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

Small Business Health Insurance for Landscaping Companies in Englewood, Colorado

Englewood landscaping businesses can choose from group plans, Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), or individual plans via Connect for Health Colorado.
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, covering Englewood, including Cigna and Kaiser Permanente.
Small group plans typically require 2+ enrolled employees and are available from carriers like United Healthcare and Select Health.
Englewood's uninsured rate is 8.4% (U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates), highlighting the need for accessible coverage.

For landscaping company owners in Englewood, Colorado, securing competitive health insurance is essential for attracting and retaining employees. Given Englewood's median income of $86,800 and a population of 34,129 (per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates), providing robust benefits can differentiate your business. Options range from traditional group plans to flexible Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and directing employees to individual plans on Connect for Health Colorado. Understanding the specific requirements for small businesses in Arapahoe County and Rating Area 1 is key to making an informed decision that supports both your team and your bottom line.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available for Landscaping Businesses?

Small landscaping businesses in Englewood have several pathways to provide health insurance, each with distinct advantages and considerations:

Traditional Group Health Plans: These are employer-sponsored plans where the business typically contributes a percentage of the premium, and employees pay the remainder. In Colorado, group plans are available from various carriers, offering HMO, EPO, and PPO structures. They often provide comprehensive benefits and can be a strong recruitment tool. Most small group plans require at least two enrolled employees (not including the owner if they are the sole employee).
Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs): HRAs allow employers to reimburse employees for health insurance premiums and qualified medical expenses tax-free.
- Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA): Offers more flexibility, allowing businesses of any size to reimburse employees for individual health plans purchased on Connect for Health Colorado or elsewhere. Employees can choose plans that best fit their needs, and the employer defines the contribution amount.
- Qualified Small Employer HRA (QSEHRA): Designed for businesses with fewer than 50 employees that do not offer a traditional group health plan. It allows tax-free reimbursement for individual health insurance premiums and medical costs, up to a set annual limit.
Directing Employees to Connect for Health Colorado: For very small businesses or those unable to offer group plans, directing employees to the state's marketplace allows them to purchase individual plans, often with financial assistance (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) based on income. This option shifts the administrative burden from the employer to the employee.

Understanding Group Health Plan Requirements in Colorado

For Englewood landscaping companies considering a traditional group health plan, Colorado has specific rules:

Employee Count: Small group market plans are for businesses with 1 to 50 full-time equivalent employees. Most carriers require a minimum of two employees to participate, often excluding the owner if they are the only employee.
Employer Contribution: While not mandated by state law, most carriers require employers to contribute a minimum percentage of the employee's premium, typically 50%. This helps ensure plan participation.
Participation Rate: Carriers usually require a certain percentage of eligible employees to enroll in the plan, often around 70%, to ensure a balanced risk pool. Employees who have other coverage (e.g., through a spouse's employer or Medicare) may be waived from this count.
Plan Types: In Colorado, small group plans can offer a range of structures including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. PPO plans ARE available on-exchange in Colorado through Connect for Health Colorado, offered by carriers like Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado.

Arapahoe County's 22 acute care hospitals — including Hca-healthone DBA Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, and The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital in nearby Aurora — serve a population of 659,844 with a 9.3% uninsured rate, per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This diverse healthcare landscape means that employees will likely have access to a variety of providers within a group plan network.

Health Insurance Carriers in Englewood

For small businesses in Englewood, Colorado, finding the right health insurance plan means reviewing options from carriers serving Rating Area 1. In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 1, which covers Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson counties. These carriers provide a range of plans, including HMO, EPO, and PPO options:

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

When evaluating plans, consider network size, deductible levels, out-of-pocket maximums, and prescription drug coverage. Each of these carriers offers distinct advantages, and a licensed agent can help you compare plans tailored to your landscaping business's needs.

Navigating Connect for Health Colorado for Your Employees

If you choose to direct your employees to individual plans, they will use Connect for Health Colorado. This state-based marketplace offers several benefits:

Subsidies: Individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for premium tax credits that reduce monthly premiums. Those with incomes up to 250% FPL may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Medicaid Expansion: Colorado expanded Medicaid in 2014, known as Health First Colorado. Adults with incomes up to 138% FPL qualify for Medicaid with little to no cost. This is an important option for employees with lower incomes, ensuring they have access to comprehensive coverage.
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+): Colorado's CHP+ program covers pregnant women with incomes up to 195% FPL and children in households up to 260% FPL, providing crucial support for families.
Plan Variety: Connect for Health Colorado offers a wide selection of plans across different metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), allowing employees to choose a plan that balances cost and coverage level. PPO plans are available on-exchange in Colorado.

Employees can apply for coverage and financial assistance through Colorado PEAK at colorado.gov/PEAK.

Making the Right Decision for Your Landscaping Business

Choosing the best health insurance strategy for your Englewood landscaping company depends on several factors:

Consideration	Group Health Plan	Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)	Individual Plans (Connect for Health Colorado)
Employer Cost	Fixed premium contribution per employee.	Fixed reimbursement amount per employee.	No direct premium cost to employer (employees pay).
Employee Choice	Limited to plans offered by employer.	Wide choice of individual plans.	Wide choice of individual plans.
Administrative Burden	Moderate (enrollment, payroll deductions).	Low (reimbursement processing).	Very low (employees manage their own plans).
Tax Advantages	Employer contributions are tax-deductible.	Employer contributions are tax-deductible; reimbursements are tax-free for employees.	No direct employer tax advantage for employee premiums.
Recruitment/Retention	Strong benefit, highly valued by employees.	Flexible benefit, attractive to diverse employee needs.	Less direct employer-provided benefit, but still supports employees.

For many small landscaping businesses, a combination of these strategies might be optimal. For instance, offering a QSEHRA can provide a tax-advantaged way to help employees afford individual plans. A licensed health insurance producer specializing in the Englewood market can help you analyze your specific situation, employee demographics, and budget to recommend the most suitable and cost-effective solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary health insurance options for small landscaping businesses in Englewood?

Small landscaping businesses in Englewood can choose between traditional group health plans, Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) like ICHRA or QSEHRA, or directing employees to individual plans on Connect for Health Colorado. The best option depends on your budget, employee count, and desired level of administrative involvement.

How many employees do I need for a small group health plan in Colorado?

In Colorado, small group health plans are typically available for businesses with 1 to 50 employees. Most carriers require at least two employees to enroll, excluding the owner or spouse if they are the only two. Eligibility can vary slightly by carrier and plan type.

Can my landscaping employees in Englewood get subsidies on Connect for Health Colorado?

Yes, employees of small businesses in Englewood may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions on Connect for Health Colorado if their income is within certain federal poverty level guidelines and they are not offered affordable, minimum value coverage through their employer. Eligibility is assessed on an individual basis.

What is the uninsured rate in Englewood, Colorado?

According to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, Englewood, Colorado has an uninsured rate of 8.4%. This is slightly lower than the Arapahoe County uninsured rate of 9.3%.