Best Health Insurance in Colorado (2026)

Key Takeaways

Kaiser Permanente is Colorado's top health insurance provider, effectively balancing monthly premiums, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs.

Kaiser Permanente provides the cheapest health insurance in Colorado, but its out-of-pocket maximums are not the most affordable available.

Compare quotes from at least three Colorado providers to find coverage matching your needs and budget.

Best Health Insurance Companies in Colorado

Kaiser Permanente is the best health insurance company in Colorado. Other options include Anthem, Denver Health Medical Plan and UnitedHealthcare.


Kaiser Permanente	$542	$9,933	$3,813	4.7	KP Select CO Silver 3800/25%/HSA
Anthem	$645	$9,687	$4,627	4.0	Anthem Silver Pathway Essentials 5000 $0 Select Drugs
Denver Health Medical Plan Inc.	$626	$9,800	$4,400	4.0	Elevate Health Plans Colorado Option Silver
UnitedHealthcare	$677	$10,175	$4,247	3.7	RMHP Monument One Colorado Option Silver

*Our picks are the best health insurance options for 40-year-olds looking for Silver-tier HMO plans.

Kaiser Permanente

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

3.4/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$542
Average MOOP
$9,933
Average Deductible
$3,813

pros
- Below-average monthly premiums across all metal tiers
- Lower deductibles than state average
- HSA-eligible plans
cons
- HMO plans only (no PPO or EPO flexibility)
- Requires staying within Kaiser's provider network for coverage
Kaiser Permanente offers HMO plans across all metal tiers in Colorado, with pricing that varies within each level. A 40-year-old can expect to pay around $412 to $465 monthly for Bronze coverage, which comes with higher deductibles of $6,500 to $8,500. Silver plans run $513 to $578 per month with mid-range deductibles around $3,800. Gold coverage costs $505 to $594 monthly but offers lower deductibles starting at $1,500. MOOP limits range from $1,500 to $9,933 depending on the plan. Premiums increase with age.

Kaiser Permanente Colorado health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


KP Select CO Bronze 8500/50	$412	HMO	Bronze	$9,200	$8,500	No
KP Select CO Bronze 6500/35%/HSA	$433	HMO	Bronze	$7,500	$6,500	Yes
KP Select CO Bronze 6500/50	$420	HMO	Bronze	$9,200	$6,500	No
KP CO Bronze 6500/35%/HSA	$465	HMO	Bronze	$7,500	$6,500	Yes
KP CO Bronze 8500/50	$442	HMO	Bronze	$9,200	$8,500	No
KP CO Bronze 6500/50	$451	HMO	Bronze	$9,200	$6,500	No
KP Colorado Option Bronze	$421	HMO	Bronze	$10,000	$7,500	No
KP Select CO Bronze 7500/60 RX Copay	$427	HMO	Bronze	$10,150	$7,500	No
KP CO Bronze 7500/60 RX Copay	$459	HMO	Bronze	$10,150	$7,500	No

Anthem

MoneyGeek Rating

4.0/ 5

4.2/5Affordability

2.5/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$645
Average MOOP
$9,687
Average Deductible
$4,627

pros
- $2,050 deductibles available on Gold tier plans
- Coverage options span Bronze, Silver, Gold and Catastrophic tiers
- Ranks second statewide for overall health insurance performance
cons
- Offers HMO plans only with restricted network access
- Bronze plans carry around $10,000 deductibles and MOOP exposure
Anthem provides HMO coverage across all metal tiers in Colorado, offering options for different budgets and health care needs. Bronze plans start around $348 monthly, while Silver coverage ranges from $409 to $543 per month for standard plans. Gold plans run $510 to $513 monthly with lower $2,050 deductibles. Deductibles vary, from $2,050 on Gold plans to $10,300 on Bronze coverage. Out-of-pocket maximums range from $7,500 to $10,600, depending on the plan. Premiums increase with age, and Catastrophic plans starting at $299 monthly are available for younger applicants seeking basic coverage.

Anthem Colorado health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


Anthem Colorado Option Gold Pathway Std	$543	HMO	Bronze	$9,600	$2,050	No
Anthem Bronze Pathway Essentials 8300 for HSA	$429	HMO	Bronze	$8,300	$8,300	Yes
Anthem Bronze Mountain Enhanced 8300 for HSA	$479	HMO	Bronze	$8,300	$8,300	Yes
Anthem Colorado Option Bronze Pathway Essentials Std	$434	HMO	Bronze	$10,000	$7,500	No
Anthem Colorado Option Bronze Mountain Enhanced Std	$436	HMO	Bronze	$10,000	$7,500	No
Anthem Bronze Pathway 8300 for HSA	$519	HMO	Bronze	$8,300	$8,300	Yes
Anthem Bronze Pathway Essentials 5650 Rx Copay $0 Select Drugs	$427	HMO	Bronze	$10,600	$5,650	No
Anthem Bronze Pathway Essentials 6000 $0 Select Drugs	$418	HMO	Bronze	$10,600	$6,000	No
Anthem Colorado Option Bronze Pathway Std	$462	HMO	Bronze	$10,000	$7,500	No
Anthem Bronze Mountain Enhanced 5650 Rx Copay $0 Select Drugs	$477	HMO	Bronze	$10,600	$5,650	No
Anthem Bronze Mountain Enhanced 6000 $0 Select Drugs	$467	HMO	Bronze	$10,600	$6,000	No
Anthem Bronze Pathway Essentials 10300 $0 Select Drugs	$409	HMO	Bronze	$10,300	$10,300	No
Anthem Bronze Pathway 5650 Rx Copay $0 Select Drugs	$516	HMO	Bronze	$10,600	$5,650	No
Anthem Bronze Pathway 6000 $0 Select Drugs	$506	HMO	Bronze	$10,600	$6,000	No
Anthem Bronze Mountain Enhanced 10300 $0 Select Drugs	$457	HMO	Bronze	$10,300	$10,300	No
Anthem Bronze Pathway 10300 $0 Select Drugs	$495	HMO	Bronze	$10,300	$10,300	No

Denver Health Medical Plan Inc

MoneyGeek Rating

4.0/ 5

4.4/5Affordability

2.8/5Deductible

4.3/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$649
Average MOOP
$9,800
Average Deductible
$4,400

pros
- Ranks highly in Colorado for overall affordability and value
- Gold plans offer competitive $2,050 deductibles across all options
- Coverage available across Bronze, Silver and Gold metal tiers
cons
- Offers HMO plans only, limiting provider network flexibility
- Bronze plans carry high deductibles ranging from $6,950 to $7,500
Denver Health Medical Plan offers HMO coverage across Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers with a wide range of pricing options. A 40-year-old can find Bronze plans starting around $362 monthly, though some Bronze options reach $459 per month. Silver plans range from $501 to $626 monthly, while Gold coverage spans $431 to $538. Deductibles vary by tier, with Gold plans offering the lowest at $2,050, compared to $4,400 for Silver and up to $7,500 for Bronze. Maximum out-of-pocket limits range from $7,100 to $10,000, depending on the plan. Premiums increase with age, and catastrophic plans are available for younger applicants seeking basic coverage.

Denver Health Medical Plan Colorado health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


Elevate Health Plans HSA Bronze HDHP	$452	HMO	Bronze	$7,100	$6,950	Yes
Elevate Health Plans Colorado Option Bronze	$459	HMO	Bronze	$10,000	$7,500	No

Best Health Insurance in Colorado by Category

Health insurance rates in Colorado change based on your age and plan type. Silver-tier premiums range from $387 to $1,251 monthly across different age groups.

By Age:

Teens (18): Kaiser Permanente HMO plans cost $387 monthly, while Select Health EPO plans cost $421.
Young adults (26): Kaiser Permanente HMO coverage runs $434 monthly, and Select Health EPO plans cost $472.
Adults (40): Kaiser Permanente HMO plans cost $542 monthly, while Select Health EPO plans run $589.
Seniors (60): Kaiser Permanente HMO plans cost $1,151 monthly, and Select Health EPO coverage costs $1,251.

By Plan Type:

HMO: Kaiser Permanente offers the most affordable HMO coverage for 40-year-olds at $542 monthly with a $3,813 deductible and $9,933 MOOP.
EPO: Select Health charges 40-year-olds $589 monthly with a $3,600 deductible and $9,888 MOOP.

All rates are averages based on Silver plans for the given category.

Compare Colorado Health Insurance Providers

Colorado insurers offer different premiums, deductibles and MOOP costs. Filter results by age, metal level, plan type and HSA eligibility to find your best options.

Data filtered by:


Kaiser Permanente	$542	HMO	Silver	$9,933	$3,813	40	No
Anthem	$645	HMO	Silver	$9,687	$4,627	40	No
Denver Health Medical Plan Inc.	$626	HMO	Silver	$9,800	$4,400	40	No
UnitedHealthcare	$677	HMO	Silver	$10,175	$4,247	40	No

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Colorado

Choosing health insurance in Colorado means weighing premiums against deductibles, network access and coverage limits.

1
Assess Your Health Care Needs
Review your current medications, planned procedures and how often you visit doctors to determine which coverage level makes sense. Past medical expenses help predict future costs and guide your deductible choice. Consider chronic conditions that require ongoing care, as these significantly impact your annual health care spending in Colorado's diverse health care landscape.
2
Compare Multiple Insurance Quotes
Request rates from at least three Colorado health insurance companies to identify price differences and variations in coverage. Major insurers like Kaiser Permanente, Cigna and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield offer different pricing structures across Denver, Colorado Springs and other Front Range communities. Comparing quotes reveals saving opportunities that vary by location and age.
3
Verify Provider Networks
Confirm your preferred doctors, specialists and hospitals accept plans you're considering. Out-of-network care costs more and may require full payment upfront. Colorado's major medical centers, including University of Colorado Hospital and Presbyterian/Saint Joseph Hospital, participate in different networks. Network restrictions affect rural areas like the Western Slope where provider options are limited.
4
Review Cost-Sharing Details
Higher deductibles lower monthly premiums but increase upfront costs when you need care. Your out-of-pocket maximum caps annual expenses, limiting your total costs even during major medical events. Balance monthly affordability with potential health care expenses, especially important for Colorado residents participating in outdoor activities that increase injury risk.
5
Evaluate Plan Types
HMOs, PPOs, EPOs and POS plans each offer different trade-offs between cost and flexibility. HMOs require referrals but cost less, while PPOs offer freedom to see specialists without approval at higher premiums. EPOs and POS plans fall between these options, providing moderate flexibility and costs for Colorado families.
6
Explore Government Programs
Federal subsidies and Medicare plans make health insurance more affordable for eligible Colorado residents. If you have low income, qualifying disabilities or are 65 or older, explore Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options. Colorado's state marketplace also offers premium tax credits that reduce monthly costs based on household income.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Colorado?

EPO plans offer the cheapest Bronze and Silver coverage in Colorado at $483 and $594 monthly. HMO plans cost slightly more for these tiers at $498 and $625, respectively. For Gold coverage, HMO plans are more affordable at $560 compared to EPO plans at $573 monthly.

Neither EPO nor HMO plans offer Platinum coverage in Colorado. EPO plans provide more flexibility than HMOs while remaining more affordable than PPO options. PPO and POS plans may be available but generally cost more across all coverage tiers.


EPO	$483	$594	$573	No Data
HMO	$498	$625	$560	No Data

*Rates are averages for 40-year-olds in Colorado. Your rates will vary based on your age and location.

Best Health Insurance in Colorado: Bottom Line

Kaiser Permanente, Anthem and Denver Health Medical Plan lead Colorado's health insurance market for 2026. Kaiser Permanente delivers the best combination of affordable premiums and comprehensive coverage, while competitors charge higher monthly rates with steeper deductibles.

Best Colorado Health Insurance: FAQ

Colorado residents frequently ask about enrollment deadlines, state coverage requirements and coordinating multiple insurance plans:

How do I get health insurance in Colorado?

Colorado residents can get health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado, the state's official marketplace or directly from insurance companies and licensed brokers. Open enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15 for 2026 coverage. Special enrollment periods are available after qualifying life events like marriage, job loss or relocation. Many employers also offer group health plans.

Are you required to have health insurance in Colorado?

Colorado doesn't require health insurance, but without coverage, you'll pay the full price for medical care. A basic doctor visit can cost hundreds of dollars, while emergency treatment may reach thousands out of pocket.

Can you have multiple health insurance plans in Colorado?

Yes, you can have multiple health insurance plans in Colorado. Through coordination of benefits, your primary plan pays first and your secondary plan may help cover remaining costs. This setup commonly occurs when both spouses have employer-provided coverage or when combining Medicare with supplemental insurance.

Our Review Methodology

Colorado's health insurance market features mostly HMO plans. Our rankings focus heavily on monthly premiums since they create the biggest ongoing cost. We also factor in maximum out-of-pocket limits and deductibles, which affect your total yearly spending.

Our Scoring System

We weighted three cost factors:

Monthly premium (60%): Your recurring monthly payment. Lower premiums earn higher scores.
Maximum out-of-pocket (20%): The most you'll pay each year beyond premiums. Lower limits score better.
Deductible (20%): What you pay before coverage starts. Lower deductibles get higher scores.

Scores are adjusted by filter combination. For Silver-tier HMO plans, the best provider gets 5.0 points. Other providers are scored based on how they compare.

Sample Consumer Profile

We reviewed all 2026 Colorado plans for ages 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Pricing shows 40-year-old rates unless stated otherwise. We included Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

Read Full Bio »

Best Health Insurance in Colorado (2026)

Best Health Insurance Companies in Colorado

Best Health Insurance in Colorado by Category

Compare Colorado Health Insurance Providers

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Colorado

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Colorado?

Best Health Insurance in Colorado: Bottom Line

Best Colorado Health Insurance: FAQ

How do I get health insurance in Colorado?

Are you required to have health insurance in Colorado?

Can you have multiple health insurance plans in Colorado?

Our Review Methodology

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