Select Health Health Insurance in Huerfano County, Colorado

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

Select Health is one of six carriers offering marketplace plans in Huerfano County's Rating Area 9 for 2026.
Colorado's health insurance marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, offers HMO, EPO, and PPO plans to residents.
Adults in Huerfano County with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid).
Huerfano County has a population of 6,972 and an uninsured rate of 3.6%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Navigating health insurance options in Huerfano County, Colorado, can feel overwhelming, but residents have access to several carriers, including Select Health, through the state's marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado. This guide details your options for individual and family health coverage, including how to enroll, what financial assistance is available, and local specifics for Huerfano County. Whether you're seeking a new plan or evaluating your current coverage, understanding the local landscape and statewide programs is crucial for making an informed decision.

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What Health Insurance Plans Are Available from Select Health in Huerfano County?

Select Health offers various health insurance plans to residents of Huerfano County through Connect for Health Colorado, the state-based marketplace. As part of 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, Select Health is one of six confirmed carriers providing coverage for the 2026 plan year. Plans available typically include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) structures. In Colorado, PPO plans are available on-exchange, offering more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers compared to HMOs or EPOs, which usually require you to stay within a specific network. Plan availability and specific benefits can vary, so it is important to review the details of any Select Health plan directly on Connect for Health Colorado.

Understanding Financial Assistance and Medicaid in Colorado

Many Huerfano County residents may qualify for financial assistance to make health insurance more affordable. This assistance comes in the form of tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, available exclusively through Connect for Health Colorado. Eligibility is based on household income and size.

Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions

Premium tax credits can lower your monthly health insurance premiums, while cost-sharing reductions reduce your out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. To qualify for cost-sharing reductions, you must enroll in a Silver-tier plan. These subsidies are designed to make coverage accessible to individuals and families across a broad income spectrum.

Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and CHP+

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) may qualify for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. Unlike non-expansion states, Colorado does not have a "coverage gap" for this income range. For families, Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) provides coverage for pregnant women with incomes up to 195% FPL for comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Children in households with incomes up to 260% FPL 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 Huerfano County

For 2026, residents of Huerfano County have access to plans from six different health insurance carriers through Connect for Health Colorado. Huerfano County is part of Rating Area 9, which includes 28 other counties across Colorado. The confirmed carriers for this rating area are:

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

When choosing a plan, it is important to compare not only the premiums and out-of-pocket costs but also the provider networks, specific benefits, and prescription drug coverage offered by each carrier. Each carrier may offer multiple plans at different metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum).

Local Healthcare Landscape in Huerfano County

Huerfano County, with a population of 6,972 and a median age of 55.3 years per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, faces unique healthcare access considerations. The county has a poverty rate of 17.3% and a relatively low uninsured rate of 3.6%, reflecting the impact of Colorado's expanded Medicaid and marketplace options. However, Huerfano County has no acute care hospitals within its boundaries. Residents needing acute hospital care typically travel to neighboring counties for medical services. This makes understanding your plan's out-of-network benefits and emergency coverage particularly important for local residents.

How to Choose the Right Health Plan in Huerfano County

Selecting the best health insurance plan involves considering your healthcare needs, budget, and access to providers. Here’s a general guide:

Assess Your Healthcare Needs: If you anticipate frequent doctor visits, ongoing prescriptions, or specific medical procedures, a plan with lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums (like a Gold or Silver plan with cost-sharing reductions) might be more cost-effective. If you are generally healthy and primarily want coverage for emergencies, a Bronze plan with lower premiums might suffice.
Understand Plan Types: Decide between HMO, EPO, or PPO plans based on your preference for provider choice. HMOs and EPOs typically have lower premiums but more restrictive networks, while PPOs offer more flexibility at a potentially higher cost.
Check Provider Networks: Ensure your preferred doctors, specialists, and any necessary out-of-county hospitals are included in the plan's network, especially given that Huerfano County lacks acute care hospitals.
Consider Financial Assistance: Apply through Connect for Health Colorado to see if you qualify for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. These subsidies can significantly reduce your costs.

ACA Plan Metal Tiers Overview
Metal Tier	Coverage Focus	Approx. Payer Split (Plan/You)	Best For
Bronze	Low premium, high deductible	60% / 40%	Healthy individuals seeking emergency coverage
Silver	Moderate premium, moderate deductible	70% / 30%	Individuals/families who qualify for cost-sharing reductions
Gold	High premium, low deductible	80% / 20%	Those with regular medical needs, willing to pay more upfront
Platinum	Highest premium, lowest deductible	90% / 10%	Individuals with extensive healthcare needs

Next Steps for Huerfano County Residents

Your path to health insurance in Huerfano County depends on your income and specific needs:

If your income is below 138% FPL: You likely qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid). Apply through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK) to determine your eligibility.
If your income is between 138% and 400% FPL: You may qualify for significant premium tax credits and potentially cost-sharing reductions (on Silver plans) through Connect for Health Colorado.
If your income is above 400% FPL: You can still enroll in a plan through Connect for Health Colorado, though you may not qualify for subsidies. You can also explore off-marketplace options directly with carriers.

Working with a licensed health insurance producer can simplify this process. They can help you compare plans from carriers like Select Health, understand your subsidy eligibility, and guide you through enrollment at no additional cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many health insurance carriers offer plans in Huerfano County?

In 2026, six carriers offer health insurance plans on Connect for Health Colorado in Rating Area 9, which includes Huerfano County. These carriers are Cigna, Denver Health Medical Plan, HMO Colorado, Kaiser Permanente, Select Health, and United Healthcare.

Can I get a PPO plan through Connect for Health Colorado in Huerfano County?

Yes, PPO plans are available on-exchange through Connect for Health Colorado in Huerfano County and across the state. Consumers can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO plan structures, with PPOs offered by carriers such as Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado.

What are the income limits for Medicaid in Colorado?

Colorado expanded Medicaid (Health First Colorado) in 2014. Adults with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Medicaid at little to no cost. Pregnant women may qualify for Health First Colorado or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) with income up to 195% FPL, and children up to 260% FPL through CHP+.

Does Huerfano County have local hospitals?

Huerfano County does not have any acute care hospitals within its boundaries. Residents needing hospital services typically travel to neighboring counties for acute care.