Small Business Health Insurance for Childcare Providers in Broomfield County, Colorado
- In 2026, six carriers offer marketplace plans in Broomfield County's Rating Area 1, including PPO, HMO, and EPO options.
- Small childcare businesses can choose from traditional group plans, Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), or direct employees to individual plans on Connect for Health Colorado.
- Colorado's Medicaid program, Health First Colorado, covers adults with incomes up to 138% FPL, and the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) covers children up to 260% FPL.
- Broomfield County has a population of 76,304 and a median income of $123,874, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates.
Get Your Free Health Insurance Quote
A licensed agent can compare coverage options for you at no cost.
You're all set!
A licensed agent will reach out shortly.
What Are Your Health Insurance Options as a Small Childcare Business?
Small businesses, including childcare providers, in Broomfield County have several pathways to offer health insurance to their employees. These options vary in cost, administrative burden, and flexibility, allowing you to tailor a solution that best fits your business model.- Traditional Group Health Plans: These plans are purchased by your business directly from an insurer and cover eligible employees and often their dependents. They typically require a minimum employee participation rate (e.g., 70%) and employer contribution towards premiums. Group plans can offer robust benefits and a sense of security for employees.
- Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs): An HRA allows your business to reimburse employees for healthcare expenses, including individual health insurance premiums. The Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA) is a popular option, allowing businesses of any size to offer tax-free funds for employees to purchase their own plans on Connect for Health Colorado or off-exchange. This provides flexibility for employees to choose plans that best suit their individual needs.
- Guiding Employees to Connect for Health Colorado: For very small businesses or those unable to offer group coverage, you can direct employees to purchase individual plans through Connect for Health Colorado. Depending on their income, employees may qualify for significant subsidies (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) to make coverage more affordable.
Understanding Connect for Health Colorado and Individual Plans
Connect for Health Colorado is the state's official health insurance marketplace. It is a state-based marketplace (SBM) where individuals and families in Broomfield County can compare and enroll in health plans. For small childcare businesses not offering group plans, or for employees seeking additional options, the marketplace is a crucial resource. In 2026, residents of Broomfield County, which is part of Colorado Rating Area 1 (covering Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties), can choose from HMO, EPO, and PPO plans. This means that marketplace shoppers in Colorado have access to a broader range of plan structures, including PPO plans which offer more flexibility in choosing out-of-network providers, compared to some other states where PPOs are not available on-exchange. Employees with incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for premium tax credits, reducing their monthly premiums, and those between 100% and 250% FPL may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions, lowering out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays.Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) for Low-Income Workers
Colorado expanded its Medicaid program, known as Health First Colorado, in 2014. This means that adults in Broomfield County with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. This is an important consideration for childcare providers, as some employees might fall within these income thresholds. Unlike states without Medicaid expansion, individuals at 100-138% FPL in Colorado do not face a "coverage gap" and can access Medicaid. Additionally, Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program provides coverage for children in households with incomes up to 260% FPL. Pregnant women can also qualify for CHP+ up to 195% FPL, offering comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Applications for Health First Colorado and CHP+ can be submitted through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK).Health Insurance Carriers in Broomfield County
Choosing a health insurance plan in Broomfield County means selecting from a competitive market. In 2026, six 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
Making the Right Decision for Your Childcare Business
Deciding on the best health insurance strategy for your childcare business in Broomfield County involves weighing several factors, including your budget, the number of employees, and the financial impact on both your business and your staff.| Option | Employer Contribution | Employee Choice/Flexibility | Tax Advantages | Administrative Burden |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Group Plan | Typically 50%+ of employee premium | Limited to plans offered by employer | Employer contributions are tax-deductible | Moderate to High (plan administration, enrollment) |
| Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA) | Fixed allowance set by employer | High (employees choose any plan on or off-exchange) | Employer contributions are tax-free for employees | Low to Moderate (reimbursement processing) |
| Direct to Marketplace (Connect for Health Colorado) | None (or voluntary stipend) | High (employees choose any plan on Connect for Health Colorado) | Employees may get subsidies; employer has no direct tax advantage for premiums | Very Low (employer provides information, no plan administration) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the health insurance options for small childcare businesses in Broomfield County?
Small childcare businesses in Broomfield County can consider traditional group health plans, Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) like ICHRA, or guide employees to individual plans on Connect for Health Colorado. The best option depends on your budget, employee count, and desired level of contribution.
Can my employees get subsidies on Connect for Health Colorado?
Yes, employees of small businesses in Broomfield County may be eligible for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions when purchasing individual plans through Connect for Health Colorado, provided their household income falls within the qualifying ranges and they are not offered affordable, minimum-value group coverage by their employer.
How many carriers offer marketplace plans in Broomfield County in 2026?
In 2026, six carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which includes Broomfield County. These carriers are Cigna, Denver Health Medical Plan, HMO Colorado, Kaiser Permanente, Select Health, and United Healthcare, providing options for individual and family coverage.
What is Health First Colorado and how does it apply to childcare workers?
Health First Colorado is the state's Medicaid program. Adults in Colorado with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for Medicaid at little to no cost. Childcare workers in Broomfield County whose income falls within these guidelines may be eligible for comprehensive health coverage through Health First Colorado.