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

Self-Employed Health Insurance in Severance, Colorado

Self-employed individuals in Severance can access subsidized plans through Connect for Health Colorado.
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Colorado Rating Area 4, which includes Severance.
Medicaid, known as Health First Colorado, covers adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
The average uninsured rate in Severance is 2.2%, significantly lower than Weld County's 8.0%.

Navigating health insurance as a self-employed individual in Severance, Colorado, can feel complex, but there are clear pathways to securing comprehensive coverage. The primary avenue for self-employed residents to find affordable health insurance is through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace. Here, you can compare plans from multiple private carriers and apply for financial assistance, known as premium tax credits, which can significantly lower your monthly premiums based on your household income. Colorado has an expanded Medicaid program, Health First Colorado, which provides no-cost or low-cost coverage for eligible individuals and families, including those who are self-employed and meet income guidelines up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

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What Are Your Health Insurance Options as a Self-Employed Individual in Severance?

As a self-employed resident of Severance, you have several options for securing health insurance, with the most common and often most affordable being through Connect for Health Colorado. This marketplace allows you to enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period or during a Special Enrollment Period if you experience a qualifying life event.

Severance, located in Weld County, is part of Colorado Rating Area 4. This area, with a population of 10,130 and a median income of $124,572 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, benefits from a competitive health insurance market. The city's uninsured rate stands at a low 2.2%, reflecting strong access to coverage compared to Weld County's 8.0% uninsured rate. Residents in this rating area have access to a variety of plan types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Colorado, offering more flexibility in choosing providers outside a specific network compared to HMOs or EPOs.

Your options generally fall into these categories:

Connect for Health Colorado Plans (ACA Plans): These are comprehensive plans that cover essential health benefits, cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, and offer financial assistance based on income. Plans are categorized into metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) with varying levels of premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Health First Colorado (Medicaid): If your income is below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, you may qualify for Health First Colorado, Colorado's Medicaid program. This provides comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. For a single individual in 2026, this threshold is approximately $20,780 annually.
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+): For pregnant women with incomes up to 195% FPL and children up to 260% FPL, CHP+ offers affordable coverage. Pregnant women at or below 138% FPL would first qualify for Health First Colorado.
Direct from Carrier (Off-Exchange): You can purchase plans directly from insurance companies outside of Connect for Health Colorado. These plans are ACA-compliant but do not qualify for premium tax credits.
Short-Term Health Insurance: These plans offer temporary coverage but do not cover essential health benefits, can deny for pre-existing conditions, and are not recommended as a long-term solution.

Understanding Subsidies and Cost Assistance

Financial assistance is a key benefit for self-employed individuals purchasing plans through Connect for Health Colorado. These subsidies can significantly reduce the cost of your monthly premiums and, in some cases, your out-of-pocket expenses.

Assistance Type	Description	Eligibility (Approx. 2026 FPL)
Premium Tax Credits (PTC)	Reduces your monthly premium amount. Paid directly to your insurer.	No strict income cap; available to those earning above 100% FPL, with amounts adjusted to cap premiums at a percentage of income.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR)	Lowers your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums. Only available with Silver plans.	Up to 250% FPL (e.g., ~$38,000 for a single person, ~$78,000 for a family of four).
Health First Colorado (Medicaid)	Comprehensive, low-cost or no-cost health coverage.	Up to 138% FPL (e.g., ~$20,780 for a single person, ~$43,050 for a family of four).

Even if your income is higher, you may still qualify for premium tax credits, especially if the cost of an unsubsidized benchmark Silver plan exceeds a certain percentage of your household income. It is always recommended to apply through Connect for Health Colorado to see your exact eligibility.

Health Insurance Carriers in Severance

In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Colorado Rating Area 4, which includes Severance. This provides a robust selection for self-employed individuals seeking coverage. The confirmed local carriers are:

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

These carriers offer a range of plan types across the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum metal tiers, allowing you to choose a plan that balances monthly premiums with your expected healthcare usage and budget.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Self-Employed Needs

Selecting the best health insurance plan depends on your specific health needs, financial situation, and risk tolerance. Here's a general guide for self-employed individuals in Severance:

If your income is below 138% FPL: Apply for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) through Colorado PEAK. This will likely be your most affordable and comprehensive option.
If your income is between 138% and 250% FPL: Strongly consider a Silver plan on Connect for Health Colorado. You will likely qualify for both premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, which significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs in addition to your premiums.
If your income is above 250% FPL: Evaluate Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans. Bronze plans have lower premiums but higher deductibles, suitable if you rarely visit the doctor. Gold plans have higher premiums but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, better if you anticipate needing more medical care. Silver plans remain a popular middle-ground.
High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) with HSAs: Many self-employed individuals choose HDHPs, often Bronze or Silver, which can be paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA). HSAs offer a triple tax advantage: tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. You can also deduct your premiums if you are self-employed and not eligible for other employer-sponsored coverage.

Hospitals serving Weld County residents include Banner North Colorado Medical Center and Uchealth Greeley Hospital, both located in Greeley. When choosing a plan, verify that your preferred doctors and any specialists you see are in the plan's network, especially for HMO and EPO plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get health insurance if I'm self-employed in Severance, Colorado?

Yes, self-employed individuals in Severance, Colorado, can purchase health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official marketplace. You may be eligible for subsidies (premium tax credits) based on your household income to help reduce your monthly premiums.

What are the income limits for subsidies for self-employed individuals in Colorado?

There are no strict income limits for subsidies in Colorado under current law. Eligibility for premium tax credits is based on your household income relative to the federal poverty level (FPL), with subsidies available to those earning above 100% FPL, and often extending to higher incomes to cap premiums at a percentage of income. For example, a single person earning $50,000 might still qualify for significant assistance.

What types of health plans are available in Severance for the self-employed?

In Severance, located in Colorado Rating Area 4, self-employed individuals can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO plans offered through Connect for Health Colorado. These plans are categorized by metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each offering different levels of cost-sharing and monthly premiums.

Can I deduct health insurance premiums if I'm self-employed?

Yes, if you are self-employed and not eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan (including through a spouse's job), you can generally deduct 100% of your health insurance premiums from your gross income. This self-employed health insurance deduction applies to premiums for medical, dental, and long-term care insurance, reducing your adjusted gross income for tax purposes.