Select Health Insurance Plans in Pueblo County, Colorado
- In 2026, Pueblo County residents can choose from plans offered by 6 carriers, including Select Health, on the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace.
- Colorado expanded Medicaid (Health First Colorado) in 2014, making adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level eligible for low-cost coverage.
- Pueblo County is part of Colorado Rating Area 9, which covers 29 counties, ensuring consistent pricing across a wide region.
- The average uninsured rate in Pueblo County is 5.2%, significantly lower than the national average, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.
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What Health Insurance Options Does Select Health Offer in Pueblo County?
Select Health offers various health insurance plans to residents of Pueblo County through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's health insurance marketplace. As one of the six carriers serving Rating Area 9, Select Health provides options designed to meet diverse needs and budgets. When you shop for plans, you will typically find different metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each offering a distinct balance of monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Bronze plans: These plans typically have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They are designed for individuals who want protection against catastrophic medical costs and are comfortable paying more for routine care. Silver plans: Offering a moderate balance, Silver plans have higher premiums than Bronze but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. They are particularly valuable for individuals and families who qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), which are additional subsidies that further reduce out-of-pocket expenses, available only with Silver plans. Gold plans: With higher monthly premiums, Gold plans provide lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They are suitable for those who anticipate needing frequent medical care and prefer to pay more upfront for more comprehensive coverage. Platinum plans: These plans have the highest premiums but the lowest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, covering a significant portion of medical expenses from the start. In Colorado, marketplace shoppers in Pueblo County can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO plan structures. This flexibility allows you to select a plan that aligns with your preferred network access and referral requirements. When considering a Select Health plan, it is important to review the specific plan details, including the network of doctors and hospitals, to ensure it meets your healthcare needs. Pueblo County's two acute care hospitals, St Mary-corwin Hospital and Parkview Medical Center, Inc, are key local facilities to consider when evaluating a plan's network.Am I Eligible for Financial Assistance for a Select Health Plan in Pueblo County?
Many Pueblo County residents may qualify for financial assistance to make their Select Health plan more affordable. Colorado, through Connect for Health Colorado, offers subsidies based on household income and family size. These subsidies come in two main forms: Premium Tax Credits (PTCs): These credits reduce your monthly premium payment. You can choose to have them paid directly to your insurer each month, lowering your out-of-pocket premium cost, or claim them on your tax return. PTCs are available to individuals and families with household incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), though current legislation has expanded eligibility to higher incomes. Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): Available exclusively with Silver-tier plans, CSRs reduce the amount you pay for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. This means you get the benefits of a Gold or Platinum plan (lower out-of-pocket costs) for the price of a Silver plan. CSRs are available for individuals and families with incomes up to 250% FPL. To determine your specific eligibility and the amount of assistance you could receive, you must apply through Connect for Health Colorado. Even if you think your income is too high, it is always worth checking, as various factors can influence your eligibility. For example, a family of four in Pueblo County with a median income of $64,010 (per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates) would likely qualify for significant premium subsidies.Colorado Medicaid and CHP+ in Pueblo County
For those with lower incomes, Colorado offers robust Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) programs. Colorado expanded Medicaid (Health First Colorado) in 2014, meaning adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. The state also provides coverage for vulnerable populations: Pregnant Women: The Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program covers pregnant women with household incomes up to 195% FPL, providing extensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Women at or below 138% FPL qualify for full Health First Colorado Medicaid first. Children: CHP+ also covers children in households with incomes up to 260% FPL. Residents can apply for these programs through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK). Pueblo County's population of 169,356, with a poverty rate of 14.6%, means a substantial portion of its residents may be eligible for these vital programs.How Does Pueblo County's Rating Area Affect My Select Health Premiums?
Pueblo County is part of Colorado Rating Area 9, which means health insurance premiums for a given plan are the same for all residents within this geographic area. This ensures fairness in pricing across a wide region, rather than having different rates for individual towns or ZIP codes within the area. Rating Area 9 is a multi-county area that covers 29 counties: 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, and Yuma counties. This structure means that while your specific premium for a Select Health plan will depend on factors like your age, tobacco use, and the plan's metal tier, the base rate for that plan is consistent across all these counties. Pueblo County's 169,356 residents, with an uninsured rate of 5.2%, benefit from this standardized pricing model, which helps ensure access to affordable coverage regardless of their specific location within the rating area. The availability of two acute care hospitals, St Mary-corwin Hospital and Parkview Medical Center, Inc, in Pueblo further supports the healthcare infrastructure for residents across the rating area.Health Insurance Carriers in Pueblo County
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 9, which includes Pueblo County. These carriers provide a variety of plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO options, through Connect for Health Colorado. The confirmed carriers for Pueblo County are:- Cigna
- Denver Health Medical Plan
- HMO Colorado
- Kaiser Permanente
- Select Health
- United Healthcare
Making Your Health Insurance Decision in Pueblo County
Choosing the right health insurance plan, whether from Select Health or another carrier, requires careful consideration of your financial situation and healthcare needs. Here's a decision-making framework:| Your Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Household income up to 138% FPL (e.g., ~$20,782 for an individual) | Apply for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) through Colorado PEAK. You likely qualify for comprehensive, low-cost coverage. |
| Household income 139% - 250% FPL (e.g., ~$20,783 - $37,650 for an individual) | Shop for a Silver plan on Connect for Health Colorado. You will likely qualify for significant Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions, making a Silver plan very affordable with low out-of-pocket costs. |
| Household income 251% - 400%+ FPL (e.g., ~$37,651+ for an individual) | Shop for Bronze, Silver, or Gold plans on Connect for Health Colorado. You may still qualify for Premium Tax Credits to lower your monthly premiums. Compare deductibles and copays to find the best value for your anticipated healthcare usage. |
| Do not qualify for subsidies or Medicaid | Explore all metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) on Connect for Health Colorado to find a plan that balances premium cost with your expected medical expenses. Consider the network coverage of your preferred doctors and hospitals, such as St Mary-corwin Hospital or Parkview Medical Center, Inc. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Select Health PPO plan in Pueblo County?
Yes, PPO plans are available on the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace in Pueblo County, offered by various carriers, including some of the six carriers serving Rating Area 9. You can compare PPO, HMO, and EPO options when you shop for coverage.
What income qualifies for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) in Pueblo County?
Adults in Pueblo County with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for Health First Colorado, Colorado's Medicaid program. For a single individual, this is approximately $20,782 per year in 2024. Eligibility thresholds are higher for pregnant women (up to 195% FPL) and children (up to 260% FPL through CHP+).
When can I enroll in a Select Health plan in Pueblo County?
Most individuals can enroll in a Select Health plan during the annual Open Enrollment Period, which typically runs from November 1 to January 15 each year. Outside of this window, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience a qualifying life event such as marriage, birth of a child, or loss of other health coverage.
Are subsidies available for Select Health plans in Pueblo County?
Yes, financial assistance (subsidies) is available through Connect for Health Colorado for eligible individuals and families in Pueblo County. These subsidies, including Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions, can significantly lower your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, making health insurance more affordable. Eligibility is based on household income and family size.