver, as part of Colorado Rating Area 1, offers a robust marketplace for health insurance, allowing residents to choose from several carriers and plan types. All plans purchased through Connect for Health Colorado are Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant, meaning they cover essential health benefits, cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, and offer preventive care at no additional cost. The metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) help you compare plans based on how you and your plan share costs:

Bronze plans: Offer lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, covering approximately 60% of your medical expenses. They are best for those who expect minimal healthcare use or want catastrophic coverage.
Silver plans: Provide a balance of moderate premiums and out-of-pocket costs, covering around 70% of expenses. These are particularly valuable for individuals who qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions, which can significantly lower deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Gold plans: Feature higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, covering approximately 80% of expenses. These are suitable for those who anticipate needing more medical care.
Platinum plans: Have the highest monthly premiums but the lowest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, covering around 90% of expenses. These are ideal for individuals who expect frequent medical services and prefer predictable costs.

Denver County, with a population of 718,877 and a median age of 35.3 years, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, represents a diverse community with varied healthcare needs. The uninsured rate in Denver County is 9.0%, which is lower than the national average, indicating good access to coverage options for many residents.

Who Qualifies for Financial Assistance and Medicaid in Colorado?

Many Denver residents can receive financial assistance to make health insurance more affordable. Colorado operates a state-based marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, where you can apply for subsidies.

Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies)

These credits reduce your monthly premium. Eligibility is primarily based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In 2026, individuals and families earning between 100% and 400% FPL may qualify for significant premium tax credits. Due to recent legislative changes, even those above 400% FPL might qualify if their benchmark plan premium exceeds 8.5% of their household income.

Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)

If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL, you may also qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions. These subsidies lower your out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, making Silver plans particularly valuable as they are the only plans eligible for CSRs. An Enhanced Silver plan can offer benefits comparable to a Gold or even Platinum plan at a lower premium.

Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and CHP+

Colorado expanded its Medicaid program, known as Health First Colorado, in 2014. This means adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can qualify for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. For a single individual, this threshold is approximately $20,783 annually in 2024 (this figure adjusts annually). For families, the income thresholds are higher. Colorado also offers the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), which covers children in households up to 260% FPL and pregnant women up to 195% FPL. Pregnant women at or below 138% FPL qualify for full Health First Colorado first. CHP+ provides comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Residents can apply for Health First Colorado and CHP+ through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK).

Health Insurance Carriers in Denver

For the 2026 plan year, residents of Denver have a range of choices on Connect for Health Colorado. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which covers Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. This multi-county rating area ensures a competitive market with multiple options for consumers. The confirmed carriers offering marketplace plans in Denver's Rating Area 1 include:

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

When choosing a plan, it is important to consider not only the premium and out-of-pocket costs but also the network of doctors and hospitals. Each carrier partners with different healthcare providers, so verifying that your preferred physicians and medical facilities are in-network is a critical step.

Major Hospitals and Healthcare Systems in Denver County

Denver County is home to several prominent hospitals and healthcare systems that serve its population. These facilities provide a wide array of medical services, from emergency care to specialized treatments. When choosing a health insurance plan, particularly from a carrier like Select Health, it is important to confirm that the hospitals and doctors you prefer are part of the plan's network. Major hospitals located within Denver County include:

Denver Health & Hospital Authority
HCA Healthone Presbyterian St Luke's
Saint Joseph Hospital
HCA Healthone Rose
Adventhealth Porter
National Jewish Health

Denver Health & Hospital Authority is one of the key acute care facilities in the city, providing essential services to the community. With a poverty rate of 11.2% in Denver County, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, access to comprehensive hospital services is crucial for all residents, particularly those who may be experiencing financial hardship. These hospitals, along with other healthcare providers, form the backbone of Denver's medical infrastructure.

Making the Right Choice: Next Steps for Denver Residents

Choosing the right health insurance plan, whether from Select Health or another carrier, involves understanding your needs, budget, and eligibility for financial assistance. Here's a quick guide to help you decide:

Your Situation	Recommended Action
Household income below 138% FPL (e.g., ~$20,783 for an individual in 2024)	Apply for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) through Colorado PEAK.
Household income between 100% and 250% FPL	Explore Silver plans on Connect for Health Colorado to maximize Cost-Sharing Reductions and Premium Tax Credits.
Household income between 250% and 400% FPL	Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans on Connect for Health Colorado, focusing on Premium Tax Credits to lower monthly costs.
Household income above 400% FPL, but benchmark plan costs over 8.5% of income	You may still qualify for Premium Tax Credits on Connect for Health Colorado.
You do not qualify for subsidies but want ACA-compliant coverage	Enroll directly through Connect for Health Colorado or off-exchange with a carrier.

A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, helping you compare plans from Select Health and other carriers, understand network options, and navigate the enrollment process for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of health plans does Select Health offer in Denver?

In Denver, Select Health offers plans through Connect for Health Colorado, which may include HMO, EPO, and PPO options. The specific plan types available from Select Health can vary by year and rating area, so it is important to verify current offerings for your ZIP code on the marketplace.

Can I get a subsidy for Select Health plans in Denver?

Yes, if you meet income eligibility requirements, you can receive subsidies (Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions) to lower the cost of Select Health plans purchased through Connect for Health Colorado. Individuals and families earning between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level often qualify for significant assistance, with even higher income thresholds for those who would otherwise pay more than 8.5% of their income for a benchmark plan.

How many health insurance carriers are available in Denver's marketplace?

For the 2026 plan year, there are 6 health insurance carriers offering marketplace plans in Denver's Rating Area 1. These include Select Health, Cigna, Denver Health Medical Plan, HMO Colorado, Kaiser Permanente, Select Health, and United Healthcare. This allows Denver residents a variety of choices when selecting a plan.

What is Health First Colorado and how do I qualify?

Health First Colorado is the name for Colorado's Medicaid program. Colorado expanded Medicaid in 2014, meaning adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for comprehensive, low-cost health coverage. Pregnant women can qualify for Health First Colorado or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) up to 195% FPL, and children up to 260% FPL through CHP+. You can apply through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK).