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

Small Business Health Insurance for Landscaping Companies in Severance, Colorado

Small landscaping businesses in Severance have 6 carriers offering marketplace plans in Rating Area 4 for 2026.
Group health plans typically require 2+ full-time employees and meet minimum participation thresholds (often 70% of eligible staff).
Employees with household incomes between 100-400% FPL may qualify for subsidies on Connect for Health Colorado.
An ICHRA can provide a tax-advantaged way for landscaping companies to help employees with individual health insurance premiums.

For landscaping business owners in Severance, Colorado, providing health benefits to employees is a crucial decision that impacts recruitment, retention, and financial planning. With Severance's population of 10,130 and a median income of $124,572, attracting and keeping skilled workers, especially in a physically demanding industry like landscaping, often hinges on competitive benefits. Navigating the options—from traditional group plans to individual coverage HRAs—requires understanding both state regulations and local market specifics to ensure your team in Weld County has access to quality care from providers like Banner North Colorado Medical Center.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available for Small Landscaping Businesses?

Small landscaping companies in Severance, Colorado, have several pathways to provide health insurance, each with distinct advantages and considerations for both the business and its employees. The primary options include traditional small group health plans, Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs), and guiding employees to individual plans on Connect for Health Colorado, the state's marketplace.

Traditional Small Group Health Plans

Small group health insurance is a common choice for businesses with 2 to 50 full-time equivalent employees. These plans are purchased by the employer and typically require the business to contribute a percentage of the premium, often 50% or more. Eligibility usually requires at least two full-time employees, excluding the owner and spouse, and meeting specific participation rates (e.g., 70% of eligible employees enrolling). In Colorado, small group plans offer a range of structures, including HMO, EPO, and PPO options, ensuring flexibility in network access.

Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs)

An ICHRA allows a landscaping business to define a budget and offer tax-free reimbursements for individual health insurance premiums and qualified medical expenses. Employees then choose and purchase their own individual health plans from Connect for Health Colorado or off-exchange. This approach provides employees with greater choice and flexibility over their plan, while giving the employer predictable budget control and reducing the administrative burden associated with managing a traditional group plan.

Guiding Employees to Individual Marketplace Plans

Even without offering a formal group plan or ICHRA, a landscaping business can support employees in finding coverage. Employees can purchase individual health plans through Connect for Health Colorado. Many employees, especially those with household incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), may qualify for significant premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, making coverage more affordable. This option is particularly relevant if the employer does not offer affordable, minimum-value group coverage.

Understanding Eligibility for Small Group Coverage in Severance

To qualify for a small group health insurance plan in Severance, Colorado, landscaping businesses must meet specific criteria set by carriers and state regulations. These typically include:

Employee Count: Generally, a minimum of two full-time equivalent employees is required. This often excludes the business owner and their spouse, meaning at least one W-2 employee in addition to the owner must enroll.
Participation Rate: Most carriers require a minimum percentage of eligible employees to enroll in the group plan, often around 70%. This ensures a balanced risk pool for the insurer.
Employer Contribution: Businesses are usually required to contribute a minimum percentage of the employee's premium, commonly 50% or more, demonstrating commitment to employee benefits.
Business Domicile: The business must be legally established and operating in Colorado, with employees residing within the service area of the chosen health plan.

Meeting these requirements allows your landscaping company to access the benefits of group coverage, including potential tax advantages and a broader range of plan options.

Cost Considerations for Landscaping Business Health Insurance

The cost of health insurance for your Severance landscaping business will vary significantly based on the chosen coverage method, employee demographics, and desired benefit levels.

Coverage Type	Key Cost Factor for Business	Key Cost Factor for Employees
Traditional Small Group Plan	Employer premium contribution (e.g., 50-100% of employee premium)	Employee's share of premium, deductibles, copays, coinsurance
Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA)	Fixed monthly allowance for reimbursement	Individual plan premium (after ICHRA reimbursement), deductibles, copays
Individual Marketplace Plans	No direct employer cost (unless employer chooses to offer non-HRA support)	Individual plan premium (potentially reduced by subsidies), deductibles, copays

For group plans, the overall premium depends on the age of employees, the plan's metal tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), and the chosen network structure (HMO, EPO, PPO). For ICHRAs, the business sets the monthly allowance, providing predictable budgeting. With individual marketplace plans, employees' out-of-pocket costs are influenced by their income and eligibility for federal subsidies.

Health Insurance Carriers in Severance

For 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 4, which includes Severance, Colorado. These carriers also typically offer small group plans, though specific small group offerings can vary. Landscaping businesses and their employees in Severance have access to a range of options from these providers:

Cigna: Offers various health plans, often including PPO options, for individuals and small groups.
Denver Health Medical Plan: Provides plans that focus on integrating care within the Denver Health system, and also offers PPO options on-exchange.
HMO Colorado: A local favorite, offering HMO plans with strong provider networks in the region, and also offers PPO options on-exchange.
Kaiser Permanente: Known for its integrated care model, combining health coverage with its own medical facilities and providers.
Select Health: Offers a variety of plans, focusing on accessible and affordable care.
United Healthcare: A large national carrier providing a broad spectrum of plans with extensive networks.

When selecting a plan, consider the network of doctors and hospitals, specific benefits, and the overall cost structure to best suit your landscaping team's needs. Weld County's two acute care hospitals, Banner North Colorado Medical Center and Uchealth Greeley Hospital (both in Greeley), are important considerations for network access.

Navigating Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and CHP+ for Employees

For some employees of landscaping businesses in Severance, particularly those with lower incomes, Colorado's Medicaid program, Health First Colorado, or the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program may be vital resources. Colorado expanded Medicaid in 2014, meaning adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. Additionally, Colorado's CHP+ program provides coverage for pregnant women with incomes up to 195% FPL and children in households up to 260% FPL. These programs ensure that essential healthcare is accessible, especially for vulnerable populations who might not otherwise afford private insurance. Applications for Health First Colorado and CHP+ can be submitted through Colorado PEAK at colorado.gov/PEAK. Understanding these options is crucial for ensuring all employees have access to necessary care, even if they don't enroll in an employer-sponsored plan.

Making the Right Health Insurance Decision for Your Business

Choosing the best health insurance strategy for your Severance landscaping business involves weighing your budget, employee demographics, and administrative capacity.

If your business has two or more full-time employees (excluding the owner) and you want to offer a consistent benefit, a traditional small group plan might be the best fit. This provides a strong recruiting tool and allows for tax-deductible premiums.
If you prefer to control costs with a fixed allowance and empower employees to choose their own plans, an ICHRA offers flexibility and administrative simplicity. Employees can then leverage Connect for Health Colorado to find a plan that suits them.
If your business is very small or you wish to keep administrative overhead to a minimum, directing employees to individual plans on Connect for Health Colorado, where many can access subsidies, provides a cost-effective solution for both parties.

Severance, with its population of 10,130 and a median income of $124,572, sits within Weld County (population 350,396) in Rating Area 4. The county's 2.2% uninsured rate in Severance is significantly lower than the county average of 8.0%, suggesting a strong existing base of insured residents. Ensuring your landscaping team has access to care, potentially through providers affiliated with Banner North Colorado Medical Center or Uchealth Greeley Hospital, is key to their well-being and your business's success. A licensed health insurance producer specializing in small business benefits can provide tailored advice and help you compare plans from carriers like Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, and United Healthcare to find the optimal solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health insurance options for small landscaping businesses in Severance, CO?

Small landscaping businesses in Severance, Colorado, can explore traditional small 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 business size, budget, and employee needs.

Can my landscaping company get group health insurance in Weld County?

Yes, small group health insurance is available for eligible landscaping companies in Weld County, including Severance. Eligibility typically requires at least two full-time employees (excluding the owner/spouse) and meeting minimum participation rates. Carriers like Cigna and United Healthcare offer small group plans in the area.

Are subsidies available for employees of small businesses buying individual plans in Colorado?

Yes, employees of small landscaping businesses in Severance, Colorado, may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions if they purchase individual health plans through Connect for Health Colorado, provided their household income falls within eligible ranges (100-400% FPL) and they do not have access to affordable, minimum-value employer-sponsored coverage.

What is an ICHRA and how can it help my landscaping business?

An Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) allows a landscaping business to reimburse employees tax-free for individual health insurance premiums and qualified medical expenses. This provides employees with choice and flexibility while giving the employer predictable budget control, without the administrative burden of a traditional group plan.