Select Health Insurance Options in Lincoln County, Colorado
- Select Health is one of 6 carriers offering marketplace plans in Colorado's Rating Area 9 for 2026.
- Lincoln County residents may qualify for subsidies (APTCs) to lower Select Health premiums if their income is between 100% and 400% FPL.
- Medicaid (Health First Colorado) is available for adults up to 138% FPL, and pregnant women/children up to 195%/260% FPL.
- Lincoln County, with a population of 5,550 and an uninsured rate of 7.6%, has no acute care hospitals, requiring residents to travel for services.
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What Health Insurance Plans Are Available in Lincoln County?
In Lincoln County, residents access health insurance plans through Connect for Health Colorado. As 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, you have a range of options from multiple carriers. Colorado's marketplace offers Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, giving consumers flexibility in network and referral requirements. Plans are categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.- Bronze plans typically have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, covering about 60% of medical expenses. They are suitable for those who expect minimal medical care or want catastrophic coverage.
- Silver plans offer moderate premiums and deductibles, covering about 70% of medical expenses. They are particularly valuable for individuals who qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), which further lower out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
- Gold plans have higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, covering about 80% of medical expenses. These are a good choice for those who anticipate needing more medical care throughout the year.
How Subsidies Make Plans More Affordable
Financial assistance is crucial for many Lincoln County residents to afford health insurance. Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) are available to reduce your monthly premiums, while Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) lower your out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, copays, coinsurance).Eligibility for these subsidies depends on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL):
- APTCs: Available for incomes between 100% and 400% FPL.
- CSRs: Available for incomes up to 250% FPL, but only when you enroll in a Silver-tier plan.
For example, a single individual in Lincoln County earning $35,000 per year (approximately 238% FPL) would likely qualify for significant APTCs and CSRs on a Silver plan, making comprehensive coverage much more accessible.
Health Insurance Carriers in Lincoln County
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 9, which includes Lincoln County. These carriers provide various plan types and networks to choose from:- Cigna
- Denver Health Medical Plan
- HMO Colorado
- Kaiser Permanente
- Select Health
- United Healthcare
Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) in Colorado
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. For a single individual, this threshold is approximately $20,782 per year in 2024 (FPL figures are updated annually). Additionally, Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) provides coverage for pregnant women with household incomes up to 195% FPL and children in households up to 260% FPL. Because Health First Colorado is available for those at or below 138% FPL, the 195% FPL threshold for pregnant women specifically applies to those whose income is above the Medicaid limit but still within the CHP+ range. These programs are vital safety nets, ensuring that low-income individuals, families, pregnant women, and children in Lincoln County have access to necessary healthcare services. Applications can be submitted through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK).Choosing the Right Select Health Plan in Lincoln County
Selecting the best health insurance plan depends on your individual health needs, financial situation, and preferred access to care. Here's a guide to help Lincoln County residents make an informed decision:| Your Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Low income (below 138% FPL) | Apply for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) through Colorado PEAK. You will likely qualify for free or very low-cost comprehensive coverage. |
| Moderate income (138% - 250% FPL) | Consider a Silver-tier plan on Connect for Health Colorado. You will likely qualify for both Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) to reduce premiums and Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) to lower deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. This offers the best value. |
| Higher income (250% - 400% FPL) | You will qualify for APTCs to reduce your monthly premiums. Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans based on your anticipated healthcare usage. If you expect more care, a Gold plan might offer better overall value despite higher premiums. |
| High income (above 400% FPL) | You won't qualify for subsidies but can still purchase plans through Connect for Health Colorado or directly from carriers. Focus on finding a plan with a network and benefits that meet your needs at a competitive price. |
| Focus on specific doctors/hospitals | Carefully check the provider directory for any Select Health plan (or any other carrier's plan) to ensure your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals (especially those in neighboring counties) are in-network. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Select Health plan with a subsidy in Lincoln County?
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. These subsidies are available for plans purchased through Connect for Health Colorado, including those offered by Select Health in Rating Area 9.
What types of plans does Select Health offer in Lincoln County?
Select Health, like other carriers in Colorado's Rating Area 9, typically offers Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. PPO plans are also available on Connect for Health Colorado from other carriers. The specific plan types and networks can vary, so it's important to review the plan details on the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace.
How does Medicaid (Health First Colorado) work in Lincoln County?
Colorado expanded Medicaid in 2014, meaning adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Health First Colorado. This program provides comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. Pregnant women may qualify for coverage through Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) up to 195% FPL, and children up to 260% FPL.
Are there hospitals in Lincoln County that accept Select Health plans?
Lincoln County does not have any acute care hospitals within its boundaries. Residents typically travel to neighboring counties for hospital services. When choosing a Select Health plan, it's crucial to verify that the plan's network includes preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals in the surrounding areas you would access for care.