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

Small Business Health Insurance in Longmont, Colorado

Small businesses with 1 to 100 employees in Longmont can access group health plans through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace or directly from insurers.
Businesses with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, covering up to 50% of premium costs.
As of 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Longmont's Rating Area 2, providing a range of HMO, EPO, and PPO options.
Longmont's uninsured rate is 7.2%, slightly higher than Boulder County's 4.4%, highlighting the need for accessible coverage options for local businesses.

For small businesses in Longmont, Colorado, securing comprehensive and affordable health insurance for your employees is a critical decision. Whether you're a sole proprietor or managing a team of up to 100, understanding your options through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's marketplace, or direct group plans is key. This article will guide you through the available health insurance solutions in Longmont, including group plans, individual marketplace plans, and options for the self-employed, ensuring you can make an informed choice that supports both your business and your employees' well-being.

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What Are Small Business Health Insurance Options in Longmont?

Small businesses in Longmont have several pathways to providing health coverage. The primary options depend on your business size and structure:

Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace: For employers with 1 to 100 employees, the SHOP Marketplace (part of Connect for Health Colorado) allows you to offer health and dental coverage to your team. This platform simplifies plan comparison and enrollment, and it's the only way to qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
Direct Group Plans: Many insurance carriers in Colorado offer group health plans directly to small businesses outside the SHOP Marketplace. These plans may offer more flexibility in terms of plan design or network options, but they typically do not qualify for the small business tax credit.
Individual Marketplace Plans: For sole proprietors or very small businesses where employees prefer to choose their own plans, individuals can enroll through Connect for Health Colorado. Employees may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions based on their household income, making individual plans highly affordable.

Understanding the nuances of each option is crucial for selecting the best fit for your Longmont-based business.

Who Qualifies for Small Business Health Care Tax Credits?

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit can significantly reduce the cost of offering health insurance. To qualify, your Longmont business must meet specific criteria:

You must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Your average employee salary must be below a certain threshold, which is adjusted annually for inflation (e.g., approximately $58,000 for 2026).
You must pay at least 50% of your employees' health insurance premium costs.
You must purchase your health insurance plan through the SHOP Marketplace on Connect for Health Colorado.

This credit can cover up to 50% of the premium costs for eligible small businesses and up to 35% for tax-exempt organizations. It's available for two consecutive tax years.

How Do Individual Plans Support Small Business Owners and Employees?

For many small business owners, especially sole proprietors or those with very few employees, individual health insurance plans offer a flexible and often more affordable solution. In Longmont, individuals can enroll through Connect for Health Colorado, which provides access to financial assistance:

Household Income (as % of Federal Poverty Level)	Potential Assistance
Up to 138% FPL	Eligible for Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
138% - 250% FPL	Significant Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions
250% - 400% FPL	Premium Tax Credits to reduce monthly costs
Above 400% FPL	May still qualify for tax credits due to enhanced subsidies in effect

For example, a self-employed individual in Longmont earning $50,000 (roughly 270% FPL for a single person) could qualify for substantial premium tax credits, significantly lowering their monthly health insurance costs. Connect for Health Colorado offers a range of HMO, EPO, and PPO plans, allowing individuals to choose the plan structure that best fits their needs. Longmont, a city with a population of 99,406, is located in Boulder County (Rating Area 2). The city has a median income of $90,671 and an uninsured rate of 7.2%, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This uninsured rate is notably higher than Boulder County's overall rate of 4.4%, indicating a specific need for accessible health coverage solutions for small businesses and individuals within Longmont. The local healthcare landscape includes facilities such as Longmont United Hospital and Longs Peak Hospital, both located within the city, providing acute care services to residents.

Health Insurance Carriers in Longmont

For Longmont businesses and residents, a robust selection of health insurance carriers offers plans through Connect for Health Colorado. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 2, which covers Boulder County:

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

These carriers provide a variety of plan types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) options, allowing businesses and individuals to choose plans with different network structures and cost-sharing models.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Small Business

Deciding on the best health insurance solution for your small business in Longmont involves evaluating several factors:

Number of Employees: If you have 1 to 100 employees, you can explore SHOP plans or direct group plans. If you're a sole proprietor or have very few employees, individual plans with subsidies might be more cost-effective.
Budget: Assess your business's financial capacity to contribute to premiums. The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit can significantly impact affordability if you qualify.
Employee Needs: Consider the healthcare needs of your employees. Do they prefer a specific type of plan (e.g., PPO for broader network access) or a lower deductible?
Administrative Burden: Group plans often involve more administrative tasks for the employer. Individual plans shift most of the administrative responsibility to the employee.

A licensed health insurance producer can help you navigate these choices, compare plans from multiple carriers, and determine eligibility for tax credits or subsidies, all at no additional cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as a small business for health insurance in Longmont?

In Colorado, a small business generally means an employer with 1 to 100 employees. If you are self-employed or have fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees, you may have additional options through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) or individual marketplace plans with tax credits.

Can small businesses get tax credits for health insurance in Colorado?

Yes, small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) that pay average annual wages below a certain threshold (adjusted annually) may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. You must purchase coverage through the SHOP Marketplace on Connect for Health Colorado to be eligible.

What are my options if I'm a sole proprietor in Longmont?

As a sole proprietor in Longmont, you generally purchase health insurance through the individual marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado. You may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions based on your household income, making coverage more affordable. You can choose from various plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO plans.

Are PPO plans available for small businesses in Longmont?

Yes, PPO plans are available on-exchange through Connect for Health Colorado for both individual and small group markets in Longmont's Rating Area 2. Carriers like Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado, among others, offer PPO options, providing broader network access compared to HMO or EPO plans.