Is Select Health available in Lakewood, Colorado?

Yes, Select Health is one of six carriers offering marketplace health insurance plans in Rating Area 1, which includes Lakewood and Jefferson County, for the 2026 plan year. You can enroll through Connect for Health Colorado.

Can I get subsidies for a Select Health plan in Lakewood?

Yes, if your household income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) to lower your monthly premiums for any marketplace plan, including those from Select Health. Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) may also be available for those with incomes up to 250% FPL who choose a Silver plan.

How do I enroll in a Select Health plan in Lakewood?

You can enroll in a Select Health plan, or any other marketplace plan, through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance exchange. Enrollment typically occurs during the annual Open Enrollment Period, or during a Special Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event.

Select Health Insurance Plans in Lakewood, Colorado

Q: What types of plans does Select Health offer in Colorado?

Select Health, like other carriers in Colorado's marketplace, typically offers a range of plan types including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. Specific availability depends on the plan year and your exact location within Rating Area 1.

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

Select Health is one of 6 confirmed carriers offering marketplace plans in Lakewood's Rating Area 1 for 2026.
Colorado's marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, offers HMO, EPO, and PPO plans.
Lakewood residents with household incomes between 100% and 400% FPL may qualify for subsidies to lower premiums.
Medicaid (Health First Colorado) is available for adults with incomes up to 138% FPL.

Navigating health insurance options in Lakewood, Colorado, for 2026 can be straightforward, especially when considering carriers like Select Health. Residents of Lakewood, part of Colorado's Rating Area 1, have access to a variety of plans through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official marketplace. Select Health is one of several carriers providing coverage in this area, offering various plan types that can be made more affordable with financial assistance. Understanding your options, including subsidies and local healthcare providers, is key to choosing the right coverage for your needs.

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What Are Your Select Health Options in Lakewood?

Select Health offers health insurance plans to residents of Lakewood and the broader Jefferson County area through Connect for Health Colorado. As an approved marketplace carrier, Select Health's plans are eligible for federal subsidies, known as Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs), which can significantly reduce your monthly premium costs if you qualify based on your household income. When choosing a plan, you'll typically find options across different metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier offers a different balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs when you receive care:

Bronze plans generally have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They are designed for individuals who expect to use medical services infrequently.
Silver plans offer moderate premiums and out-of-pocket costs. They are particularly valuable for individuals who qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), which can significantly lower your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance if your income is below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Gold and Platinum plans feature higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, making them suitable for those who anticipate needing more frequent medical care.

Colorado's marketplace in Rating Area 1 offers a comprehensive selection of plan types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. PPO plans are indeed available on-exchange in Colorado, giving marketplace shoppers more flexibility in choosing their doctors and specialists compared to states where PPOs are restricted.

Affording Health Insurance in Lakewood: Subsidies and Medicaid

Many Lakewood residents can access affordable health insurance thanks to financial assistance programs available through Connect for Health Colorado.

Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs)

APTCs are designed to lower your monthly premium payments. Eligibility is primarily based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For 2026, individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% FPL may qualify for these tax credits. The exact amount of your subsidy depends on factors like your income, household size, and the cost of the benchmark Silver plan in your area.

Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs)

If your income is between 100% and 250% FPL, you may also qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions. CSRs help reduce the out-of-pocket costs associated with healthcare, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. To receive CSRs, you must enroll in a Silver-tier plan. These reductions can make a significant difference in your total healthcare expenses, particularly if you need frequent medical care.

Medicaid (Health First Colorado)

Colorado expanded its Medicaid program in 2014, known as Health First Colorado. This means adults with household incomes up to 138% of the FPL are eligible for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. Unlike some states, Colorado does not have a "coverage gap" for this income range. Additionally, Colorado offers the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program. Pregnant women with household incomes up to 195% FPL can receive comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care through CHP+. Children in households up to 260% FPL are also covered by CHP+. Applications for these programs can be made through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK).

Health Insurance Carriers in Lakewood

For 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which covers Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties, including Lakewood. This robust selection provides residents with various choices for their health insurance needs. The confirmed local carriers for Lakewood in 2026 are:

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

Each of these carriers offers a range of plans across different metal tiers and plan types (HMO, EPO, PPO), allowing you to compare benefits, networks, and costs to find the best fit for your family. Lakewood, Colorado, with a population of 156,583 and an uninsured rate of 7.5% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is served by a diverse healthcare landscape. Jefferson County, home to Lakewood, features 4 acute care hospitals, including Centura Health-st Anthony Hospital and Orthocolorado Hosp at St Anthony Med Campus, both located directly in Lakewood. This robust local healthcare infrastructure, combined with the multiple carrier options in Rating Area 1, ensures comprehensive access for residents.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Needs

Selecting a health insurance plan involves considering your budget, expected medical needs, and preferred doctors and hospitals. Here’s a general guide to help you decide:

If your income is below 138% FPL: You likely qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid), which offers comprehensive coverage at very low or no cost. Apply through Colorado PEAK.
If your income is between 138% and 250% FPL: You may qualify for significant Advance Premium Tax Credits to lower your premiums and Cost-Sharing Reductions if you choose a Silver plan. A Silver plan often offers the best value in this income range.
If your income is between 250% and 400% FPL: You are still eligible for Advance Premium Tax Credits. Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans to find the best balance between premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses.
If your income is above 400% FPL: You will pay the full premium, but can still enroll in a plan through Connect for Health Colorado or directly with a carrier. Focus on the plan's network and benefits.

Consider your healthcare usage. If you rarely visit the doctor, a Bronze plan with a lower premium might be suitable. If you have chronic conditions or anticipate needing frequent care, a Gold or Platinum plan with lower deductibles could save you money in the long run. Always check if your preferred doctors and hospitals, such as Centura Health-st Anthony Hospital, are in the plan's network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Select Health considered a good insurance company in Colorado?

Select Health is an established carrier in the Colorado marketplace. "Good" is subjective and depends on individual needs, including preferred doctors, specific plan benefits, and cost. It's recommended to compare Select Health's offerings with other carriers like Cigna or Kaiser Permanente based on your personal healthcare requirements and budget through Connect for Health Colorado.

Can I keep my current doctor with a Select Health plan in Lakewood?

Whether you can keep your current doctor depends on the specific Select Health plan you choose and your doctor's participation in that plan's network. It is crucial to verify that your preferred healthcare providers and facilities, such as Lutheran Medical Center or Centura Health-st Anthony Hospital, are in-network before enrolling in any plan. You can typically do this by checking the carrier's provider directory or contacting your doctor's office.

What is the Open Enrollment Period for 2026 plans in Colorado?

The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for 2026 health plans typically runs from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026, for coverage starting January 1 or February 1. If you miss OEP, you may still be able to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience a qualifying life event like marriage, birth of a child, or loss of other coverage.

What are the key differences between HMO, EPO, and PPO plans in Colorado?

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Generally requires you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network and get referrals for specialists. Offers lower costs but less flexibility.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): Does not require a PCP or referrals, but only covers care from doctors and hospitals within its network (except for emergencies). More flexibility than an HMO, but no out-of-network coverage.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Offers the most flexibility, allowing you to see any doctor or specialist without a referral, both in and out of network. Out-of-network care will cost more. PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Colorado.