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

Health Insurance for Plumbing Small Businesses in Burlington, Colorado

Small businesses in Burlington with 1-50 employees can access group health plans or offer individual plans through Connect for Health Colorado.
In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 9, which includes Kit Carson County.
Eligible small businesses may qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, covering up to 50% of premium costs.
Colorado's expanded Medicaid program, Health First Colorado, covers adults up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

For plumbing contractors and small business owners in Burlington, Colorado, providing health insurance to your team is a key decision for recruitment, retention, and employee well-being. With a population of 3,152 and a median income of $74,308 per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, Burlington's small businesses need practical and affordable benefits solutions. Understanding your options, from traditional group plans to individual coverage with subsidies, is essential for finding the right fit for your plumbing business.

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What Health Insurance Options Are Available for Small Plumbing Businesses in Burlington?

Small plumbing businesses in Burlington, Colorado, typically have two primary approaches to offering health benefits: traditional small group health insurance or facilitating access to individual marketplace plans. The choice depends on factors like the number of employees, budget, and desired level of employer contribution.

Burlington, located in Kit Carson County, is part of Colorado Rating Area 9, which covers Alamosa, Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Cheyenne, Clear Creek, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, Elbert, Fremont, Gilpin, Huerfano, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Lake, Las Animas, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Otero, Park, Phillips, Prowers, Pueblo, Sedgwick, Washington, Yuma counties. The county has a population of 7,023 and an uninsured rate of 12.0% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Kit Carson County does not have acute care hospitals within its boundaries, meaning residents often travel to neighboring counties for hospital services.

Small Group Health Insurance

Small group plans are designed for businesses with 1 to 50 employees. These plans are purchased by the employer and offered to eligible employees. In Colorado, small group plans are guaranteed issue, meaning an insurer cannot deny coverage based on the health status of employees or their dependents. Key features include:

Employer Contribution: Employers typically contribute a percentage of the employees' monthly premiums, often 50% or more.
Employee Participation: Most plans require a minimum percentage of eligible employees (usually 70%) to enroll to prevent adverse selection.
Tax Benefits: Employer contributions to group health insurance premiums are generally tax-deductible for the business.
Plan Types: You can choose from various plan types, including Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO), and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, offering different levels of network flexibility.

Individual Marketplace Plans via Connect for Health Colorado

For very small plumbing businesses (especially those with only the owner and no common-law employees) or those seeking more flexibility, directing employees to Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official health insurance marketplace, is an option.

Premium Tax Credits: Employees with household incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for significant premium tax credits, reducing their monthly costs.
Cost-Sharing Reductions: Those with incomes up to 250% FPL may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions, which lower out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles and copays, particularly with Silver plans.
Plan Choice: Individuals can choose from a wide array of plans (HMO, EPO, PPO) and metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) that best suit their personal health needs and budget.

Understanding the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for Plumbing Businesses

The Small Business Health Care Tax Credit can significantly reduce the cost of offering health insurance for eligible plumbing businesses in Burlington. This credit is available to small employers that pay at least 50% of their employees' health insurance premiums. To qualify for the maximum credit, your business must:

Have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
Pay average annual wages of less than $60,000 per FTE.
Contribute at least 50% of the premium cost for each employee's health insurance coverage.
Offer a qualified health plan through Connect for Health Colorado's Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP).

The credit can cover up to 50% of your contribution to employee premiums for up to two consecutive tax years. For tax-exempt organizations, the maximum credit is 35%. This credit can make offering health benefits much more affordable for small plumbing operations.

Health Insurance Carriers in Burlington

In 2026, 6 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 9, which includes Kit Carson County and Burlington. Small businesses seeking group plans will find options from these and other insurers. The carriers confirmed to offer plans in this area are:

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

These carriers offer a range of plan types, including HMO, EPO, and PPO options, allowing plumbing businesses and their employees to choose plans that balance cost, network access, and flexibility.

Navigating Medicaid and CHP+ for Employees in Colorado

For employees of plumbing businesses in Burlington who may have lower incomes, Colorado's expanded Medicaid program, Health First Colorado, offers an important safety net. Colorado expanded Medicaid in 2014, meaning adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can qualify for comprehensive health coverage at little to no cost. Additionally, Colorado's Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) provides coverage for specific groups:

Pregnant women with incomes up to 195% FPL can receive comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. Women at or below 138% FPL would first qualify for Health First Colorado.
Children in households up to 260% FPL are also eligible for CHP+.

Applications for Health First Colorado and CHP+ can be submitted through Colorado PEAK (colorado.gov/PEAK). Understanding these programs is crucial for ensuring all employees and their families have access to necessary medical care.

Making the Right Health Insurance Decision for Your Plumbing Business

Choosing the right health insurance strategy for your plumbing business in Burlington requires careful consideration of your budget, the number of employees, and their individual needs.

Scenario	Recommended Action	Potential Benefits
1-2 Employees (including owner)	Explore individual plans on Connect for Health Colorado; consider ICHRA.	Individual subsidies for employees; owner can deduct premiums if self-employed.
3-10 Employees	Compare small group plans with individual marketplace options and tax credits.	Tax credit eligibility (up to 50%); strong recruitment tool; predictable employer costs.
Employees with Low Income	Direct employees to Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or CHP+.	Comprehensive, low-cost coverage for eligible individuals; reduces uninsured rate.
Focus on Employee Retention	Offer a traditional small group plan with significant employer contribution.	Higher employee satisfaction; competitive benefits package; simplified enrollment for employees.

A licensed health insurance producer specializing in small business benefits can help you evaluate these options, navigate eligibility requirements for tax credits, and compare specific plans from carriers like Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, and United Healthcare available in Burlington's Rating Area 9.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum requirements for a small business group health plan in Colorado?

In Colorado, most small group plans require at least 70% of eligible employees to participate, excluding those who already have coverage through a spouse or another source. The business must also have at least one common-law employee (not including the owner or spouse) to qualify for a small group plan.

Can plumbing small business owners in Burlington get tax credits for health insurance?

Yes, eligible small business owners (with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees) can qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, which can cover up to 50% of premium costs. To be eligible, you must offer a qualified health plan through Connect for Health Colorado and pay at least 50% of your employees' premium costs.

Are PPO plans available for small businesses in Burlington?

Yes, small businesses in Burlington, Colorado, have access to PPO, HMO, and EPO plans through carriers like Denver Health Medical Plan and HMO Colorado. The availability of PPO plans on-exchange in Colorado provides more network flexibility for employees compared to some other states.

What are the differences between group health insurance and individual plans for plumbing businesses?

Group health insurance is offered by the employer, often with employer contributions to premiums, and typically has guaranteed issue regardless of health status. Individual plans are purchased by employees directly through Connect for Health Colorado, with potential for individual subsidies based on household income. Group plans can be a strong recruitment and retention tool, while individual plans offer more personal choice.

Get Your Free Quote

Navigating health insurance options for your plumbing business in Burlington doesn't have to be complicated. A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, compare plans from all available carriers in Rating Area 9, and help you understand potential tax benefits. Get a free, no-obligation quote to find the best health insurance solution for your business and employees.