Colorado has 108 Medicare Advantage plans available in 2026, down from 132 plans in 2025 as several carriers trimmed or exited their Colorado offerings. About 487,000 Coloradans are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, representing roughly 46% of the state's 1.06 million Medicare beneficiaries. That rate sits slightly below the national average of 55%, partly because Colorado's Front Range urban market is well-served while rural mountain counties have far fewer choices. The average monthly premium in 2026 is $13, nearly matching the national MA average of $14, with 97% of Colorado Medicare beneficiaries having access to at least one $0 premium plan.
Kaiser Permanente dominates the Colorado Front Range (Denver metro, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs) with eight HMO and HMO-POS plans earning 4.5-star CMS ratings in 2026. UnitedHealthcare offers the broadest footprint with 10 plans at a 4.5-star average, while Humana provides 10 plans with eight at $0 premium. Mountain and western slope counties face a sharply different picture: Pitkin County (Aspen), Garfield County (Glenwood Springs), and similar rural areas may have only 6 to 12 plans, with higher premiums and narrower networks. Colorado also lost Clear Spring Health from the MA market in June 2026, reducing rural-county options further.
Colorado seniors who qualify for both Health First Colorado (the state Medicaid program) and Medicare can enroll in Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), which coordinate both programs in one plan and typically carry $0 premiums and $0 copays. This guide covers the 2026 Colorado Medicare Advantage market: plan counts, carriers, what to compare when shopping, and enrollment dates. The Annual Election Period runs October 15 to December 7, 2026, with coverage beginning January 1, 2027. Colorado's free Medicare counseling service (SHIP, administered through the Colorado Division of Insurance) offers unbiased guidance at no cost.
2026 Medicare Advantage Market Overview in Colorado
In 2026, Colorado has 108 Medicare Advantage plans available, with 487,000 beneficiaries enrolled (46% MA penetration). The average monthly premium is $13 and the statewide average Star Rating is 4.0.
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Colorado (2026)| Carrier | Plans | Avg Star Rating | Avg Premium |
|---|
| Kaiser Permanente | 8 | 4.5 | $0/mo |
| UnitedHealthcare | 10 | 4.5 | $20/mo |
| Humana | 10 | 3.5 | $4/mo |
| Aetna (CVS Health) | 6 | 3.0 | $8/mo |
| Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield | 14 | 3.5 | $15/mo |
| WellCare (Centene) | 18 | 3.5 | $5/mo |
| HealthSpring (HCSC) | 12 | 3.5 | $10/mo |
Source: KFF Medicare Advantage 2026 Spotlight, CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025, Colorado market data; NerdWallet Colorado Medicare Advantage 2026 carrier analysis
Plan Types in Colorado: HMO vs PPO vs SNP
Medicare Advantage plan-type breakdown in Colorado| Plan Type | Plans Available | Avg Premium | Best For |
|---|
| HMO | 62 | $7/mo | Lower premiums, comfortable staying in Colorado Front Range networks |
| HMO-POS | 14 | $6/mo | HMO base with point-of-service option for occasional out-of-network visits |
| PPO | 24 | $28/mo | Flexibility to see out-of-network providers; important for mountain county residents who travel for care |
| Special Needs Plan (SNP) | 8 | $0/mo | Dual-eligible (Health First Colorado + Medicare), chronic conditions, institutional care |
HMO and HMO-POS plans make up roughly 70% of Colorado's 2026 MA offerings, concentrated in Front Range urban and suburban counties. PPO plans are valuable for Colorado residents in mountain counties who need flexibility to see specialists in Denver.
Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025, Colorado plan-type breakdown; KFF Medicare Advantage 2026 Spotlight Colorado data
County-Level Variance in Colorado
Plan availability in Colorado varies sharply between the urban Front Range and rural mountain counties. Denver and Adams counties offer 50+ plans each; rural mountain counties like Pitkin or Mineral may have only 5 to 10 plans. Premiums also diverge: El Paso County (Colorado Springs) averages $9/mo in 2026, while isolated mountain counties can run $25 to $40/mo due to sparse carrier competition. Colorado residents in mountain counties should also check whether their preferred hospital (often a critical access hospital) is in-network before enrolling.
Plan count and average premium by county in Colorado| County | Plans Available | Avg Premium |
|---|
| Denver County | 51 | $13/mo |
| Adams County | 50 | $13/mo |
| El Paso County | 40 | $9/mo |
| Garfield County | 14 | $22/mo |
| Pitkin County | 8 | $35/mo |
Colorado plan counts and premiums are from CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025. Run a ZIP code search at medicare.gov/plan-compare for exact plans in your county.
Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025, Colorado county-level plan data; MedicareAdvantage.com 2026 Colorado county data
What to Look For in a Medicare Advantage Plan in Colorado
Choosing a Colorado Medicare Advantage plan in 2026 involves more than comparing monthly premiums. These six factors matter most for Colorado beneficiaries:
- Provider network and mountain access. In Colorado's urban Front Range, most major hospital systems (UCHealth, SCL Health, CommonSpirit, Denver Health) participate in multiple MA plan networks. In mountain counties, network gaps can be critical: many rural hospitals are critical-access facilities with limited MA contracts. Always verify that your hospital and specialists are in-network before you enroll, especially if you live above the Front Range.
- Prescription drug formulary (Part D). Most Colorado MA plans include Part D drug coverage. Check that your specific medications are on the formulary at a tier you can afford. The 2026 Part D annual out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 for all MA-PD plans. Insulin is capped at $35/mo under the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Star Ratings. CMS rates Colorado MA plans on a 1-to-5 star scale annually, covering quality of care, member satisfaction, and prescription safety. Kaiser Permanente and UnitedHealthcare both earned 4.5 stars in Colorado for 2026. Plans with 5 stars trigger a Special Enrollment Period letting you switch any time of year. Star Ratings are published each October on cms.gov.
- Supplemental benefits. Colorado MA plans often include dental, vision, hearing, and fitness benefits that Original Medicare does not cover. Coverage ranges widely: basic cleanings only up to full denture coverage, hearing screenings up to hearing aid allowances. Kaiser and UnitedHealthcare tend to offer the most generous supplemental packages in Colorado for 2026.
- Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP). The 2026 federal in-network MA MOOP ceiling is $9,250 (down $100 from $9,350 in 2025). Many Colorado plans set MOOP lower: UnitedHealthcare's Colorado plans carry a MOOP of $4,308 in 2026. A lower MOOP protects you if you face a major illness or surgery. Original Medicare has no MOOP cap at all.
- Prior authorization burden. Colorado MA plans require prior authorization for many services including advanced imaging, outpatient surgery, and specialist referrals. If you have a chronic condition or expect significant medical care, review each plan's prior authorization requirements. CMS publishes denial-rate data for all carriers on cms.gov.
Key Medicare Dates in Colorado
Colorado Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have several enrollment windows in 2026. Missing these windows can mean waiting up to a year for coverage changes or facing late-enrollment penalties.
- Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 to December 7, 2026 — Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change MA plans, or change Part D drug plans. Coverage under the new plan starts January 1, 2027.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): January 1 to March 31, 2026 — Current MA enrollees can switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare. One switch only during this period. Coverage changes take effect the first day of the following month.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window around your 65th birthday — Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes the birthday month, and runs 3 months after. Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B first; then choose a Medicare Advantage plan or stick with Original Medicare plus a standalone Part D plan.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Varies by qualifying event — Triggered by moving out of your plan's service area, losing employer coverage, qualifying for Health First Colorado (dual eligible), or other qualifying events. Typically a 2-to-3-month window after the event. Colorado residents who qualify for a 5-star plan can enroll at any time of year.
Notable Extras in Colorado Plans
Colorado Medicare Advantage plans have several state-specific features and market dynamics worth understanding before you enroll:
- Health First Colorado D-SNPs (dual-eligible plans): Colorado residents who qualify for both Health First Colorado (the state Medicaid program) and Medicare are dual eligible and can enroll in a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP). Colorado D-SNPs in 2026 are offered by UnitedHealthcare, WellCare, and others. These plans typically carry $0 premiums, $0 primary-care copays, and reduced prescription drug costs. Check medicare.gov Plan Finder for D-SNPs available in your county. For income eligibility details, see the Medicaid income limits page.
- Mountain county coverage gaps: Colorado's ski resort and mountain counties (Pitkin, Eagle, Summit, Clear Creek, Chaffee, Mineral) have some of the lowest MA plan availability in the state and some of the highest premiums. Critical access hospitals in these counties may not participate in all MA plan networks, meaning out-of-network costs could be substantial. PPO plans are often the better fit in these areas, as they allow out-of-network coverage (at higher cost share) when local in-network facilities are unavailable. Colorado SHIP counselors can help you identify plans covering your local hospital.
- Connect for Health Colorado and Medicare interaction: Connect for Health Colorado is the state ACA marketplace, but it has no role in Medicare Advantage enrollment. Colorado Medicare beneficiaries do NOT use Connect for Health Colorado to enroll in MA plans. MA enrollment goes through medicare.gov directly, through the carrier, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. If you are under 65 and on Connect for Health Colorado and will soon turn 65 and become Medicare eligible, you must transition to Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period and cannot maintain an ACA marketplace plan alongside Medicare.
- CHP+ and Medicare (no overlap): CHP+ (Child Health Plan Plus) is Colorado's CHIP program for children and pregnant women in families that earn too much for Health First Colorado but too little to afford private insurance. CHP+ does not interact with Medicare Advantage. If a grandparent or older adult is helping a family member understand CHP+, that is a separate program. Medicare Advantage eligibility is based on age (65+) or qualifying disability, not income.
Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare in Colorado
Colorado beneficiaries choosing between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare face a trade-off that is especially pronounced in a geographically varied state. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) plus a Medigap supplement and a standalone Part D drug plan gives you nationwide provider access and no prior authorization for most services, but your combined Medigap plus Part D premium in Colorado typically runs $200 to $350 per month. Medicare Advantage bundles hospital, medical, and usually drug coverage into one plan with an average premium of $13 per month in Colorado 2026, but the trade-off is a defined service area and prior authorization requirements.
Colorado's mountain geography creates a scenario where Original Medicare can be strategically superior for certain beneficiaries. A retiree splitting time between a Denver suburb and a Steamboat Springs ski cabin may find that their preferred mountain hospital is not in-network under any local MA plan, while Original Medicare covers all Medicare-participating providers nationwide without restriction. PPO-type MA plans partially address this with out-of-network coverage, but at a higher cost share. Front Range residents who stay within the Denver metro region year-round often find MA's lower premium and extra benefits (dental, vision, fitness) outweigh the network trade-off.
Colorado does not have a Medigap birthday rule (unlike California, which allows Medigap plan switches on your birthday without medical underwriting). Under standard federal rules, once you have been on a Colorado Medicare Advantage plan and wish to switch to Original Medicare plus Medigap, Colorado Medigap insurers are generally not required to sell you a policy outside of your initial guaranteed-issue window unless you have a qualifying guaranteed-issue right. Plan well ahead if you think you may want Medigap coverage in the future.
How Star Ratings work in Colorado Medicare Advantage
Colorado Medicare Advantage Star Ratings, like all state markets, are published by CMS every October and cover roughly 40 quality measures: chronic-condition management, member satisfaction surveys, customer service responsiveness, medication safety, and plan responsiveness to complaints. Plans earn 1 to 5 stars, with half-star increments. Plans rated 4 stars or above receive CMS quality bonus payments, which carriers typically reinvest into lower premiums, richer supplemental benefits, or enhanced Part D coverage for the following plan year.
Colorado's 2026 market is led by high-performing carriers. Kaiser Permanente's Colorado plans earn 4.5 stars, and UnitedHealthcare's Colorado portfolio also averages 4.5 stars in 2026. Humana and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Colorado sit at 3.5 stars, while Aetna's Colorado plans carry a 3.0-star rating for 2026. The statewide weighted average is approximately 4.0 stars, slightly above the national MA-PD average of 3.98 stars. When a plan reaches 5 stars, a Special Enrollment Period opens and Colorado beneficiaries can switch into that plan any month of the year outside of AEP.
How to enroll in Colorado Medicare Advantage
Colorado residents enrolling in Medicare Advantage in 2026 follow the same federal process as the rest of the country, but with Colorado-specific carrier and county options. Use medicare.gov/plan-compare as your starting point. CMS publishes a personalized plan-finder tool keyed to your ZIP code, allowing you to filter by premium, Star Rating, drug formulary, and network. The Colorado Division of Insurance also operates the state SHIP program (888-696-7213), which provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling from trained volunteers at 17 local partner agency locations statewide.
- Step 1: Confirm Medicare Part A and Part B eligibility. You must be enrolled in both Parts A and B before you can join a Medicare Advantage plan. If you are turning 65, your Initial Enrollment Period is the time to do this. If you are under 65 with a qualifying disability, you may also be eligible. Check your Medicare eligibility status at medicare.gov.
- Step 2: Gather your documents. You will need: your Medicare card (showing your Medicare number and Part A and Part B effective dates), your ZIP code (plans are county-specific), a list of your current prescription medications (for formulary lookup), a list of your doctors and preferred hospitals (to check network inclusion), and your Health First Colorado (Medicaid) card if you are dual eligible for a D-SNP.
- Step 3: Compare plans at medicare.gov/plan-compare. Enter your ZIP code and list your medications for a personalized cost estimate. Sort by Star Rating, monthly premium, total estimated annual cost, or maximum out-of-pocket. Colorado mountain-county residents should pay special attention to the network tab to confirm their local hospital is in-network. Contact the Colorado SHIP line (888-696-7213) or visit a local SHIP site at doi.colorado.gov for free in-person or phone help.
- Step 4: Apply. Enroll directly through medicare.gov/plan-compare, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day 7 days a week, or through the carrier directly. Most Colorado enrollments take 10 to 15 minutes online. The carrier cannot deny enrollment during AEP, OEP, or a valid SEP based on your health status.
- Step 5: Confirm your coverage start date. AEP enrollments start January 1, 2027. MA OEP enrollments start the first day of the following month. SEP enrollments typically start the first of the month after you enroll. You will receive a member ID card and an Evidence of Coverage document from the carrier within 7 to 10 business days. Keep both documents and call the carrier if you do not receive them.
How to enroll in Colorado Medicare Advantage detail| Common Denial or Delay Reason | What to Do |
|---|
| Not yet enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B | Enroll in Parts A and B first through Social Security Administration (ssa.gov) |
| ZIP code outside the plan's Colorado service area | Confirm the plan serves your county on medicare.gov/plan-compare before applying |
| Missing Health First Colorado documentation for D-SNP enrollment | Obtain Medicaid eligibility letter from Colorado HCPF or your county social services office |
| Enrolling outside a valid enrollment period | Confirm you are in AEP, MA OEP, IEP, or a valid SEP before submitting an application |
| Identity or Medicare number mismatch | Call 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm your Medicare information matches your application exactly |
Common reasons Colorado Medicare Advantage applications are delayed or denied, 2026. Source: CMS Medicare Advantage enrollment guidance, Colorado SHIP program at doi.colorado.gov.
Source: CMS Medicare Advantage enrollment guidance 2026; Colorado Division of Insurance SHIP program
$0 premium plans in Colorado for 2026
Colorado has multiple $0 monthly premium Medicare Advantage plans in 2026, concentrated in the Front Range counties (Denver, Adams, Jefferson, Arapahoe, El Paso, Boulder, Larimer). About 97% of Colorado Medicare beneficiaries have access to at least one $0 premium plan. A $0 monthly premium does NOT mean $0 total cost: you still pay the 2026 Part B premium ($202.90 per month), plus any copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs when you use care. A higher-premium plan with lower copays and a lower MOOP may cost you less overall if you have frequent medical needs.
$0 premium plans in Colorado for 2026 detail| Carrier | Plan Type | Star Rating (2026) | Counties with $0 Premium Available |
|---|
| Kaiser Permanente | HMO-POS | 4.5 | Denver, Jefferson, Arapahoe, Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas, El Paso, Larimer, Weld, Pueblo |
| Humana | HMO | 3.5 | Denver metro, El Paso, Larimer, Weld, Mesa, Pueblo, select Front Range counties |
| WellCare (Centene) | HMO | 3.5 | Front Range counties plus select rural eastern Colorado counties |
| UnitedHealthcare | HMO-POS | 4.5 | Denver metro, El Paso, Larimer, Weld, select Front Range counties |
| Aetna (CVS Health) | HMO | 3.0 | Denver metro, El Paso, select Front Range counties |
Colorado $0 premium plan availability sample for 2026. Full list at medicare.gov/plan-compare keyed to your ZIP code. Star Ratings reflect 2026 plan year CMS ratings. Mountain county residents: $0 plans may not be available in your county.
Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025, Colorado $0 premium plan data; NerdWallet Colorado Medicare Advantage 2026
Special Needs Plans and dual eligibility in Colorado
Colorado Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) in 2026 serve three distinct populations. Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) coordinate benefits for people enrolled in both Medicare and Health First Colorado (the state Medicaid program). Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) target beneficiaries with specific serious conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, or chronic lung disorders. Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs) serve individuals living in nursing facilities or requiring nursing-level care at home. Each SNP type tailors its care coordination, formulary, and network to the population it serves.
Colorado D-SNP enrollees benefit from a quarterly Special Enrollment Period: dual-eligible beneficiaries can change MA plans or move between MA and Original Medicare once per quarter during Q1, Q2, and Q3 of 2026, plus once more during AEP. If your Health First Colorado eligibility changes during the year, a separate Special Enrollment Period is triggered. Dual-eligible Coloradans should also verify that their preferred providers (including long-term care facilities and home health agencies) are in-network for the D-SNP they choose, since network composition varies by carrier and county.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Colorado in 2026?
Colorado has 108 Medicare Advantage plans available statewide in 2026, down from 132 plans in 2025. The total available to you depends on your county and ZIP code. Denver and Adams counties offer around 50 plans each, while rural mountain counties like Pitkin (Aspen area) may have only 8 plans. Run a ZIP code search at medicare.gov/plan-compare to see exact options for your location. Sources: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025, KFF Medicare Advantage 2026 Spotlight.
What is the average Medicare Advantage premium in Colorado for 2026?
The statewide average monthly premium for Colorado Medicare Advantage plans is $13 in 2026, slightly below the national MA average of $14. About 97% of Colorado Medicare beneficiaries have access to at least one $0 premium plan, primarily in Front Range counties. El Paso County (Colorado Springs) averages $9 per month in 2026, among the lowest in the state. Mountain and rural counties tend to have higher premiums ($20 to $40 per month) due to lower carrier competition.
When can I sign up for Medicare Advantage in Colorado?
The main enrollment window is the Annual Election Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027. First-time Medicare enrollees can join during their 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around their 65th birthday. Existing MA enrollees can switch plans during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31, 2026). Special Enrollment Periods are available if you move, lose employer coverage, qualify for Health First Colorado (dual eligible), or other qualifying life events. Colorado SHIP at 888-696-7213 offers free guidance.
Who has the best Medicare Advantage plans in Colorado?
Kaiser Permanente and UnitedHealthcare both carry 4.5-star CMS ratings in Colorado for 2026, making them the highest-rated carriers in the state. Kaiser's closed-network HMO and HMO-POS plans are available across the Front Range and deliver strong care coordination. UnitedHealthcare offers a broader statewide footprint including some rural counties. Humana offers the most $0 premium plan options in Colorado. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield serves residents who need UCHealth or CU Medicine in-network. The best plan depends on your county, your doctors, and your prescriptions.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado Medicare Advantage enrollees can switch back to Original Medicare during the Annual Election Period (October 15 to December 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31). However, returning to Original Medicare does not automatically guarantee access to a Medigap policy. Colorado does not have a Medigap birthday rule (unlike California), so Medigap carriers are generally not required to sell you a policy outside your initial guaranteed-issue window. If you think you may want Medigap in the future, plan carefully before enrolling in MA.
What is the difference between an HMO and a PPO in Colorado Medicare Advantage?
HMOs (roughly 62 of Colorado's 108 plans in 2026) require you to use in-network providers and usually need a referral to see a specialist. They offer lower premiums (average around $7/mo in Colorado) and are dominant in the Front Range. PPOs (about 24 plans) let you see out-of-network providers at a higher cost share without a referral, but charge higher premiums (average around $28/mo). For Colorado mountain-county residents who may need to travel to Denver for specialist care, PPO plans offer important flexibility. HMO-POS plans are a middle option, offering some out-of-network flexibility without full PPO premiums.
Does Medicare Advantage cover prescription drugs in Colorado?
Most Colorado Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage built in (called MA-PD plans). The 2026 Part D annual out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 across all MA-PD plans, set by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Insulin is capped at $35 per month under the same law. Always check the plan's drug formulary at medicare.gov/plan-compare to confirm your specific medications are covered at a tier you can afford before enrolling.
Are dental, vision, and hearing covered by Colorado Medicare Advantage plans?
Most Colorado Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 include some level of dental, vision, and hearing benefits that Original Medicare does not cover. Coverage varies widely across carriers: basic plans may offer only preventive dental cleanings and eye exams, while higher-tier plans from Kaiser and UnitedHealthcare may include dental restorative work, hearing aid allowances, and prescription eyewear benefits. Always review the plan's Evidence of Coverage for annual benefit limits, covered services, and any waiting periods before enrolling.
What is a Special Needs Plan (SNP) and who qualifies in Colorado?
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are Medicare Advantage plans designed for people with specific health needs or coverage situations. In Colorado in 2026, three types are available: Dual SNPs (D-SNPs) for people enrolled in both Medicare and Health First Colorado (state Medicaid); Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNPs) for people with serious conditions like diabetes, heart failure, or chronic lung disease; and Institutional SNPs (I-SNPs) for people in nursing facilities or requiring nursing-level home care. Colorado D-SNPs typically have $0 premiums and $0 copays for primary care and are offered by UnitedHealthcare, WellCare, and others. Verify eligibility for D-SNPs through your county Health First Colorado office or at healthfirstcolorado.gov.
