Select Health Insurance Plans in Lamar, Colorado
- Select Health is one of 6 carriers offering individual and family health plans in Lamar, Colorado's Rating Area 9 for the 2026 plan year.
- Lamar residents can enroll in Select Health plans through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official marketplace, and may qualify for subsidies.
- Colorado's marketplace offers a variety of plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO options, with PPOs available on-exchange from some carriers.
- Individuals with incomes up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can receive premium tax credits to lower monthly costs, making plans more affordable for Lamar's 7,611 residents.
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What Select Health Plans Are Available in Lamar, Colorado?
In 2026, Select Health is one of the 6 health insurance carriers confirmed to offer plans in Rating Area 9, which includes Lamar and Prowers County. When shopping for a Select Health plan, you will primarily find options like Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. Colorado's marketplace is notable for also offering PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans on-exchange, giving consumers in Lamar a broader range of network options than in some other states. Selecting the right plan involves considering factors such as monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, and the network of doctors and hospitals. Select Health plans, like all marketplace plans, cover essential health benefits, including doctor visits, prescription drugs, emergency services, and maternity care. Plans are categorized into metal tiers—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—each offering a different balance of premiums versus out-of-pocket costs. Bronze plans typically have lower premiums but higher deductibles, while Gold plans have higher premiums but cover a larger share of medical costs.How to Enroll in a Select Health Plan Through Connect for Health Colorado
Enrollment in a Select Health plan, or any other marketplace plan, for Lamar residents primarily occurs through Connect for Health Colorado, the state-based marketplace. This platform allows you to compare plans, check your eligibility for financial assistance, and enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period, which typically runs from November 1 to January 15. If you experience a qualifying life event outside of this period, such as losing other health coverage, getting married, or having a baby, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). When you apply through Connect for Health Colorado, you'll provide information about your household income and size. Based on this, the marketplace determines if you qualify for premium tax credits, which lower your monthly premium, or cost-sharing reductions (CSRs), which reduce your out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles and copayments. Lamar's median household income is $53,188 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, meaning many individuals and families in the area will likely qualify for significant financial assistance.Understanding Financial Assistance and Medicaid in Colorado
Colorado has expanded its Medicaid program, known as Health First Colorado, making it accessible to more residents. Adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. This is a critical option for Lamar residents, especially considering the city's 21.3% poverty rate, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. For pregnant women, Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) covers those with incomes up to 195% FPL, offering extensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Children in households up to 260% FPL can also qualify for CHP+. If your income falls above the Medicaid threshold but below 400% FPL, you will likely qualify for substantial premium tax credits to make marketplace plans, including those from Select Health, more affordable. It's crucial to apply through Connect for Health Colorado to see all your available options and determine your eligibility for these programs.Health Insurance Carriers in Lamar
For the 2026 plan year, Lamar, Colorado, is part of Rating Area 9. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 9 through Connect for Health Colorado. These carriers provide a range of plan options, including HMO, EPO, and PPO structures, to meet the diverse needs of residents in Lamar and the surrounding 28 counties that also comprise this rating area. The confirmed carriers for Rating Area 9 include:- Cigna
- Denver Health Medical Plan
- HMO Colorado
- Kaiser Permanente
- Select Health
- United Healthcare
Local Healthcare Landscape in Prowers County
Prowers County, the parent county for Lamar, has no acute care hospitals within its boundaries, according to local data. This means that residents requiring acute medical attention typically travel to a neighboring county for hospital services. Despite the lack of local hospitals, Select Health and other carriers in Rating Area 9 maintain networks of doctors, clinics, and specialists that serve the area. Lamar, Colorado, with a population of 7,611 and an uninsured rate of 11.2%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is part of Colorado 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. This multi-county rating area ensures a broader pool of insured individuals and a more stable market for carriers.Making Your Health Plan Decision in Lamar
Navigating health insurance options can be straightforward with the right guidance. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide on a Select Health plan or another option in Lamar:- If your income is below 138% FPL: You likely qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid). Apply directly through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK) or Connect for Health Colorado.
- If your income is between 100% and 400% FPL: You are eligible for premium tax credits on Connect for Health Colorado. A Silver plan can be an excellent choice, especially if your income is below 250% FPL, as it may also qualify you for cost-sharing reductions.
- If your income is above 400% FPL: While you won't qualify for subsidies, you can still enroll in a Select Health or other marketplace plan through Connect for Health Colorado to benefit from ACA protections and comprehensive coverage. Consider the balance of premiums and out-of-pocket costs across metal tiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Select Health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado?
Yes, Select Health is one of the 6 carriers offering plans on Connect for Health Colorado in Rating Area 9, which includes Lamar, for the 2026 plan year. You can enroll in a Select Health plan and potentially qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions through the state marketplace.
What types of plans does Select Health offer in Lamar?
In Colorado's marketplace, including Lamar, Select Health typically offers a range of plan types such as Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. Colorado's marketplace also offers PPO plans, though specific offerings depend on the carrier. Always check plan details for network structure and out-of-network coverage.
What is the uninsured rate in Lamar, Colorado?
The uninsured rate in Lamar, Colorado, is 11.2%, according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This is higher than the Prowers County average of 9.6%. Various options like marketplace subsidies, Medicaid (Health First Colorado), and CHP+ are available to help residents secure coverage.
How do I know if I qualify for financial help with a Select Health plan?
Eligibility for subsidies on Connect for Health Colorado, which can lower your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs for a Select Health plan, is based primarily on your household income relative to the federal poverty level (FPL). You can qualify for premium tax credits with income between 100% and 400% FPL, and cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) up to 250% FPL. For individuals below 138% FPL, Health First Colorado (Medicaid) may be an option.