There are many public health insurance plans and options that make healthcare accessible to all Colorado residents. These services are provided through the U.S. federal government or Colorado Medicaid and Medicare programs. These public health insurance programs are available to you in the event that you do not want to enroll in private health insurance or are unable to afford other health insurance options.
Click on an area below to be taken to more detailed pages about Obamacare (The Affordable Care Act), Medicaid, or Medicare programs, plans, options, and FAQs.
ObamaCare, The Affordable Care Act
Obamacare, or The Affordable Care Act, refers to any health care insurance plan that can be bought through the federally operated Health Insurance Marketplace. When applying for Obamacare, you may find that you also qualify for cost assistance or government subsidies. Sixty percent of Colorado enrollees through the exchange qualify for subsidies to help them pay for the coverage.
The following options are available on the exchange:
- Bright Health Insurance Company
- Cigna
- Colorado Choice
- Denver Health Medical Plan
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Kaiser
- Rocky Mountain HMO
You can also shop off the exchange for payers like Golden Rule and Rocky Mountain Health Plan. If you opt to go outside the exchange for more options, you would lose your subsidies if you qualify for financial assistance. As a note, a carrier off the exchange may still be less expensive than a carrier on the exchange, even with financial assistance. This is why it is so important to know your available options.
Learn more about the Obamacare program, Marketplace, plans, and FAQs
Colorado Medicaid: Health Insurance For Low-Income
Colorado Medicaid is the state-funded health insurance for low-income individuals, families, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. In 2013 Colorado expanded its Medicaid program in response to the growing need of its citizens and now offers coverage to 1.2 million Colorado citizens. They have successfully been able to reduce their uninsured population by 50% because of their generous Medicaid program. There are still a few hundred thousand citizens that are eligible, but are not aware, so if you have been denied in the past, it is encouraged that you attempt to register again.
Learn more about the Colorado Medicaid program, plans, options, and FAQs
Colorado Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance for those who are 65 years of age or older, or who have a specific disability such as end-stage renal disease. If you have Medicare Part A today, you meet the requirements for qualified health coverage per the Affordable Care Act. Medicare Part B, unfortunately, does not meet this requirement so you will need additional health insurance coverage to avoid The Affordable Care Act penalty. Today, 14% of Colorado’s population receives Medicare benefits.
Colorado Medicare programs and services include:
- Original Medicare Plans - Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance)
- Medicare Advantage Plan - Part C
- Medicare Rx Plan - Part D
- Medigap
- HICAP
Learn more about the Colorado Medicare program, plans, options, and FAQs
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