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

Health Insurance for Self-Employed Plumbers in Severance, CO

Self-employed plumbers in Severance can access subsidized plans through Connect for Health Colorado, with premium tax credits reducing monthly costs.
Colorado's marketplace offers HMO, EPO, and PPO plans, allowing flexibility for network and provider choice.
Individuals with incomes up to 138% FPL (approx. $20,783 for a single person in 2026) may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid).
The average uninsured rate in Severance is 2.2%, significantly lower than Weld County's 8.0% uninsured rate, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.
Self-employed individuals can typically deduct 100% of their health insurance premiums from their gross income.

As a self-employed plumber in Severance, Colorado, securing reliable and affordable health insurance is a critical business and personal decision. You have several options for coverage, primarily through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace. Here, you can find plans that fit your budget and healthcare needs, often with financial assistance to lower your monthly premiums. Understanding your eligibility for subsidies, as well as state-specific programs like Health First Colorado, is key to making an informed choice.

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

Self-employed plumbers in Severance have access to a range of health insurance options designed to provide comprehensive coverage. Your primary avenue for individual and family coverage is Connect for Health Colorado. This state-based marketplace allows you to compare plans from multiple carriers and apply for financial assistance, which can make coverage significantly more affordable. The plans available are categorized by metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each offering different levels of cost-sharing and monthly premiums. Additionally, if your income is below a certain threshold, you may qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid).

Connect for Health Colorado: Marketplace Plans and Subsidies

Connect for Health Colorado is where most self-employed individuals find coverage. Eligibility for plans and subsidies is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

Premium Tax Credits: If your household income is between 100% and 400% FPL, you are likely eligible for premium tax credits. These credits reduce your monthly premium payment, making marketplace plans more affordable. For a single person in 2026, this range is approximately $15,060 to $60,240 annually.
Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs): Available exclusively with Silver-tier plans, CSRs lower your out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. You qualify for CSRs if your income is between 100% and 250% FPL. For a single person in 2026, this is approximately $15,060 to $37,650 annually. These enhanced Silver plans offer significantly better value than standard Silver plans or even some Gold plans for eligible individuals.
Plan Types: In Colorado, you can choose from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. PPO plans are available on-exchange, offering more flexibility to see out-of-network providers, though often at a higher cost.

Health First Colorado (Medicaid) for Low-Income Individuals

Colorado expanded its Medicaid program in 2014, known as Health First Colorado. This program provides comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost for eligible individuals.

Income Eligibility: As a self-employed plumber, you may qualify for Health First Colorado if your household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a single individual in 2026, this income threshold is approximately $20,783 per year.
Application: You can apply for Health First Colorado through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK).

Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)

For families, Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) provides low-cost health and dental coverage for children up to age 18 in families with incomes up to 260% FPL. CHP+ also covers pregnant women with incomes up to 195% FPL, offering comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care.

Understanding Health Plan Tiers and Costs

Choosing the right plan tier depends on your expected healthcare usage and financial situation. Each metal tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) offers a different balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Estimated Annual Out-of-Pocket Costs by Metal Tier (Individual)
Metal Tier	Average Deductible	Average Max Out-of-Pocket	Best For
Bronze	$7,000 - $9,000	$9,450	Healthy individuals who want lowest premiums, catastrophic coverage.
Silver	$4,000 - $7,000	$9,450	Those who qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions; moderate healthcare use.
Gold	$1,500 - $3,000	$7,000 - $9,000	Individuals with regular medical needs, willing to pay higher premiums for lower out-of-pocket costs.

Note: These are general estimates for 2026; actual costs will vary by plan and carrier. The maximum out-of-pocket for 2026 is $9,450 for an individual.

Health Insurance Carriers in Severance

In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 4, which includes Severance and all of Weld County. These carriers provide a variety of plan options across different metal tiers and network types. The confirmed-local carriers for Severance are:

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

When selecting a plan, it is crucial to check if your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in-network with the plan you choose. Many plumbers may value access to specific facilities within Weld County, such as Banner North Colorado Medical Center or Uchealth Greeley Hospital, both located in Greeley.

Weld County, part of Colorado Rating Area 4, serves a population of 350,396 with a median income of $97,097, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Severance itself has a population of 10,130 with a median household income of $124,572, indicating a relatively affluent community compared to the county average. The uninsured rate in Severance is 2.2%, significantly below the county's 8.0% uninsured rate, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.

Making the Right Choice: Next Steps for Self-Employed Plumbers

Choosing the best health insurance plan as a self-employed plumber in Severance involves evaluating your income, health needs, and budget.

Decision Mapping for Self-Employed Plumbers in Severance
Your Situation	Recommended Action	Key Considerations
Income < 138% FPL (approx. $20,783 for single)	Apply for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) via Colorado PEAK.	Comprehensive, low-cost coverage. Verify eligibility for exact income.
Income 100%-250% FPL (approx. $15,060 - $37,650 for single)	Enroll in an Enhanced Silver plan through Connect for Health Colorado.	Significant premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. Best value.
Income 250%-400% FPL (approx. $37,650 - $60,240 for single)	Compare Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans with premium tax credits on Connect for Health Colorado.	Bronze for low usage, Gold for higher usage. Silver if you value moderate cost-sharing.
Income > 400% FPL (approx. $60,240+ for single)	Compare plans on Connect for Health Colorado, or explore off-exchange options.	No subsidies, but still access to a wide range of plans. Focus on network and deductible.

A licensed health insurance producer specializing in the Colorado marketplace can help you navigate these options, compare plans from Cigna, Denver Health Medical Plan, HMO Colorado, Kaiser Permanente, Select Health, and United Healthcare, and ensure you receive all eligible subsidies. Their assistance is typically free, as they are compensated by the insurance carriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can self-employed plumbers in Severance get health insurance subsidies?

Yes, self-employed plumbers in Severance, Colorado, are eligible for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions through Connect for Health Colorado if their household income falls between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For 2026, this means an income range of approximately $15,060 to $60,240 for a single individual, with higher thresholds for larger households. Subsidies can significantly lower monthly premiums.

What types of health plans are available for independent contractors in Colorado?

Self-employed individuals and independent contractors in Colorado can choose from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans through Connect for Health Colorado. PPO plans are available on-exchange, offering more flexibility in choosing providers outside a specific network compared to HMOs or EPOs, though they may come with higher premiums.

What is Health First Colorado, and do self-employed individuals qualify?

Health First Colorado is Colorado's Medicaid program. Self-employed individuals in Severance may qualify if their household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This program provides comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. For a single person in 2026, this threshold is approximately $20,783 annually. You can apply through Colorado PEAK.

Can I deduct my health insurance premiums as a self-employed plumber?

Generally, self-employed individuals can deduct 100% of their health insurance premiums from their gross income, provided they are not eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored health plan (including one through a spouse's job). This deduction applies to premiums paid for medical, dental, and long-term care insurance. Consult with a tax professional for personalized advice.