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

Small Business Health Insurance in Frisco, Colorado

Small businesses in Frisco can access group health plans through Connect for Health Colorado's SHOP program.
Eligible businesses with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees may qualify for a tax credit covering up to 50% of premium costs.
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 7, which includes Frisco.
Colorado's Health First Colorado (Medicaid) provides low-cost coverage for adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

For small business owners in Frisco, Colorado, providing health insurance to employees is a crucial decision that impacts recruitment, retention, and employee well-being. Options range from the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) through Connect for Health Colorado to private group plans. Understanding the specific regulations and opportunities in Frisco, part of Summit County, can help you make informed choices, potentially leveraging tax credits and selecting plans tailored to your team's needs. The local market offers a variety of plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO options, ensuring flexibility in coverage.

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What Are Your Small Business Health Insurance Options in Frisco?

Small businesses in Frisco have several avenues for providing health insurance. The primary option for many is the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) marketplace, part of Connect for Health Colorado. This program is designed for businesses with 1 to 50 employees and allows you to offer health and/or dental coverage. Through SHOP, you can choose a plan that fits your budget and your employees' needs, with the added benefit of potential tax credits.

Summit County, home to Frisco, has a population of 31,017, and Frisco itself has 2,825 residents, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. The uninsured rate in Frisco is 13.5%, slightly higher than Summit County's 10.2%. Access to local healthcare is primarily provided by St Anthony Summit Medical Center, an acute care hospital located directly in Frisco. This facility is a key consideration for many local employees when selecting a health plan.

Beyond SHOP, small businesses can also explore private group plans directly from insurance carriers or through brokers. These plans offer similar flexibility but without the potential for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. It's important to compare options carefully, considering factors like network access, deductible levels, and premium costs.

Qualifying for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

One of the most significant advantages for eligible small businesses offering health insurance is the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. This credit can offset up to 50% of your premium contributions (35% for tax-exempt organizations). To qualify, your business must meet specific criteria:

You must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Your average annual employee wages must be less than approximately $58,000 (this figure is adjusted annually for inflation).
You must contribute at least 50% of the premium cost for each employee.
You must purchase coverage through the SHOP marketplace via Connect for Health Colorado.

This tax credit is designed to help small employers afford to offer health coverage, making it a valuable incentive for businesses in Frisco.

Understanding Health Plan Types Available in Frisco

When selecting a plan for your small business, you'll encounter different types of health insurance structures. In Colorado, marketplace shoppers can choose from Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Typically requires you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within the network and get referrals for specialists. They often have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): Offers a network of doctors and hospitals, but generally does not require a PCP referral for specialists. Care received outside the network is usually not covered, except in emergencies.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Provides the most flexibility, allowing you to see any doctor or specialist, in or out of network, without a referral. Out-of-network care may be covered at a lower rate. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Colorado, offered by carriers such as Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado.

Choosing the right plan type depends on your employees' preferences for flexibility, cost, and access to specific providers.

Health Insurance Carriers in Frisco

Small businesses in Frisco, located in Rating Area 7, have access to a competitive selection of health insurance carriers through Connect for Health Colorado. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 7, which covers Eagle, Grand, Jackson, Routt, and Summit counties. These carriers include:

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

Each carrier offers various plans across different metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), allowing you to select options that align with your budget and desired level of coverage for your employees. It is important to compare the specific plans, networks, and benefits offered by each carrier to find the best fit for your business.

How to Select the Right Plan for Your Small Business

Choosing the ideal health insurance plan involves balancing cost, coverage, and employee needs. Consider these steps:

Assess Your Budget: Determine how much your business can comfortably contribute to premiums. Remember the potential for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
Understand Employee Needs: Survey your employees to gauge their priorities, such as preferred doctors, prescription drug coverage, and desired flexibility in choosing providers.
Compare Plan Types: Decide whether an HMO, EPO, or PPO plan best suits your team's access preferences and budget.
Review Carrier Options: Look at the plans offered by Cigna, Denver Health Medical Plan, HMO Colorado, Kaiser Permanente, Select Health, and United Healthcare in Rating Area 7.
Consider Metal Tiers: Bronze plans have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, while Gold and Platinum plans have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket expenses. Silver plans offer a balance and may provide cost-sharing reductions for eligible individuals.
Seek Expert Advice: A licensed health insurance producer can help you navigate the options, compare plans, and determine eligibility for tax credits.

For small businesses with employees who may have lower incomes, it's worth noting that Colorado expanded Medicaid in 2014. Adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program) at little to no cost. This can be an important consideration for employees who might not enroll in a group plan due to cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum number of employees required for small business health insurance in Frisco?

To qualify for the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) through Connect for Health Colorado, you typically need at least one employee other than yourself (owner) or your spouse. Most carriers require at least 70% of eligible employees to enroll in the plan.

Can I get a tax credit for offering health insurance to my employees in Frisco?

Yes, eligible small businesses in Frisco may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, which can cover up to 50% of your premium contributions (35% for tax-exempt organizations). To qualify, you must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, pay average annual wages less than $58,000 (adjusted annually), and contribute at least 50% of the premium cost for each employee.

Are PPO plans available for small businesses in Frisco through the marketplace?

Yes, PPO plans are available on-exchange in Colorado through Connect for Health Colorado. Small businesses in Frisco can choose from various plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO plans, offered by carriers like Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado, among others, to best suit their employees' needs.