Peak Health Alliance and Elevate Health Plans Bring Affordable Health Coverage to Nine Colorado Counties

Nonprofits have established strong provider network across mountain and SW counties

Peak Health Alliance and Elevate Health Plans by Denver Health Medical Plan are partnering again this year to offer affordable health insurance options for Coloradans in nine rural counties.

Open enrollment for 2025 runs through Dec. 15 for coverage beginning Jan. 1 and through Jan.15 for plans effective Feb. 1. 

With the goal of delivering accessible, budget-friendly health coverage, the nonprofit partnership of Peak Health Alliance and Elevate Health Plans provides:

• Dolores, Grand, Lake, and San Juan counties the most affordable premiums for individual health insurance plans.
• The lowest-cost High Deductible Health Plan options in Archuleta, Park, La Plata, Montezuma, and Summit counties.

Individuals and families can easily compare rates and choose the best plan through Connect for Health Colorado or directly on Elevate Health Plans by Denver Health Medical Plan’s website. For any questions or assistance with enrollment, call 970-455-0382 to connect with a knowledgeable support team member, ready to provide guidance and ensure a smooth sign-up experience. Whether browsing options online or reaching out by phone, consumers can explore affordable coverage choices that suit their needs, simplifying the path to securing health coverage for 2025.

“Peak Health Alliance’s partnership with Elevate Health Plans exemplifies how a not-for-profit model can improve affordability and access to healthcare for rural Coloradans,” said Rich Cimino, executive director of Peak Health Alliance. “We’re committed to delivering coverage options that meet our communities’ unique needs with a strong local provider network.”

Members in these counties will have access to an extensive group of local, in-network providers, including major hospitals such as:

• Pagosa Springs Medical Center
• Middle Park Health hospitals in Kremmling, Granby, and soon in Fraser
• St. Vincent General Hospital
• Animas Surgical Hospital
• Mercy Hospital
• Southwest Memorial Hospital
• St. Anthony Summit

Expanded Mental Health Access

This year, members also gain access to over 3,000 mental health counselors through a new partnership with Sondermind, which connects individuals with telehealth mental health services tailored to their needs. This supplements the existing network of locally based providers.

The Nonprofit Difference

Both Peak Health Alliance and Elevate Health Plans are not-for-profit organizations, operating without private shareholders and staying committed to community-centered missions. The partnership’s benefit plans for 2025 offer:

• $0 preventive care
• $0 to low-cost primary care and mental health counseling visits
• Robust network of local providers
• Coverage options for individuals and families, with Bronze, Silver, and Gold Colorado Option Plans, as well as a Bronze High Deductible Health Plan
• Availability to businesses that choose an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) to help employees select their own health plan

“With these affordable options and extensive support for mental and physical health, residents across these nine counties can access affordable, comprehensive health care through the Peak-Elevate partnership,” Cimino added.

Peak Health Alliance was formed in 2019 in Summit County when that county had some of the most expensive health insurance premiums in the country. In the first three years of operations, Peak Health Alliance saved community members in eight rural mountain counties more than $16.1 million.

Those savings were achieved by analyzing health insurance claims data and other publicly available health care cost data pertinent to the communities Peak Health Alliance serves. This analysis became the starting point for conversations between the community and local hospitals, medical professionals, and insurance carriers.

In Southwest Colorado, Local First Foundation has been a key partner helping Peak Health Alliance offer affordable insurance options. “We’re delighted to partner with Peak Health Alliance to bring Elevate Health Plans to southwest Colorado,” said Doug McCarthy, CEO of Local First. “This unique collaboration is making the health insurance market more competitive and offering greater choice to local residents and businesses.”

Media Contact: Doug McCarthy, doug@local-first.org