Select Health Health Insurance Plans in El Paso County, Colorado
- Select Health is one of 6 carriers offering marketplace health insurance plans in El Paso County for 2026.
- El Paso County is part of Colorado Rating Area 5, which also includes Teller County.
- Colorado's marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, offers HMO, EPO, and PPO plans, with subsidies available based on income.
- Medicaid (Health First Colorado) covers adults up to 138% FPL, pregnant women up to 195% FPL, and children up to 260% FPL.
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What Health Insurance Options Does Select Health Offer in El Paso County?
Select Health provides health insurance plans through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace. As part of Colorado Rating Area 5, which covers both El Paso and Teller counties, Select Health's offerings are designed to meet the diverse needs of the local population. When shopping for coverage, you'll find plans categorized by metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each with different cost-sharing structures. Bronze plans typically have lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, while Gold and Platinum plans offer more comprehensive coverage with higher premiums. Select Health's plans in El Paso County are subject to the same consumer protections and benefits requirements as all Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, including coverage for essential health benefits like preventative care, prescription drugs, and mental health services.Understanding Metal Tiers and Subsidies
The metal tiers help you compare plans based on how you and your insurance company share costs:- Bronze Plans: You pay about 40% of healthcare costs, and the plan pays 60%. Best for those who want low monthly premiums and can cover higher out-of-pocket costs if they need care.
- Silver Plans: You pay about 30% of healthcare costs, and the plan pays 70%. These are the only plans eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), which can significantly lower deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums for eligible individuals.
- Gold Plans: You pay about 20% of healthcare costs, and the plan pays 80%. Ideal for those who use healthcare services frequently and prefer higher premiums for lower costs when they receive care.
- Platinum Plans: You pay about 10% of healthcare costs, and the plan pays 90%. Offer the highest level of coverage with the lowest out-of-pocket costs, but come with the highest monthly premiums.
Health Insurance Carriers in El Paso County
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 5, which covers El Paso and Teller counties. These carriers provide a range of options, including HMO, EPO, and PPO plan structures, allowing residents to choose the network type and benefit level that best suits their needs. The confirmed carriers for El Paso County residents are:- Cigna
- Denver Health Medical Plan
- HMO Colorado
- Kaiser Permanente
- Select Health
- United Healthcare
Local Healthcare Landscape in El Paso County
El Paso County, with a population of 742,999 and a median income of $90,363, is a significant healthcare hub in Colorado. The county's uninsured rate stands at 7.2%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This rate is relatively low, reflecting the availability of various insurance options, including marketplace plans and Medicaid. Residents have access to a robust network of hospitals, ensuring comprehensive care for a wide range of medical needs. Major facilities include Uch-memorial Health System, Centura Health-penrose St Francis Health Services, Uchealth Grandview Hospital, St Francis Hospital - Interquest, Children's Hospital Colorado - Colorado Springs, and Evans Ach (Fort Carson). These institutions offer acute care, specialized services, and pediatric care, supporting the health of the community.Medicaid (Health First Colorado) and CHIP in El Paso County
Colorado has expanded its Medicaid program, known as Health First Colorado, in 2014. This means that adults in El Paso County with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. Unlike states that have not expanded Medicaid, Colorado residents do not face a "coverage gap" between Medicaid eligibility and marketplace subsidy eligibility. Additionally, Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) provides coverage for specific populations:- Pregnant Women: Women with incomes up to 195% FPL can receive comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care through CHP+. Those at or below 138% FPL would first qualify for Health First Colorado.
- Children: Children in households with incomes up to 260% FPL can qualify for CHP+.
Making the Right Choice for Health Insurance in El Paso County
Choosing the right health insurance plan, whether from Select Health or another carrier, involves evaluating your specific healthcare needs, financial situation, and preferred doctors. Here's a general guide for El Paso County residents:- If your income is below 138% FPL: You likely qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid), offering comprehensive coverage at low or no cost.
- If your income is between 138% and 250% FPL: You are likely eligible for significant Advanced Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions on Silver plans through Connect for Health Colorado, which can greatly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
- If your income is above 250% FPL: You are still eligible for Advanced Premium Tax Credits if your premiums exceed a certain percentage of your income, making marketplace plans more affordable. Compare Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans to find the best balance of premium and out-of-pocket costs.
- Consider your healthcare usage: If you anticipate frequent doctor visits or have chronic conditions, a Gold or Platinum plan with higher premiums but lower deductibles might save you money in the long run. If you are generally healthy and want to minimize monthly costs, a Bronze or Silver plan might be suitable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Select Health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado?
Yes, Select Health is one of 6 carriers offering plans on Connect for Health Colorado for residents of El Paso County and Teller County in 2026. You can compare their plans with others during Open Enrollment or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
What types of plans does Select Health offer in El Paso County?
Select Health, like other carriers on Connect for Health Colorado, typically offers a range of plan types including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Specific offerings can vary by plan year and metal tier.
What is the uninsured rate in El Paso County?
According to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, El Paso County has an uninsured rate of 7.2%. This is lower than the statewide average, reflecting broader access to coverage options like those offered by Select Health and other carriers on Connect for Health Colorado.
How does Medicaid (Health First Colorado) work in El Paso County?
Colorado expanded Medicaid, known as Health First Colorado, in 2014. Adults in El Paso County with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level can qualify for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. Pregnant women may qualify for CHP+ up to 195% FPL, and children up to 260% FPL, through Colorado PEAK.