Individual & Family Health Insurance in Colorado
MARKETPLACE + OFF-MARKETPLACE
Self-employed, between jobs, early retired, or buying coverage for your family? We’ll help you compare Colorado plan options and enroll with confidence.
Local Colorado brokers (Broomfield office, statewide service)
Help with Marketplace (Connect for Health Colorado) and off-Marketplace plans
Side-by-side comparisons: doctors, prescriptions, networks, total cost
Enrollment guidance (Open Enrollment vs Special Enrollment)
Support after you enroll (questions, changes, renewals)
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Choose what best describes your situation.
Self-employed or 1099
Best for:
Business owners and contractors who need flexible coverage.
Between jobs / lost coverage
Best for:
Anyone who recently lost job-based coverage.
Under 30 / low monthly premium
Best for:
People who want worst-case protection and can handle a high deductible.
Your main options (simplified)
Option 1: Marketplace (Connect for Health Colorado)
What it is:
Colorado’s official health insurance Marketplace.
Why people choose it:
- It’s the place to apply for financial help when eligible
- Easy plan comparison across metal tiers
- Supports Special Enrollment when you have a qualifying life event
Option 2: Off-Marketplace (ACA-compliant) plans
What it is:
Plans purchased directly from a carrier (outside the Marketplace).
Why people choose it:
- Sometimes preferred networks or plan designs
- Useful when Marketplace financial help isn’t a fit
Colorado Option plans (what they are)
Colorado Option plans are standardized plan designs intended to make benefits and cost-sharing easier to compare.
What this means
- Benefits and cost-sharing are standardized within each metal tier
- You can compare options more easily across participating companies
- Plan availability varies by county and year
Prefer to talk first? Call (303) 466-9575
Bronze vs Silver vs Gold: how to choose
Plain-English guide:
- Bronze: lower monthly premium, higher cost when you use care
- Silver: balance of premium and cost-sharing (may matter for certain savings programs)
- Gold: higher premium, lower cost when you use care
What we help you estimate:
- Total annual cost (premium + deductible + likely copays)
- Best-fit network for your doctors
- Prescription coverage at your preferred pharmacy
Enrollment timing: can I enroll right now?
Open Enrollment (Marketplace)
Typical window:
Open Enrollment usually runs from early November to mid-January.
For plan year 2026, Open Enrollment ran Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 and is now closed.
Special Enrollment (outside Open Enrollment)
If you have a qualifying life event (for example: losing coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby), you may be able to enroll outside Open Enrollment.
Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
Medicaid eligibility can be assessed year-round, and eligible applicants can enroll any time.
Special Enrollment: what qualifies?
Examples of qualifying life events
- Loss of job-based coverage
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption
- Moving (new county/state)
- Certain income changes that affect eligibility
What we do:
- Confirm whether you likely qualify for Special Enrollment
- Help you gather the right documents
- Compare plan options based on your needs
Self-employed coverage (1099 / small business owners)
Common goals:
- Keep monthly costs predictable
- Maintain access to preferred doctors
- Choose prescription coverage that fits your needs
What we compare:
- Marketplace vs off-Marketplace options
- Network structure (HMO/PPO) and referrals
- Total annual cost, not just monthly premium
Some self-employed clients also want guidance on how coverage fits their overall financial plan. We’ll explain options clearly and recommend you confirm tax questions with a qualified tax professional.
Family coverage: choosing a plan that actually works
What we review:
- Household needs (primary care, specialists, expected usage)
- Pediatric benefits and provider access (as applicable)
- Prescription needs for the whole household
- Total cost exposure (deductible + out-of-pocket max)
Catastrophic (CYA) plans: low premium, very high deductible
Who it’s for:
Individuals under 30, or those who qualify for certain exemptions
Key tradeoff:
Catastrophic plans can lower monthly premiums but may have very high out-of-pocket costs when you use care.
Important note:
Marketplace financial help typically cannot be applied to Catastrophic plans.
What to have ready for your consult
Checklist:
- Zip code and county
- Doctors you want to keep
- Prescriptions + dosages
- Preferred pharmacies
- Household size (who needs coverage)
- A general estimate of household income (to check eligibility for programs)
- Your timeline (need coverage now vs planning ahead)
How it works
Related services
Medicare
Turning 65 or Medicare-eligible
Employer Group Benefits
If you own a business and want employee benefits.
Book your Individual & Family consult
Get clear answers and a confident next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Marketplace and off-Marketplace plans?
Marketplace plans are purchased through Colorado’s official exchange; off-Marketplace plans are purchased directly from a carrier. Both can be ACA-compliant, but eligibility for financial help and enrollment timing can differ.
Can you help me see if I qualify for Special Enrollment?
Yes. If you’ve had a qualifying life event (like losing coverage, moving, marriage, or having a baby), you may be able to enroll outside Open Enrollment.
What is the Colorado Option?
Colorado Option plans are standardized plan designs intended to make benefits and cost-sharing easier to compare within a metal tier.
I’m self-employed—what should I consider first?
Start with your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. We’ll compare options and explain tradeoffs clearly so you can choose confidently.
How do I get started?
Book a consult or call (303) 466-9575.
Important information
- Information on this page is for general guidance and isn’t medical, legal, or tax advice.
- Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by county, carrier, and plan year.
- Enrollment rules and program eligibility can change. We’ll confirm details during your consult.
