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Colorado Marketplace Plans, Explained by a Broker Who Works for You
Who Qualifies for Premium Tax Credits — and Who Doesn't Need One to Benefit
Premium tax credits in Colorado are income-based. If your household income falls within a certain range relative to the federal poverty level, you may qualify for a monthly credit that reduces what you owe for your premium. The only way to receive that credit is to enroll through Connect for Health Colorado.
If your income is too high to qualify for a tax credit, that doesn't mean the Marketplace isn't the right fit. Marketplace plans remain one of the strongest options for individuals and families who need guaranteed coverage for pre-existing conditions, who want a familiar plan structure with networks and copays, or who simply want the peace of mind that comes with a fully regulated ACA plan. We compare Marketplace options for every household — subsidized or not.
A few things that affect tax credit eligibility worth knowing before your consultation:
- Enhanced federal premium tax credits that were introduced during the pandemic have now expired, which raised net premiums for many Colorado enrollees in 2026 and 2027
- Eligibility is based on projected household income for the coverage year, not last year's tax return
- Life changes — marriage, a new job, losing other coverage — can affect what you qualify for mid-year
- We check eligibility during your consultation so you're not guessing
Connect for Health Colorado is the state's official health insurance marketplace, and it's the only place where premium tax credits are available to Colorado residents. If you qualify for financial help, you must enroll through Connect for Health Colorado to access it. Lighthouse Group is a certified broker on the platform, which means we can shop plans on your behalf, apply your tax credits at enrollment, and walk you through every decision — at no added cost to you.
Marketplace premiums are set by insurance carriers and filed with the state. They are identical whether you enroll on your own or with a broker. Our help doesn't change what you pay. It changes how well you understand what you're buying.
ACA marketplace plans are required by law to cover pre-existing conditions and a defined set of essential health benefits, including hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health services, and preventive care. Those protections apply regardless of your income, your health history, or whether you receive a tax credit.
How ACA Marketplace Plans Work in Colorado
What to Know About 2027 Open Enrollment in Colorado
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage begins November 1, 2026. If you're already enrolled in a Marketplace plan, you'll be auto-renewed into your current plan before open enrollment opens — but auto-renewal is rarely the best financial decision, because plans, networks, and premiums change from year to year.
Statewide, carriers have requested average premium increases of around 11% for 2027. In western Colorado and mountain communities, those increases are running higher. If your premium jumped at renewal and you're not sure why, the expiration of enhanced federal tax credits is a likely factor — and a conversation with us can help you figure out whether a different plan or a different coverage type makes more sense for your household.
Colorado Option plans are worth understanding as you compare. These are standardized health plans offered by participating carriers that are required to meet specific cost-sharing benchmarks and network standards set by the state. They're designed to be more affordable and more predictable than standard Marketplace plans, and they're available through Connect for Health Colorado alongside traditional ACA options. We'll walk you through how they compare for your situation.
How to Name Lighthouse Group as Your Broker on Connect for Health Colorado
If you're already enrolled through Connect for Health Colorado and want our help managing your plan, you can designate Lighthouse Group as your broker without changing your coverage or your premium. The process takes a few minutes inside your Connect for Health Colorado account.
If you're new to the Marketplace or enrolling for the first time, we handle the broker designation as part of your enrollment. You don't need to do anything separately. Once we're listed as your broker of record, we can access your account, compare plan options with you, and assist with renewals, changes, and questions throughout the year — at no charge to you.
To get started, request a consultation through the form on this page or schedule directly with one of our advisors. We'll confirm your eligibility, walk through your plan options, and handle enrollment from start to finish.
Does it cost more to use a health insurance broker?
Generally, you don't pay us a separate fee to help you compare and enroll in the plans we represent. Insurance carriers may compensate brokers when an enrollment occurs.
We'll explain our role, review the options available to you, and help you understand what you're considering before you make a decision.
How do insurance brokers get paid?
Insurance brokers are commonly compensated by insurance carriers when clients enroll in certain plans. That allows us to help clients review coverage without charging a separate consultation fee in many situations.
If anything about our compensation applies differently to your situation, we'll explain it before you enroll.
What's the difference between an insurance broker and an agent?
Some insurance agents represent a single insurance company. Independent brokers can work with multiple carriers.
As an independent brokerage, Lighthouse Group can review plans from the insurance companies we represent and help you compare factors such as premiums, benefits, provider networks, and prescription coverage.
Can a broker help me after I enroll?
Yes. Our relationship doesn't have to end when you choose a plan.
We can continue helping with questions about your coverage, renewals, plan changes, and other issues that come up along the way. If something isn't making sense, you have someone you can ask.
Why not just buy a plan on my own?
You absolutely can.
The challenge is that a plan name and monthly premium don't tell you everything. Your doctors, prescriptions, provider network, deductible, and expected healthcare needs can all affect how well a plan works for you.
We help you look beyond the price tag so you can better understand what you're choosing before you enroll.
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Common Questions About Colorado Marketplace Plans
When is open enrollment in Colorado for 2027 coverage?
Open enrollment for 2027 begins November 1, 2026, and typically runs through January 15, 2027. If you miss the open enrollment window, you'll need a qualifying life event — like losing other coverage, getting married, or having a child — to enroll mid-year through a special enrollment period.Open enrollment for 2027 begins November 1, 2026, and typically runs through January 15, 2027. If you miss the open enrollment window, you'll need a qualifying life event — like losing other coverage, getting married, or having a child — to enroll mid-year through a special enrollment period.Does using a broker cost more than enrolling on my own?
No. Marketplace premiums are set by insurance carriers and filed with the state. The price is identical whether you enroll through a broker or directly through Connect for Health Colorado. Brokers are compensated by the carriers, not by you.No. Marketplace premiums are set by insurance carriers and filed with the state. The price is identical whether you enroll through a broker or directly through Connect for Health Colorado. Brokers are compensated by the carriers, not by you.Can I get a Marketplace plan if I don't qualify for a premium tax credit?
Yes. Tax credit eligibility doesn't determine whether you can enroll in a Marketplace plan — it only determines whether you receive financial help with your premium. Marketplace plans must cover pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits for all enrollees, regardless of income or subsidy status.Yes. Tax credit eligibility doesn't determine whether you can enroll in a Marketplace plan — it only determines whether you receive financial help with your premium. Marketplace plans must cover pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits for all enrollees, regardless of income or subsidy status.What is a Colorado Option plan?
Colorado Option plans are standardized ACA-compliant health plans that carriers participating in the state program are required to offer through Connect for Health Colorado. They're designed to meet specific affordability and network standards set by the state, and they're available alongside traditional Marketplace plans. Whether a Colorado Option plan is the right fit depends on your providers, your location, and your household budget — something we help you work through during your consultation.Colorado Option plans are standardized ACA-compliant health plans that carriers participating in the state program are required to offer through Connect for Health Colorado. They're designed to meet specific affordability and network standards set by the state, and they're available alongside traditional Marketplace plans. Whether a Colorado Option plan is the right fit depends on your providers, your location, and your household budget — something we help you work through during your consultation.What is a special enrollment period, and do I qualify for one?
A special enrollment period is a window outside of open enrollment during which you can sign up for or change a Marketplace plan. You typically qualify if you've experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days — losing job-based coverage, moving to a new coverage area, getting married or divorced, having a baby, or losing Medicaid eligibility are common examples. We can help you determine whether your situation qualifies and walk you through the enrollment process.A special enrollment period is a window outside of open enrollment during which you can sign up for or change a Marketplace plan. You typically qualify if you've experienced a qualifying life event in the past 60 days — losing job-based coverage, moving to a new coverage area, getting married or divorced, having a baby, or losing Medicaid eligibility are common examples. We can help you determine whether your situation qualifies and walk you through the enrollment process.
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Your Renewal Isn't Your Only Option
Most people re-enroll in whatever plan they had last year because switching feels complicated. We make it straightforward. Every fall, we review what's available on the Colorado health insurance marketplace for the coming year, compare it against what you're currently paying, and tell you plainly whether staying put or switching saves you money. If your premium jumped and you're wondering whether there's a better fit, that's exactly the conversation we're here for.
Lighthouse Group has helped Colorado families, self-employed individuals, and small business owners navigate the Marketplace since 2015. We're a certified broker on Connect for Health Colorado, we're independent, and we compare plans across carriers — not just the ones that pay us the most to sell them.
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