Self-Employed Health Insurance in Aurora, Colorado

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

Self-employed individuals in Aurora can find subsidized health plans through Connect for Health Colorado, the state marketplace.
Colorado expanded Medicaid (Health First Colorado) in 2014, covering adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Aurora's Rating Area 1, including Cigna and Kaiser Permanente.
Aurora, with a population of 394,432, has an uninsured rate of 13.7% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

As a self-employed individual in Aurora, Colorado, securing reliable health insurance is crucial for your financial well-being and access to care. Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, known as Connect for Health Colorado, provides a robust platform for comparing plans and accessing financial assistance. You may qualify for significant subsidies, including premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, based on your household income and size. This means you could pay less for your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, making comprehensive coverage more affordable. It is important to understand your options, whether through the marketplace, Medicaid (Health First Colorado), or private off-exchange plans, to find the best fit for your needs in Aurora.

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What Are Your Health Insurance Options as Self-Employed in Aurora?

Self-employed individuals in Aurora have several pathways to health coverage, primarily through Connect for Health Colorado. This state-based marketplace allows you to shop for plans from various carriers, compare benefits, and determine your eligibility for financial assistance. The plans offered on Connect for Health Colorado are categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each offering different levels of cost-sharing.

Connect for Health Colorado (ACA Marketplace)

This is the primary route for most self-employed individuals. When you apply through Connect for Health Colorado, you'll provide income estimates for the upcoming year. Based on these estimates, you may qualify for:

Premium Tax Credits: These subsidies reduce your monthly premium payments. They are available to individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and even higher for some households under current rules.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): These subsidies lower your out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. CSRs are only available with Silver-tier plans for those with incomes up to 250% FPL, making Silver plans a particularly strong value for eligible individuals.

Colorado's Rating Area 1, which covers Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties, offers a competitive marketplace. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in this rating area, providing a range of choices for self-employed residents.

Medicaid (Health First 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 can qualify for comprehensive, low-cost or no-cost health insurance. If your income falls within this range, Health First Colorado could be your most affordable option. For pregnant women, eligibility extends to 195% FPL through the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), and children in households up to 260% FPL can also qualify for CHP+. Applications for these programs can be made through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK).

Off-Marketplace Plans

You can also purchase health plans directly from insurance carriers outside of Connect for Health Colorado. While these plans must still comply with ACA regulations, they do not qualify for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. Off-marketplace plans might be an option if your income is too high to qualify for subsidies, or if you prefer a plan not offered on the exchange.

Understanding Plan Types Available in Aurora

When selecting a health insurance plan in Aurora, you'll encounter different plan structures, each with its own network rules and cost implications. In Colorado, marketplace shoppers have access to a variety of options:

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Generally requires you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network and get referrals for specialists. Offers lower premiums but less flexibility outside the network.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): Does not require a PCP or referrals, but only covers care from providers within the plan's network, except in emergencies.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Offers the most flexibility, allowing you to see any provider without a referral, both in and out of network. Out-of-network care typically comes with higher costs. PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Colorado, offered by carriers such as Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado, among others.

Consider your preferred doctors, hospitals, and how often you anticipate needing specialist care when choosing a plan type.

Aurora, a vibrant city with a population of 394,432, is part of Arapahoe County, home to 659,844 residents. Per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, Aurora's uninsured rate stands at 13.7%, while Arapahoe County's is 9.3%. Residents in Rating Area 1, which includes Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties, have access to a robust healthcare infrastructure. Major acute care facilities in Arapahoe County include Hca-healthone DBA Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital in Aurora, and Adventhealth Littleton in Littleton.

Health Insurance Carriers in Aurora

For 2026, self-employed individuals in Aurora have a strong selection of carriers offering plans through Connect for Health Colorado. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which covers Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. These confirmed local carriers include:

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

Each of these carriers provides a range of plans across the metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), with options for HMO, EPO, and PPO structures. It is advisable to review the specific plan documents and provider networks for each carrier to ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals are covered.

Making the Right Choice: Next Steps for Aurora's Self-Employed

Choosing the right health insurance plan involves assessing your income, health needs, and budget. Here's a simplified guide to help you navigate your options:

Your Estimated Income	Recommended Action	Key Considerations
Below 138% FPL	Apply for Health First Colorado (Medicaid)	This is likely your lowest-cost option for comprehensive coverage. Apply through Colorado PEAK.
138% - 250% FPL	Shop for Silver plans on Connect for Health Colorado with subsidies	You will qualify for both premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, making Silver plans an exceptional value.
250% - 400% FPL	Shop for any metal tier on Connect for Health Colorado with premium tax credits	You will qualify for premium tax credits. Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans based on your expected healthcare usage.
Above 400% FPL	Shop on Connect for Health Colorado or directly with carriers	You will not qualify for premium tax credits. Compare plans both on and off the marketplace for the best fit.

Navigating the complexities of health insurance can be challenging, especially when you're self-employed. A licensed health insurance agent can provide personalized guidance, help you understand your subsidy eligibility, and compare plans that meet your specific needs in Aurora—all at no cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can self-employed individuals get subsidies for health insurance in Aurora?

Yes, self-employed individuals in Aurora, Colorado, can qualify for subsidies (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) through Connect for Health Colorado, the state-based marketplace. Eligibility depends on your household income and size relative to the Federal Poverty Level. These subsidies can significantly lower your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

What are the income limits for Medicaid (Health First Colorado) in Colorado?

Colorado expanded Medicaid (known as Health First Colorado) in 2014. Adults with household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. For pregnant women, eligibility extends up to 195% FPL through Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), and for children, CHP+ covers those in households up to 260% FPL.

Are PPO plans available on Connect for Health Colorado in Aurora?

Yes, PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans are available on-exchange through Connect for Health Colorado in Aurora. Unlike some states, Colorado's marketplace offers a choice of plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO structures. Carriers like Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado, among others, offer PPO options in Rating Area 1.

How do I apply for health insurance if I'm self-employed in Aurora?

You can apply for self-employed health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, the official state marketplace. You'll need to provide income estimates, household size, and personal information. Enrollment typically occurs during the annual Open Enrollment Period, but you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event like getting married, having a baby, or moving.