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

Select Health Insurance Plans in Denver County, Colorado

For residents of Denver County, Colorado, securing reliable health insurance is a priority, and Select Health is one of the key providers available through the state's marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado. This article details the options you have for health coverage from Select Health and other carriers in Denver County, how to leverage financial assistance, and what to consider when choosing a plan for 2026. Understanding your choices, from different plan types like PPOs and HMOs to income-based subsidies, is essential for making an informed decision that meets your healthcare needs and budget.

What Health Insurance Options Are Available in Denver County?

In Denver County, residents can access a variety of health insurance plans through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace. As part of Colorado Rating Area 1, which covers Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties, you have a selection of plans from multiple carriers. Colorado's marketplace is robust, offering Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. This means you have flexibility in choosing a plan structure that aligns with your preference for network access and referral requirements.

The marketplace categorizes plans into "metal tiers" (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) based on how you and your plan share costs. Bronze plans typically have lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, making them suitable for those who anticipate needing less medical care. Silver plans offer a balance, and are the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) for those who qualify based on income. Gold and Platinum plans have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs, ideal for individuals who expect frequent medical needs.

Understanding Financial Assistance for Plans in Denver County

Many Denver County residents qualify for financial assistance to make health insurance more affordable. Connect for Health Colorado offers two primary forms of subsidies:

• Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs): These credits reduce your monthly premium payment. Eligibility is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In 2026, individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% FPL are eligible, and due to recent enhancements, those above 400% FPL may also qualify for subsidies if their premium costs exceed a certain percentage of their income.
• Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): These are additional savings that lower your out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. CSRs are only available if you enroll in a Silver-tier plan and have a household income up to 250% FPL.

For example, a single individual in Denver County earning $35,000 per year (approximately 250% FPL) would likely qualify for significant APTCs and CSRs, making a Silver plan a highly cost-effective choice. It is crucial to accurately report your income and household size when applying through Connect for Health Colorado to ensure you receive all eligible financial assistance.

Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) in Colorado

Colorado expanded its Medicaid program, known as Health First Colorado, in 2014. This means that 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 translates to approximately $20,782 per year in 2026. Health First Colorado provides extensive benefits, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and more.

Additionally, Colorado offers the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program, which covers pregnant women with household incomes up to 195% FPL, providing comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Women at or below 138% FPL will first qualify for Health First Colorado. CHP+ also extends to children in households with incomes up to 260% FPL. Applications for both Health First Colorado and CHP+ can be submitted through Colorado PEAK at colorado.gov/PEAK.

Health Insurance Carriers in Denver County

Denver County, with a population of 718,877 and an uninsured rate of 9.0% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is a significant part of Colorado Rating Area 1. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, providing a competitive landscape for residents seeking coverage. These carriers include:

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

When comparing plans, consider each carrier's network of doctors and hospitals. Denver County has a robust healthcare infrastructure, with 6 acute care hospitals including Denver Health & Hospital Authority, HCA Healthone Presbyterian St Luke's, Saint Joseph Hospital, HCA Healthone Rose, Adventhealth Porter, and National Jewish Health. Verifying that your preferred doctors and any necessary specialists are in-network with your chosen plan is a critical step.

Choosing the Right Select Health Plan in Denver County

Selecting the best health insurance plan involves balancing your budget with your expected healthcare needs. Here are key steps to consider when evaluating Select Health plans or any other carrier's offerings in Denver County:

1. Assess Your Healthcare Needs: If you visit the doctor frequently, manage a chronic condition, or anticipate high medical costs, a Gold or Platinum plan with lower out-of-pocket costs might be more suitable, despite higher premiums. If you are generally healthy and prefer lower monthly payments, a Bronze or Silver plan could be a better fit.
2. Check Provider Networks: Confirm that your current doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals (such as Saint Joseph Hospital or Denver Health & Hospital Authority) are included in the plan's network. HMO plans typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) and get referrals for specialists, while PPO plans offer more flexibility but may have higher costs for out-of-network care.
3. Understand Costs: Look beyond just the premium. Compare deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and the annual out-of-pocket maximum. These figures will determine your total cost if you need significant medical care.
4. Leverage Subsidies: If you qualify for APTCs or CSRs, ensure these are applied to your chosen plan. Silver plans are particularly advantageous for those eligible for CSRs, as they provide enhanced benefits not available with other metal tiers.
5. Consider a Licensed Agent: Navigating health insurance options can be complex. A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, compare plans from all available carriers, and help you enroll in a plan that best fits your situation, all at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Your Free Quote