Service
Simplified ACA & Marketplace Enrollment
Navigating health insurance plans doesn’t have to feel like homework. John Lazas provides free, local and national guidance to help individuals and families maximize their subsidies, decode the metal tiers, and keep their doctors in-network.
Built for individuals who want real help with the exchange
Every year, thousands of Colorado residents try to navigate Connect for Health Colorado on their own, and thousands end up with plans that don’t include their doctor, miss out on subsidies they qualified for, or pick the wrong tier for their actual usage. The marketplace offers real savings, but only if you know where to look.
Whether you’re newly self-employed, recently lost employer coverage, moving to Boulder from another state, or simply shopping for better rates, John provides the same expert guidance a large corporation gives its HR department at no cost to you.
Maximize your subsidies
We calculate your Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTC) using current income guidelines so you never leave money on the table.
Live provider search
We confirm your specific doctors at Boulder Community Health, UCHealth, and Boulder Medical Center are in-network before you enroll.
Metal tier guidance
We match you to the right Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum plan based on how you actually use healthcare — not just the lowest premium.
Colorado Option explained
We walk you through the state’s standardized plans including their $0 primary care and mental health copays, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
The four metal tiers: which one fits Boulder residents?
One of the most common mistakes on the Colorado exchange is choosing a plan based on the monthly premium alone. The metal tier you choose determines how costs are split between you and the insurer, and the right choice depends entirely on how much healthcare you actually use.
Bronze
Lowest premium, highest out-of-pocket costs. Best for healthy individuals who rarely need care and want catastrophic protection only.
Silver
Middle ground. The only tier eligible for Cost Sharing Reductions (CSRs). Best for most Boulder families who qualify for subsidies.
Gold
Higher premium, lower out-of-pocket. Best for those with regular prescriptions, ongoing care, or who expect to use their plan frequently.
Platinum
Highest premium, lowest cost-sharing. Best for high utilizers who want maximum predictability in their healthcare spending.
The Silver tier advantage most people miss
Silver plans are the only tier where Cost Sharing Reductions (CSRs) apply: an additional subsidy that lowers your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. If your income qualifies, a Silver plan with CSRs often delivers more value than a Gold plan at a lower premium. John runs this comparison for every client.
What is the Colorado Option plan?
Introduced to increase transparency and lower barriers to care, the Colorado Option is a standardized health plan that every marketplace insurer operating in Colorado must offer. Unlike standard plans where benefits vary widely between carriers, Colorado Option plans follow a fixed structure making them easier to compare and understand.
| Feature | Standard marketplace plan | Colorado Option plan |
|---|---|---|
| Primary care visits | Varies; often a copay or coinsurance | $0 copay |
| Mental health visits | Varies by carrier | $0 copay |
| Cost structure | Mix of copays and coinsurance percentages | Fixed dollar copays; you know what you'll pay |
| Prenatal care | Varies | $0 copay |
| Diabetes management | Varies | $0 or low fixed copay |
| Carrier options | All participating carriers | Available from Anthem, Kaiser, and others in Boulder County |
For Boulder families who value predictable costs and access to preventive care, a Colorado Option plan is often the clearest, most straightforward choice on the exchange. John explains exactly how each option compares for your specific situation.
You may be able to enroll right now
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) open outside of Open Enrollment if you’ve recently moved to Boulder, lost employer coverage, had a baby, got married or divorced, or experienced other qualifying life events. John confirms your SEP eligibility immediately. Don’t assume you have to wait.
Common questions about ACA marketplace enrollment in Boulder
How do I know if I qualify for a health insurance subsidy in Boulder?
Subsidies are based on your household size and estimated 2026 income. In Boulder County, individuals earning between roughly $15,000 and $60,000 annually often qualify for Advanced Premium Tax Credits. John uses the official Connect for Health Colorado calculators to give you an exact net monthly cost before you commit to anything.
What is the Colorado Option plan and is it right for me?
Colorado Option plans are standardized health plans required to be offered by every marketplace insurer in Colorado. They feature $0 copays for primary care and mental health visits, and use fixed dollar copays instead of coinsurance percentages so you always know what you’ll pay at the doctor. They’re a strong choice for Boulder families who want predictable costs and good preventive care coverage.
Can I keep my Boulder Medical Center or UCHealth doctor on an ACA plan?
It depends on the specific carrier and plan. Network participation changes every year. A provider in-network one year may not be contracted the following year. John performs a live provider search for every client to confirm your specific doctors and facilities are actively participating in the plan before you enroll, not just listed in an outdated directory.
Which metal tier should I choose on the Colorado exchange?
The right tier depends on how much healthcare you actually use. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but highest out-of-pocket costs: good for healthy individuals who rarely need care. Silver plans unlock Cost Sharing Reductions if your income qualifies, making them the best value for many Boulder families. Gold works best for those with regular prescriptions or ongoing care needs. John runs the full cost projection for your situation before making a recommendation.
When is Open Enrollment for 2026 health insurance in Colorado?
The standard Open Enrollment window runs November 1 through January 15. Coverage purchased by December 15 typically starts January 1. However, if you’ve recently moved to Boulder, lost employer coverage, had a baby, or experienced another qualifying life event, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period right now, regardless of where we are in the calendar year.
I missed Open Enrollment. What are my options in Boulder?
You may still have options. First, John checks whether you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period based on recent life changes. If not, private off-exchange plans including medically underwritten PPOs are available year-round and don’t require an enrollment window. John compares both paths so you’re never left without coverage.
Does it cost more to use John instead of enrolling on Connect for Health Colorado myself?
No. Premiums on the Colorado exchange are set by the carriers; you pay the exact same monthly cost whether you enroll through John or directly on the website. The difference is that John checks your subsidy eligibility, verifies your provider network, explains the Colorado Option, and handles the application all at no additional charge.
What is a Special Enrollment Period and do I qualify?
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a window outside of standard Open Enrollment during which you can sign up for or change health insurance. Qualifying events include moving to Boulder from another state, losing employer or Medicaid coverage, getting married or divorced, having a baby, or turning 26 and aging off a parent’s plan. SEPs typically last 60 days from the qualifying event. John confirms your eligibility immediately.
Find out exactly what you qualify for.
Schedule a free 15-minute call and John will calculate your exact subsidy eligibility and net monthly cost. No guessing, no generic website estimates.
Local Expertise. Real Coverage. Zero Confusion.
Serving Boulder and the Front Range with personalized health insurance guidance. No 1-800 numbers, no confusion, just real local expertise.
