Select Health Health Insurance in La Plata County, Colorado
- In 2026, 6 carriers, including Select Health, offer marketplace plans in La Plata County's Rating Area 8 via Connect for Health Colorado.
- Colorado expanded Medicaid (Health First Colorado) in 2014, covering adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- La Plata County has a population of 56,331 and an uninsured rate of 8.2%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.
- PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Colorado, alongside HMO and EPO options, for marketplace shoppers.
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What Health Insurance Options Are Available in La Plata County?
Residents of La Plata County have several avenues to secure health insurance coverage, primarily through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's health insurance marketplace. In 2026, a variety of plans, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) structures, are available on-exchange. This provides flexibility for consumers, as PPO plans, which offer more choice in providers, are confirmed to be available on-exchange in Colorado. Financial assistance in the form of Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions is available through Connect for Health Colorado for those who qualify based on income and household size. These subsidies can significantly lower the cost of coverage, making plans more affordable. Additionally, Colorado expanded its Medicaid program, known as Health First Colorado, in 2014, providing low-cost or free coverage to eligible adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. La Plata County, with a population of 56,331 and an uninsured rate of 8.2% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is part of Colorado Rating Area 8, which also covers Archuleta, Dolores, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Mineral, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan, and San Miguel counties. This regional context means that plan availability and pricing are consistent across these 13 counties. The county is served by two acute care hospitals, Mercy Regional Medical Center and Animas Surgical Hospital, LLC, both located in Durango, ensuring local access to critical medical services.Health Insurance Carriers in La Plata County
For 2026, residents of La Plata County can choose from a robust selection of health insurance carriers offering plans through Connect for Health Colorado. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 8, which includes La Plata County. These carriers provide a range of plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO plans, to meet diverse healthcare needs and preferences. The confirmed carriers for La Plata County's Rating Area 8 in 2026 are:- Cigna
- Denver Health Medical Plan
- HMO Colorado
- Kaiser Permanente
- Select Health
- United Healthcare
Understanding Financial Assistance and Medicaid Eligibility
Colorado offers significant support to help make health insurance affordable for its residents. Depending on your income and household size, you may qualify for various forms of financial assistance.Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies)
These credits reduce your monthly health insurance premiums. They are available to individuals and families with household incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The amount of your subsidy is based on a sliding scale, ensuring that your premium for a benchmark Silver plan does not exceed a certain percentage of your income.Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)
If your income is between 100% and 250% of the FPL, you may also qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions. These subsidies lower your out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, making healthcare more accessible when you need it. CSRs are only available with Silver-tier plans purchased through Connect for Health Colorado.Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and CHP+
Colorado expanded its Medicaid program, Health First Colorado, in 2014. This means that adults with incomes up to 138% of the FPL are eligible for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. Additionally, Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) provides coverage for children in households up to 260% FPL and pregnant women with incomes up to 195% FPL. For pregnant women, this includes comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Women at or below 138% FPL will first qualify for full Health First Colorado Medicaid benefits. You can apply for these programs through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK). Understanding these thresholds is key to finding the most affordable coverage:| Household Income (as % FPL) | Potential Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Up to 138% FPL | Health First Colorado (Medicaid) |
| 100% - 400% FPL | Premium Tax Credits (Subsidies) |
| 100% - 250% FPL | Cost-Sharing Reductions (with Silver plans) |
| Up to 195% FPL (pregnant women) | Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) or Health First Colorado |
| Up to 260% FPL (children) | Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) |
Choosing the Right Select Health Plan in La Plata County
When considering Select Health or any other carrier in La Plata County, several factors should guide your decision. Beyond the monthly premium, it is important to evaluate the plan's structure, network of providers, and cost-sharing features.Plan Types
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Typically requires you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network and get referrals for specialists. Offers lower out-of-pocket costs if you stay within the network.
- EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): Does not require a PCP referral for specialists, but generally only covers care from providers in its network (except in emergencies).
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Offers the most flexibility, allowing you to see any provider without a referral. You pay less if you use in-network providers, but still have some coverage for out-of-network care. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Colorado.
Metal Tiers
Plans are categorized into metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) based on how costs are shared between you and the insurance company:- Bronze: Lowest premiums, highest out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, copays). Best for those who expect minimal healthcare use or want catastrophic coverage.
- Silver: Moderate premiums and out-of-pocket costs. If you qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions, these benefits are only applied to Silver plans, making them significantly more valuable for eligible individuals.
- Gold: Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs. Suitable for those who expect to use medical services frequently and want more predictable costs.
- Platinum: Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs. Best for those with extensive healthcare needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Select Health available on the Colorado health insurance marketplace?
Yes, Select Health is one of 6 carriers offering plans on Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace, for residents of La Plata County in 2026.
What types of plans does Select Health offer in La Plata County?
Select Health typically offers a range of plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO plans, on Connect for Health Colorado. The specific options available to you will depend on your exact ZIP code within La Plata County.
Can I get financial help to pay for a Select Health plan?
Yes, if your income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for subsidies (Premium Tax Credits) to lower your monthly premiums when enrolling in a Select Health plan through Connect for Health Colorado. Individuals and families with incomes up to 138% FPL may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid).
When can I enroll in a Select Health plan in La Plata County?
Enrollment typically occurs during the annual Open Enrollment Period, which usually runs from November 1 to January 15. You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, getting married, or having a baby.