Health insurance in Colorado is sold through Connect for Health Colorado, with an estimated 90-130 plans available for 2026. The average Silver-tier premium is $430/mo before subsidies for a 40-year-old non-smoker. Medicaid status: Expanded.
Marketplace
Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado
Avg Silver Premium
$430/mo
Before tax credits, age 40
Medicaid
Expanded
Affordable Care Act status
| Field | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marketplace | Connect for Health Colorado | State-run exchange |
| Open Enrollment 2026 | Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 | Special enrollment for QLEs year-round |
| Plans available | 90-130 | Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum tiers |
| Medicaid expansion | Expanded | Up to 138% FPL |
Premium and plan counts are estimates for 2026 based on prior-year filings and pending rate approvals. Always verify pricing on the marketplace itself before enrolling.
Colorado's Connect for Health Colorado marketplace has been a consistent performer since 2013, and the state has pushed further than most by creating the Colorado Option — a standardized plan that private insurers are required to offer at capped premium rates. This initiative aims to ensure affordable coverage especially in rural mountain communities where insurer competition is thin. The marketplace offers 90–130 plans statewide, with Kaiser Permanente anchoring the Front Range markets and Rocky Mountain Health Plans serving Western Slope communities. Average Silver premiums hover around $420–$445/month before subsidies. Colorado also operates a Section 1332 reinsurance waiver that lowers benchmark premiums.
Colorado expanded Medicaid (Health First Colorado) in 2014 and has seen its uninsured rate decline significantly. The state has aggressively pursued automatic enrollment initiatives and navigator funding to reach rural and Latino communities. Connect for Health Colorado uses its own technology platform separate from Healthcare.gov. The Colorado Option mandates that carriers reduce premiums by 15% by 2026 compared to a baseline, with enforcement mechanisms if targets are missed. These combined policies have made Colorado a national leader in coverage innovation.
Leading 2026 ACA carriers in Colorado: Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Anthem (Elevance), Rocky Mountain Health Plans. Plan selection and network breadth vary widely by ZIP code — use the marketplace's plan-finder tool with your ZIP and household income for accurate availability.
Colorado has implemented a state reinsurance program (1332 waiver) and created the Colorado Option, a standardized public-option-style plan offered by private insurers.
Colorado expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults under 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify — about $20,800/yr for an individual or $43,000/yr for a family of 4 in 2026.
💡 Colorado Pro Tip
Colorado operates its own state-based exchange called Connect for Health Colorado at connectforhealthco.com.
A 40-year-old non-smoker in Colorado typically pays about $420–$445/month for a Silver plan before subsidies. The state reinsurance program helps moderate these costs.
Yes. Colorado (Health First Colorado) expanded Medicaid in 2014. Adults earning up to 138% FPL are generally eligible.
Marketplace data sourced from state and federal exchange filings for Colorado, April 2026. Premium estimates are 2026-projected.
Jennifer Walsh
Editorial Lead, Health & Medicare
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed April 2026
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