Health Insurance for Self-Employed Construction Workers in Severance, CO

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

Self-employed construction workers in Severance can access subsidized health plans through Connect for Health Colorado, with 6 carriers offering options in Rating Area 4 for 2026.
Colorado offers a full range of plan types including HMO, EPO, and PPO plans on-exchange, providing flexibility in network choice.
Individuals with household incomes up to 138% FPL may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid), while those up to 195% FPL can access CHP+ for pregnancy coverage.
Premiums for self-employed individuals are generally tax-deductible if not eligible for an employer-sponsored plan, reducing your taxable income.

For self-employed construction workers in Severance, Colorado, securing reliable health insurance is essential, balancing the need for comprehensive coverage with managing business expenses. The good news is that Colorado's state-based marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, offers a variety of plans and financial assistance designed to make health coverage accessible. You can choose from Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum metal tiers, and importantly, PPO plans are available on-exchange in Colorado, unlike some other states. With an uninsured rate of just 2.2% in Severance, significantly lower than the Weld County average of 8.0%, many residents successfully navigate their health coverage options.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available for Self-Employed Construction Workers in Severance?

As a self-employed individual in the construction industry in Severance, your primary avenue for affordable health insurance is Connect for Health Colorado. This marketplace allows you to compare plans, apply for financial assistance, and enroll in coverage. The plans available are compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), meaning they cover essential health benefits like emergency services, prescription drugs, and maternity care. Colorado's marketplace offers three main types of plans:

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans: These plans typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network and get referrals for specialists. They often have lower premiums.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) Plans: EPOs offer a bit more flexibility than HMOs, allowing you to see specialists without a referral, but you must stay within the plan's network for coverage.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plans: PPOs provide the most flexibility, allowing you to see out-of-network providers, though at a higher cost. Crucially, PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Colorado, offered by carriers such as Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado, among others, giving you broader access to care providers like those at Banner North Colorado Medical Center in nearby Greeley.

Your eligibility for subsidies, known as Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs), depends on your household income and the cost of plans in Rating Area 4, where Severance is located. These subsidies can significantly reduce your monthly premium, making even comprehensive plans more affordable.

How Do Subsidies and Medicaid Work for Self-Employed Individuals in Colorado?

Colorado expanded Medicaid in 2014, meaning more self-employed individuals may qualify for low-cost or no-cost health coverage. This program, known as Health First Colorado, is available to adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a single individual, this threshold is approximately $20,783 per year in 2026. If your income falls within this range, Health First Colorado can provide comprehensive benefits without monthly premiums or significant out-of-pocket costs. For those with incomes above the Medicaid threshold, Connect for Health Colorado offers Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) to lower monthly premiums. There is no upper income limit for these subsidies; eligibility is determined by the cost of the benchmark Silver plan in your area relative to your income. Additionally, self-employed individuals may qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) if their income is between 100% and 250% FPL and they choose a Silver plan. CSRs reduce your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums, making healthcare more affordable when you need to use it. Pregnant self-employed individuals in Severance also have specific options. Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) covers pregnant women with incomes up to 195% FPL with comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Women at or below 138% FPL will qualify for full Health First Colorado first, with CHP+ serving as the ceiling for higher incomes. Applications for these programs can be submitted through Colorado PEAK at colorado.gov/PEAK.

Understanding Metal Tiers and Self-Employed Tax Deductions

When choosing a plan on Connect for Health Colorado, you'll encounter different "metal tiers": Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers indicate how you and your plan share costs.

Metal Tier	You Pay (Approx. % of costs)	Plan Pays (Approx. % of costs)	Typical Use Case
Bronze	40%	60%	Lowest premiums, highest deductibles. Best if you expect minimal healthcare use or want catastrophic coverage.
Silver	30%	70%	Moderate premiums and deductibles. Eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions if income qualifies. Good balance of cost and coverage.
Gold	20%	80%	Higher premiums, lower deductibles. Best if you expect regular healthcare use or have chronic conditions.
Platinum	10%	90%	Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs. Ideal for extensive healthcare needs.

As a self-employed construction worker, you may be able to deduct your health insurance premiums from your gross income. This is known as the self-employed health insurance deduction. To qualify, you must not be eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan (including one through a spouse's job, if applicable). This deduction can reduce your adjusted gross income (AGI), potentially lowering your overall tax liability. It applies to premiums paid for medical, dental, and long-term care insurance for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. Always consult with a tax professional to ensure you meet all IRS requirements for this deduction.

Health Insurance Carriers in Severance

For 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 4, which includes Severance and all of Weld County. This provides a robust selection for self-employed construction workers to choose from. The confirmed local carriers are:

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

Weld County, with a population of 350,396, is served by key medical facilities such as Banner North Colorado Medical Center and Uchealth Greeley Hospital, both located in Greeley. When selecting a plan, it is crucial to verify that your preferred doctors and any specialists you regularly see are in the plan's network, especially if you have existing relationships with providers at these major health systems. The availability of PPO plans from some of these carriers can offer greater flexibility if you need to access a wider range of providers or do not want to be restricted to a specific network.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Self-Employed Business

Navigating the options for health insurance as a self-employed construction worker in Severance requires considering your health needs, budget, and potential tax benefits.

Assess Your Income: If your household income is below 138% FPL, apply for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) through Colorado PEAK. If it's higher, proceed to Connect for Health Colorado for subsidized plans.
Estimate Healthcare Needs: If you're generally healthy and want to minimize monthly costs, a Bronze plan might be suitable. If you have chronic conditions or anticipate frequent medical care, a Gold or Platinum plan with lower out-of-pocket costs may be more economical in the long run.
Consider Network Access: Given that PPO plans are available on-exchange, decide if you need the flexibility to see out-of-network providers. If staying within a network is acceptable, an HMO or EPO could offer lower premiums.
Factor in Tax Deductions: Remember that your premiums may be tax-deductible. While this doesn't reduce the upfront cost, it can improve your financial situation at tax time. Keep good records of all premiums paid.
Compare Plans on Connect for Health Colorado: Use the marketplace's tools to compare plans side-by-side, paying close attention to deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums in addition to monthly premiums.
Seek Expert Advice: A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, help you understand complex plan details, and ensure you maximize any available subsidies.

Severance, Colorado, a city with a population of 10,130 and a median income of $124,572 (per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates), is part of Weld County in Rating Area 4. The local health landscape, supported by facilities like Banner North Colorado Medical Center, offers comprehensive care options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deduct health insurance premiums if I'm a self-employed construction worker in Severance?

Yes, if you are self-employed and not eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan, you can generally deduct health insurance premiums from your gross income. This includes premiums for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. This deduction is taken on Schedule 1 (Form 1040), Line 17, and can reduce your adjusted gross income (AGI).

What are the income limits for subsidies on Connect for Health Colorado for self-employed individuals?

There are no upper income limits for Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) on Connect for Health Colorado. Eligibility for subsidies is based on your household income relative to the federal poverty level (FPL) and the cost of the benchmark Silver plan in your area. If your income is between 100% and 138% FPL, you may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid).

Are PPO plans available on the Colorado marketplace for self-employed individuals in Severance?

Yes, PPO plans are available on-exchange through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's marketplace. Self-employed individuals in Severance can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO structures, with PPO options offered by carriers such as Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado, among others. This provides more flexibility in choosing providers than HMO or EPO plans.

What is the average cost of a Bronze plan for a self-employed individual in Severance?

The average cost of a Bronze plan varies significantly based on age, income, and specific plan choice. However, Bronze plans typically have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. With subsidies, many self-employed individuals in Severance can find Bronze plans for under $100 per month, though actual costs depend on your specific financial situation and chosen plan.