Group health plans in Colorado don’t have to be complicated—or expensive.
If you’re a Colorado business owner, executive, or HR professional, chances are you’ve struggled to find a health plan that truly works for your team and your budget.
Traditional group health insurance options are often bloated, and inefficient, and leave you feeling stuck. But what if the best solution isn’t insurance at all?
It’s time to explore alternatives that brokers won’t tell you about, like health-sharing plans.
In this blog, I will discuss:
- Why health sharing alternatives might outperform traditional group health insurance in Colorado.
- How tailored solutions address small employers’ and ALEs’ unique challenges.
- Top players and innovative strategies to save up to 50% on health plans.
Let’s talk about how you can rethink your approach and design a health plan that works better for everyone.
The Limitations of Traditional Group Health Insurance
Traditional group health insurance in Colorado often falls short of business expectations.
You’ve likely encountered skyrocketing premiums, limited flexibility, and plans that don’t address your employees’ unique needs. Brokers frequently offer the same bloated and inefficient options without exploring alternatives.
Why?
Most brokers are tied to specific insurance companies, which means they’re incentivized to sell products that benefit them—not you.
Think about it. Are you getting a plan tailored to your business or just another cookie-cutter product?
Why Brokers Don’t Share All Your Options
Brokers can’t offer what they aren’t licensed to sell.
Their contracts with insurance providers restrict their ability to recommend non-traditional plans, like health sharing. This leaves businesses stuck in a cycle of limited options and rising costs.
Inefficiency and Lack of Customization
Traditional plans force businesses to pay for features employees might not even use. Do you want wellness perks or better access to primary care?
Expect to pay extra, even though many employees may prefer something simpler and more effective.
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COLORADO HEALTH INSURANCE
The Real Cost of Staying Traditional
Colorado businesses could save up to 50% by exploring non-traditional options, such as health sharing or hybrid solutions. Imagine what that savings could do for your bottom line—or for offering better employee benefits.
Why the Best Group Health Plan Might Not Be Insurance
Not all health benefits need to come from traditional insurance.
Sometimes, the best solution lies outside the box.
For many Colorado businesses, health insurance has become a burden—expensive, rigid, and riddled with inefficiencies.
But what if you could cut through the noise and offer your employees comprehensive coverage without relying on traditional group health insurance in Colorado?
That’s where health sharing comes in.
The Problem with Defaulting to Insurance
Traditional insurance locks you into a system designed to profit insurers.
It’s expensive, filled with hidden fees, and often overbuilt. You pay for services employees may never use, while brokers rarely disclose alternative options.
Health sharing offers a streamlined, transparent alternative.
How Health Sharing Transforms Employee Benefits?
Health sharing works on a collaborative model.
Instead of navigating bloated insurance networks, employers can:
- Share costs directly with other members.
- Customize plans to prioritize essentials like preventive care.
- Pair plans with add-ons like Direct Primary Care (DPC) for a comprehensive approach.
Who Benefits from This Approach?
This model is ideal for businesses looking to:
- Control costs while maintaining high-value care.
- Provide tailored benefits for a diverse workforce.
- Meet compliance needs creatively, such as pairing health sharing with an HSA or Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) option.
Health sharing isn’t just an alternative—it’s a revolution in how benefits are delivered.
Tailoring Solutions for Small Employers and ALEs
Your business is unique—and your health plan should be too.
Whether you’re running a small company with a tight-knit team or managing hundreds of employees across multiple locations, your health coverage needs to match the goals, size, and budget of your workforce.
For Colorado businesses, tailoring your approach to group health coverage can make all the difference in attracting talent, saving money, and keeping employees happy.
Small Employers: Flexible Coverage Without the Hassle
As a small business, you already have enough on your plate—managing rising costs, juggling a lean team, and keeping your customers happy.
Why let a bloated insurance plan eat into your budget?
The truth is, if you have fewer than 50 employees, you have the freedom to rethink health coverage entirely.
Here’s what works for small employers:
- Health Plans Employees Actually Use: Direct Primary Care (DPC) gives employees unlimited access to a trusted doctor for routine care, without co-pays or hidden fees.
- Cut the Fat, Keep the Essentials: Instead of paying for features employees won’t use, focus on major medical events like hospital stays or surgeries.
- Clarity Builds Confidence: Transparent models like health sharing simplify healthcare for employees and reduce your administrative burden.
ALEs: Mastering Compliance Without Overpaying
If your business has 50 or more full-time employees, the stakes are higher.
The ACA mandates Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC), and ignoring these requirements can mean hefty penalties. But meeting compliance doesn’t have to mean draining your budget on traditional group insurance plans.
Here’s how larger employers are staying ahead:
- Hybrid Solutions to Meet Mandates: Combine health sharing with MEC-compliant coverage for a cost-effective, predictable alternative.
- Make Employees Part of the Solution: Pair coverage with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to give employees tax-free options for managing medical expenses.
- One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Modular health plans allow you to customize coverage to meet the diverse needs of your workforce.
Group health coverage shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all.
By taking a thoughtful approach, you can provide the care your team values while keeping costs manageable.
After all, your employees deserve better—and so does your budget.
Leading Players in the Colorado Group Health Market
Finding the perfect group health insurance in Colorado doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Are you frustrated with group health plans that overpromise and underdeliver?
Have you been questioning whether your current plan truly serves your team’s needs—or just adds unnecessary costs to your budget?
It’s time to break free from outdated options and explore innovative solutions designed to protect your employees’ health and strengthen your business.
Let’s uncover the key players reshaping the game and helping businesses thrive.
Plan Name | Key Features | Who It’s Best For | Cost Efficiency | Compliance | Flexibility | Additional Benefits | Potential Drawbacks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1Complete Solution | Direct Primary Care, streamlined claims, preventive care incentives | Small to mid-sized businesses | Up to 50% savings on traditional plans | Not required for small businesses | Highly adaptable to team needs | Preventive care incentives, digital wellness platforms | Limited for very large businesses |
Health Share/HSA MEC | Health sharing + MEC compliance, tax-free HSA integration | ALEs and businesses needing ACA compliance | Significantly lower premiums than traditional insurance | Fully ACA-compliant | Customizable for various employee groups | Tax-free HSA benefits, preventive care focus | Requires understanding of health sharing for implementation |
Prosper | Customizable plans, wellness programs, mental health resources | Diverse workforces, growing businesses | Competitive pricing for scalable plans | Flexible compliance options | Scales with business growth | Mental health resources, employee wellness programs | Dependent on proper customization to maximize value |
Zion HealthShare | Community-based cost-sharing, no network restrictions | Businesses seeking low-cost, transparent benefits | Flat monthly contributions, reduced overhead | Pairable with MEC for compliance | No network restrictions, wide adaptability | Transparent cost-sharing, supplemental health resources | May not cover pre-existing conditions immediately |
DPC Direct | Unlimited access to primary care, no copays or deductibles | Employers focused on preventive care | 20-30% overall healthcare cost savings | Not ACA-compliant directly but supports compliance when paired | Simplified administration for employers | Enhanced doctor-patient relationships, health education access | Requires pairing for broader coverage |
Anthem Small Business Health Plans | Extensive provider network, telemedicine integration | Small businesses needing a stable, trusted partner | Competitive group rates | Fully ACA-compliant | Customizable plan options | Telemedicine integration, 24/7 customer support | Higher costs compared to non-traditional options |
Allstate Benefits Group Health Plans | Self-funded and fully insured options, reference-based pricing, value-added services | Small to mid-sized businesses seeking flexible and affordable health coverage | Potential cost savings with self-funded plans and RBP options | Fully ACA-compliant | Various plan designs to meet diverse needs | Telehealth services, cost and quality navigation tools, stop-loss insurance protection | Requires careful selection to match specific business needs |
Scroll to the right to see more details
1Complete Solution
An all-encompassing health insurance option for businesses aiming to cover all bases.
Tired of being stuck with bloated, one-size-fits-all health plans?
The 1Complete Solution is a breath of fresh air for Colorado businesses ready to rethink group health coverage.
Unlike traditional plans that force you into rigid frameworks, 1Complete Solution puts flexibility front and center. It empowers businesses to tailor coverage to fit their team’s unique needs.
Need something simple for a small, close-knit team?
Or a more comprehensive setup for a diverse workforce?
This plan adapts to you—not the other way around.
But it’s more than just health coverage—it’s a smarter way to operate.
Tools for streamlining claims, scheduling, and even tracking employee health help reduce administrative headaches and improve efficiency. Imagine employees getting quick, seamless access to care, reducing downtime, and keeping them focused on their work.
The result?
A healthier, more productive workforce and a smarter way to control costs. 1Complete Solution ensures you spend less time worrying about healthcare logistics and more time building your business. Isn’t that what every business owner wants?
Who Is It For?
This plan is perfect for small to mid-sized businesses seeking reliable group health insurance. Employers who want robust employee benefits without straining their budget will find 1Complete Solution highly suitable. It’s especially beneficial for organizations aiming to enhance employee satisfaction while maintaining cost-efficiency.
Key Features
- Telehealth services included.
- Easy integration with health savings accounts (HSAs).
- Flexible enrollment options.
- Transparent pricing without hidden fees.
- Comprehensive coverage for diverse medical needs.
- Access to digital wellness platforms.
- Preventative care incentives for employees.
Health Share/HSA MEC
A unique blend of health sharing and minimal essential coverage (MEC) plans.
Struggling to find a health plan that balances affordability, compliance, and quality care?
The Health Share/HSA MEC solution might be exactly what you need. It’s a dynamic hybrid, blending the cost-saving benefits of health sharing with the essential coverage required under the ACA.
By focusing on preventive care and offering flexible coverage options, you ensure that employees receive meaningful benefits while your business keeps costs under control. This is a win-win situation for everyone.
What makes it truly unique is its ability to adapt to your business.
Need a plan that meets ACA mandates without breaking the bank?
Done.
Want to pair it with a Health Savings Account (HSA) so employees can manage out-of-pocket expenses tax-free?
No problem.
For Colorado employers juggling rising healthcare costs, this plan delivers value where it counts: lower premiums, happier employees, and compliance made simple.
Who Is It For?
Ideal for businesses with employees who prioritize low-cost preventative care and flexible payment options. It’s also an excellent choice for employers looking for ACA-compliant plans. Companies with seasonal or part-time workers can also benefit from this adaptable coverage.
Key Features
- Preventive care services are covered 100%.
- Flexibility in provider choices.
- Affordable premiums and minimal out-of-pocket costs.
- Compatible with health savings accounts (HSAs).
- Easy-to-understand plan structures.
- Cost-sharing for major medical expenses.
- Tax-advantaged savings options for employees.
Prosper
Empowering businesses with customizable health insurance solutions.
What if your health plan could adapt to the unique needs of your team?
With Prosper, it’s not just possible—it’s the standard.
Prosper redefines group health sharing for Colorado businesses by focusing on flexibility and customization, giving you the tools to build a benefits package that truly works for your employees.
Unlike cookie-cutter plans, Prosper allows you to prioritize what matters most to your team. Is mental health support a top concern?
Prosper can deliver resources that make a real difference.
Want to emphasize wellness initiatives or ensure employees have access to robust physical health coverage?
You’re in control. This adaptability isn’t just a perk—it’s a powerful way to attract top talent and improve retention in today’s competitive job market.
At its core, Prosper isn’t just a health plan; it’s a way to invest in your employees’ well-being. By creating a tailored approach to benefits, you’re not just reducing turnover—you’re fostering a culture of care and productivity.
Who Is It For?
This plan suits companies with diverse workforces needing varied coverage levels. Prosper is also a great choice for employers who anticipate future growth and want plans that scale with them. Organizations focused on employee wellness and engagement will also find Prosper’s offerings valuable.
Key Features
- Wide provider network.
- Wellness programs integrated into plans.
- Competitive pricing for group plans.
- Scalable options for growing businesses.
- Extensive support for plan customization.
- Mental health resources for employees.
- Flexible plan add-ons to meet unique needs.
Zion Healthshare
A community-driven approach to healthcare sharing.
What if your health plan didn’t just cover expenses but also fostered trust and transparency?
That’s the promise of Zion HealthShare—a cost-effective, community-focused alternative to traditional insurance.
It’s changing how Colorado businesses think about employee health coverage, offering more than just savings—it provides peace of mind.
With Zion, members contribute a fixed monthly amount to a shared pool that covers medical expenses. It’s simple, predictable, and designed to reduce the administrative bloat of traditional insurance.
And here’s the kicker: Employees can see exactly how their contributions are used. This transparency builds confidence in the system, fostering a sense of ownership and community among members.
It’s a win-win for businesses looking to break free from the constraints of conventional plans while keeping their teams happy and healthy.
Who Is It For?
Ideal for employers who want to offer unique, community-focused benefits. Zion Healthshare is perfect for businesses seeking lower-cost alternatives to traditional insurance. It’s particularly suitable for organizations prioritizing employee well-being and seeking to create a supportive culture.
Key Features
- Flat monthly contributions.
- No network restrictions—choose any provider.
- Dedicated member support.
- Cost-sharing for major medical expenses.
- Emphasis on community-driven healthcare.
- Transparent sharing guidelines.
- Access to supplemental health resources.
DPC Direct
Direct Primary Care for modern businesses.
Imagine if your employees could see their doctor anytime without worrying about co-pays, deductibles, or claim forms.
That’s the promise of DPC Direct, a forward-thinking solution designed to prioritize convenience, personalization, and better health outcomes. By removing the usual barriers of traditional insurance, it puts employees’ well-being first while simplifying costs for employers.
With Direct Primary Care (DPC), employees gain unlimited access to primary care services, allowing them to address health concerns early and avoid costly complications down the road. This means fewer sick days, healthier teams, and more productivity for your business.
For employers, the simplicity is unmatched—no claims to process, no hidden fees, just one predictable monthly payment that covers it all.
Why is this important?
Studies show Direct Primary Care (DPC) can lower overall healthcare costs by 20-30%. That’s a game-changer for cost-conscious businesses in Colorado juggling tight budgets and rising healthcare expenses. Employees also benefit from stronger doctor-patient relationships and faster access to care, fostering trust and better health outcomes.
Who Is It For?
This plan works well for businesses focused on preventive and personalized care. Employers seeking to eliminate traditional insurance complexities will also benefit. Companies aiming to reduce absenteeism and improve employee health outcomes will find DPC Direct especially effective.
Key Features
- No insurance claims or copays.
- Unlimited visits to primary care providers.
- Predictable monthly costs.
- Emphasis on preventive care.
- Simplified administration for employers.
- Enhanced doctor-patient relationships.
- Access to health education resources.
Anthem Small Business Health Plans
A trusted name offering comprehensive group health options.
Looking for a reliable partner to support your team’s health needs?
Anthem has built a reputation for delivering health plans that combine flexibility with robust coverage, making it a top choice for small businesses in Colorado. With one of the largest provider networks in the region, employees can easily find care, whether they’re in the city or a rural area.
Anthem doesn’t just offer coverage—it simplifies the healthcare experience.
Digital tools, like their intuitive mobile app, allow employees to manage benefits, find providers, and even access telemedicine services with a few taps. This convenience not only saves time but also reduces the stress often associated with navigating healthcare.
For small businesses, Anthem provides a steady foundation.
Whether you’re looking for traditional group insurance or more tailored options, Anthem offers plans that prioritize stability, value, and ease of use—qualities every business owner can appreciate.
Who Is It For?
This plan suits small businesses seeking dependable group health coverage. Employers prioritizing a large provider network will find Anthem a great fit. Businesses focusing on tech-savvy solutions for employee engagement will also benefit.
Key Features
- Wellness resources and tools.
- Integration with telemedicine.
- Competitive group rates.
- Extensive provider network.
- Customizable plan options.
- Advanced digital tools for employees.
- 24/7 customer support.
Allstate Benefits Group Health Plans
A comprehensive solution for modern businesses.
Finding the right health plan can feel like a juggling act, balancing costs, compliance, and employee satisfaction.
That’s where Allstate Benefits steps in.
Known for its innovative approach to healthcare coverage, Allstate Benefits specializes in flexible and affordable group health insurance plans designed to align with your business goals.
What sets Allstate Benefits apart?
Their level-funded options offer a unique blend of customization and cost control, ensuring you’re not just selecting a plan but crafting a solution that works for your team.
By prioritizing affordability without compromising on quality, they empower employers to take control of healthcare costs while offering meaningful benefits.
For Colorado businesses, Allstate Benefits is a trusted partner, simplifying healthcare while delivering the value your employees deserve.
Who Is It For?
Ideal for small to mid-sized businesses seeking flexible, cost-effective healthcare solutions. Employers aiming to balance quality benefits with budget-friendly options will find Allstate Benefits particularly appealing.
Key Features
- Self-funded and fully insured group health plans.
- Reference-based pricing (RBP) for cost savings.
- Value-added services like telehealth and cost navigation tools.
- Flexible plan designs including PPO and network-only options.
- Stop-loss insurance for financial protection.
- Competitive pricing and comprehensive employee benefits.
Why Most Brokers Can’t Discuss Health Sharing
Have you ever wondered why your broker only presents traditional health insurance options?
The truth is, most brokers aren’t giving you the full picture.
In many cases, health sharing plans can be a better, more cost-effective solution for Colorado businesses. So, why aren’t brokers talking about it?
The answer lies in how the system works—and how brokers are compensated.
Brokers Are Tied to Traditional Insurance Products
Most brokers are appointed by insurance companies to sell their products.
This means brokers are financially incentivized to push traditional group health insurance Colorado plans. They earn commissions and bonuses based on premiums, so they have little motivation to recommend non-traditional alternatives like health sharing.
Health Sharing Requires a Different Mindset
Health sharing plans operate outside the traditional insurance system.
Unlike traditional insurance, health sharing is based on community contributions rather than premiums. For brokers accustomed to selling complex policies, health sharing can feel unfamiliar or too simple to explain.
Misconceptions About Health Sharing
Many brokers don’t fully understand how health sharing works.
Health sharing has evolved significantly over the past decade, but misconceptions persist. Some brokers assume it’s not robust enough for businesses or that it doesn’t comply with regulations for large employers.
The Truth: Modern health sharing plans often pair with MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) to meet ACA requirements. They’re customizable and can include features like Direct Primary Care (DPC) for comprehensive employee benefits.
You Have to Ask the Right Questions
If your broker isn’t mentioning health sharing, it’s time to ask why.
Brokers aren’t obligated to bring up alternatives they don’t sell.
To uncover all your options, you need to ask specific questions about health sharing, hybrid models, and Direct Primary Care.
Questions to Ask:
- “What are my alternatives to traditional group insurance?”
- “Can I combine health sharing with MEC to meet compliance?”
- “How does Direct Primary Care pair with health sharing for better employee benefits?”
Empowering Yourself to Explore New Options
Your business deserves more than the status quo.
Health sharing isn’t just an alternative—it’s a better way to think about group health benefits. By working with a PBM (Personal Benefits Manager) or health benefits expert, you can design a plan tailored to your needs, free from the limitations imposed by traditional brokers.
Traditional brokers may limit your choices, but you don’t have to settle.
Exploring health sharing and other innovative solutions can transform your approach to employee healthcare.
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Wrapping It Up
Colorado businesses deserve better than bloated, one-size-fits-all insurance plans.
Traditional brokers may push costly, inefficient solutions, but you’re not limited to those outdated options.
Health sharing, hybrid MEC plans, and Direct Primary Care offer a smarter way to deliver meaningful benefits while saving up to 50% on healthcare costs.
Among the many choices, 1Complete Solution and Health Share/HSA MEC often rise above the rest. They combine simplicity, compliance, and cost savings, making them the perfect fit for businesses ready to break free from the traditional mold.
Your employees deserve better care—and so does your bottom line.
It’s time to explore what’s possible.
Contact a PBM (Personal Benefits Manager) at ColoHealth today to discover how these solutions can transform your approach to group health insurance Colorado.
Let’s build a plan that works for you.
For Further Reading:
The mission of Colohealth resonates deeply with Mark Smith, as it aligns perfectly with his personal beliefs and values…