
Employee benefits
Employer Group Benefits in Colorado
- Local Colorado team (Broomfield-based; statewide service)
- Clear plan comparisons (networks, Rx, total cost exposure)
- Employee-friendly onboarding and enrollment support
- Renewal strategy + cost control guidance
Start here
Choose the situation that matches your business
Best for
First time offering benefits
Best for
Renewal coming up
Best for
Under 50 employees
Best for
50+ employees (ACA employer mandate)
Best for
Add dental and vision
Best for
Need a flexible alternative to a group plan
What we help employers build
For Colorado employers offering employee health benefits
Group Medical (Health Insurance)
For low-friction, high-perceived-value benefits
Dental & Vision
For rounding out a strong package
Ancillary benefits
Small group vs large group: which bucket are you in?
- Most small businesses (under 50 full-time + FTE) are not required to offer coverage. Many still choose to offer benefits for hiring, retention, and team stability.
- Employers with 50+ full-time + FTE may have ACA obligations. If you're near 50, we'll help you pick a benefits strategy that fits your staffing reality.
- Colorado's small employer rules are changing in 2026. If you have 51 to 100 employees, ask us how transition rules can affect plan options.
Colorado Option plans for small businesses
Colorado Option plans are standardized plan designs intended to make benefits and cost-sharing easier to compare.
What employees often like
- Predictable copays (less guesswork)
- $0 primary care and $0 mental health office visits (plan design feature)
What employers like
- Easier shopping across carriers
- Clearer apples-to-apples comparisons
Benefits Starter Plan (for first-time employers)
What we help you decide, and what you walk away with.
What we help you decide
- Budget and contribution approach
- Eligibility rules and waiting periods (if any)
- Which plans to offer (one plan vs multiple options)
- Medical-only vs medical + dental/vision
Deliverables
- Plan recommendation summary (plain-English)
- Employee-facing plan overview + enrollment instructions
- Simple onboarding checklist
Our process (simple and employer-friendly)
- 1
Discovery
We learn your business goals, budget range, and timeline. - 2
Census + quoting inputs
We collect the details needed to quote accurately. - 3
Plan comparison
We compare options based on total cost exposure, networks, and employee usability. - 4
Selection + setup
We finalize plans, contributions, and enrollment steps. - 5
Employee enrollment support
We help employees understand options and enroll on time. - 6
Ongoing support
Changes, new hires, terminations, and renewals. We stay available.
What we need to quote your plan
- Business name + address
- Industry / business type
- Effective date target
- Employee census (dates of birth, zip codes, coverage tier)
- Contribution goals (employee-only and dependents)
- Preferred plan style (HMO/PPO, copay vs HDHP)
Some carriers have participation and employer contribution guidelines. We'll confirm what applies to your group.
Renewals & cost strategy
Start 60 to 90 days before your renewal so there's room to compare and communicate.
What we review at renewal
- Year-over-year premium changes and what's driving them
- Employee utilization patterns (high level)
- Plan fit: network access, Rx costs, common pain points
- Contribution strategy and plan design adjustments
Common levers
- Plan design changes (copays vs deductible tradeoffs)
- Adding a second option (employee choice)
- Reviewing networks for real-world access
- Pairing medical with dental/vision for perceived value
Benefits admin & compliance support
The practical stuff we can help you coordinate.
- New hire enrollments and employee changes
- Eligibility setup and ongoing administration flow
- ACA-aware plan strategy (for applicable employers)
- Documentation and communication support
We provide general guidance and coordination. For legal or tax advice, we recommend working with your HR team, payroll provider, or attorney.
Colorado employer checklist
With Kelmeg & Associates, Inc, we provide group health insurance plans that align with your business goals and employee needs.
- If you're near 50 employees (full-time + FTE), ask about ACA employer rules.
- Colorado Paid Family & Medical Leave (FAMLI) payroll contributions changed for 2026. Make sure payroll settings are current.

GoogleReviews
What our clients say
Real experiences shared by our clients on Google.
145+ Google reviews
Based on the reviews shared with us
Kami W
6 days ago
Kelsey was knowledgeable and was able to help me with a somewhat unique situation. Thanks for the customer care!
Angela Brandenstein
1 week ago
Kelsey was very helpful and informative regarding options for our upcoming open enrollment and healthcare insurance needs.
Scott Johnson
8 weeks ago
Every year it is a pleasure working with you. THANKS again for tackling all our insurance needs. I highly recommend your services.
Sandra
8 weeks ago
Kelsey was so helpful in this Medicare transition, easiest health insurance transition I've experienced.
Tracy Kirby
8 weeks ago
Chip and his team always go above and beyond to help you get the right plan for you and your family!
Christopher Becker
19 weeks ago
Great conversation with Heidi. Will be using her for all of our small business health care insurance needs as well as personal going forward.
Read 100 of our 145+ Google reviewsHide additional reviews
Julie Barrett
19 weeks ago
Kelsey Murphy-Mackley makes the process of getting health insurance via Connect For Health Colorado online a breeze. (excerpt)
David Mays
22 weeks ago
Kelsey is fantastic. Highly knowledgeable, very informative and to say she’s helpful is a dramatic understatement. I’ve used her for years, and will continue to do so. Thank you Kelsey!
Juliette Cross
24 weeks ago
Kelsey is always available, and on top of things. She alerts us to yearly changes in our policies and gives good, sound advice.
Aaron Pasterz
29 weeks ago
Five-star rating
Linda Deslauriers
29 weeks ago
Heidi Silwamba is an absolute rockstar! I called almost in tears and her clear, simple direction and customer service... (excerpt)
Stephanie Harrison
34 weeks ago
I called Heidi Silwamba after losing my healthcare coverage. She was a lifesaver and was able to set us up with... (excerpt)
Chris Petrizzo
40 weeks ago
I reached out to Kelmeg, through Connect for Health Colorado. Chip was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, and made me feel like I made the best decision for my situation.
MJ Hoffman
40 weeks ago
I have been working with Kelsey and Chip for the past 8 years and they are very helpful.
Patti Payne
40 weeks ago
Heidi really went the extra mile to make sure we were taken care of. I am so grateful to her for her knowledge and... (excerpt)
Jeri Salazar
41 weeks ago
Call Heidi, she was incredible to work with, knows the business inside and out. I couldn’t have asked for a better... (excerpt)
Alicia Moreno
41 weeks ago
Five-star rating
Mike Willey
41 weeks ago
Heidi at Kelmeg and Associates was extremely helpful in helping us to assess and purchase our individual health... (excerpt)
Mark Iwashko
41 weeks ago
Kelsey was great! Clear explanations and answers; fast and efficient. The process was easy!
A N
42 weeks ago
Helpful and accommodating
Accounting Inbox
42 weeks ago
We've been working with Chip and Kelsey for over two decades, and have referred numerous family and friends to them. They are unfailingly responsive, friendly, and reliable! Highly recommend.
Santosh Krishnan
42 weeks ago
Kelsey helped me with my daughter's health insurance application efficiently and promptly.
Lisa Buckner
42 weeks ago
Five-star rating
Arturo J. Bencosme
42 weeks ago
Every meeting with Kelsey brings clear and useful guidance for navigating insurance & Medicare. Thanks!
Roxane Chacon
42 weeks ago
Heidi was amazing talking me through the different plans there were and helping to navigate the marketplace in order to obtain my health insurance. This is my second year working with Heidi.
Sarah Call
42 weeks ago
Heidi is such a great insurance person! She knows so much and is happy to help anybody!
Wayne Winsett
42 weeks ago
Kelmeg and Associates gets my highest recommendation. Excellent people to work with.
Yvonne Larson
42 weeks ago
Kelmeg & Assoc. are fantastic! After terrible experiences with the Colorado Health Exchange, I found Kelmeg. They are... (excerpt)
Dennis Howard
44 weeks ago
Five-star rating
Carolyn Larson
44 weeks ago
Kelsey takes care of all of the research and makes it extremely easy to make the best decision about the Medicare plan to choose.
Kelly “247abk” Mohrlang
45 weeks ago
Very knowledgeable and understanding! She bent over backwards to reschedule when I was having technical difficulties and still made it happen quickly! Very impressed. I will remember her for next year.
Carol Utemark
45 weeks ago
Five-star rating
Jennifer Dulles
45 weeks ago
Very helpful, especially as so much is changing with healthcare!
G S
45 weeks ago
Kelsey was great. Walked me through the process, answered my questions and made the process fast and painless.
Kelly Horace
45 weeks ago
Five-star rating
Julie Decoria
46 weeks ago
Kelsey was friendly, listened to my concerns and found the best program for my needs. We went over several options... (excerpt)
Keystone Reservations
46 weeks ago
We have been working with Kelsey for years and she has always provided excellent and timely service.
Keith Ray
46 weeks ago
Working with Heidi Silwamba is a pleasure to work with, very knowledgeable about the medical insurance system. She also cares about her clients and will get the best package available.
Lisa Barrocas
46 weeks ago
Heidi is the best! She is very knowledgeable, thorough and compassionate:)
Dave Buckland
46 weeks ago
Kelsey was invaluable and helped me find coverage that works and will save me hundreds each month. Thank you!
Darci Hughes
46 weeks ago
Heidi at Kelmeg and Associates was a great help in navigating the nuances of health insurance and finding an affordable solution. Would definitely recommend her!
Gia Lemley
47 weeks ago
Kelsey is wonderful, she is always very helpful when it comes to getting medical insurance. Creates an stress-free experience.
Diane Keyser
48 weeks ago
Chip and Kelsey are always prompt and answer all questions thoroughly.
Melissa Colegrove
Sep 24, 2025
Was referred to Heidi from a friend and immediately felt like we'd known each other far longer than the 10 minutes we... (excerpt)
Jennifer Cohen
Sep 19, 2025
Chip is amazing! Always patient and well informed. 5 Stars!
Nidhi Shah Gujarathi
Aug 11, 2025
Five-star rating
David Poniatowski
Jul 26, 2025
Heidi was amazing! After being frustrated talking with so many or being told to do this or that, I finally got all the... (excerpt)
Kelly Johnson
Jul 18, 2025
I love Kelsey! Always professional and helpful! Thank you Kelsey!
Shannon Iannello
May 20, 2025
Heidi was an angel sent from heaven! I asked several friends/family for assistance in trying to navigate from being on... (excerpt)
Kim Webb
May 14, 2025
Kelsey Mackley is incredibly knowledgable and extremely helpful. She provided even more than I expected and answered all of my questions. I highly recommend Kelsey for all of your health insurance needs!
Richard
Mar 19, 2025
Great Service. very knowledgeable
Johann Boniek
Mar 6, 2025
I cannot speak highly enough of Heidi and the team at Kelmeg. Heidi single-handedly saved us from a very unpleasant... (excerpt)
Lauren Perlow
Mar 1, 2025
Kelsey, Heidi and Chip run a great agency here. They were incredibly helpful, took the time and care to explain all my... (excerpt)
Timothy Hardy
Feb 12, 2025
My family coverage was setup through the Kelmeg team with Heidi and Kelsey earlier last year. We just had our second... (excerpt)
Lea Rowley
Feb 12, 2025
I highly recommend Kelmeg and Associates. They are professional, knowledgeable and their customer service is exceptional. 5 out of 5 stars
Lainie Chambers
Feb 12, 2025
Was so helpful and educated us every step of the way. Highly recommend her expertise in navigating through and making decisions.
Madalene Cowger
Feb 11, 2025
If you need Medicare or health insurance Kelsey and her team are great and easy to work with.
Lainie Becker
Feb 7, 2025
Kelsey at Kelmeg & Associates is wonderful! They are here to help you figure the right health insurance for you and to... (excerpt)
Angela Acosta
Jan 31, 2025
Heidi was incredibly helpful in helping understand our and our young child's health insurance options. Highly recommend her services!
Jenna Nicholson Borg
Jan 28, 2025
Kelsey is super helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to finding the right insurance for you! She will guide you through the whole process.
Lori Gilbert
Jan 28, 2025
Five-star rating
Kelli Bauer
Jan 27, 2025
Working with Kelsey was quick and easy! I was ready for a headache of switching companies and providers, but she was done before I knew it. Thanks Kelsey, you're amazing!
Victoria Potter
Jan 25, 2025
Kelsey and the team at Kelmeg & Associates are absolutely amazing! Kelsey is incredibly knowledgeable, trustworthy,... (excerpt)
Kathy Klatt
Jan 22, 2025
Kelsey Mackley helped me navigate the no-fault insurance claims and figure out how to use Medpay to start physical... (excerpt)
Audrey Birdsall
Jan 20, 2025
Kelsey with Kelmeg and Associates is incredible. Facing the insurance world can be super intimidating but with her help... (excerpt)
Heather Huelsman
Jan 20, 2025
Kelsey is THE best! Super knowledgeable and provides lots of great info in selecting the health care plan that's right... (excerpt)
Stacey Strouse
Jan 17, 2025
Kelsey is very knowledgeable and trustworthy. She has been a great resource for choosing healthcare insurance for me and my clients. Highly recommend!!
Sarah Schierkolk
Jan 16, 2025
Kelsey is a joy to work with. She is so wise which helps families make the best decision for their lifestyle and circumstance. I highly recommend contacting Kelsey to see how she can help!!!
B. J. H.
Jan 16, 2025
Very professional and helpful. They answer any question you have about health insurance.
David Shaw
Jan 16, 2025
Great company to work with.
Melanie Phares
Jan 14, 2025
20 minute consult call super efficient.
Amy Fleshman
Jan 2, 2025
Heidi Silwamba at Kelmeg and Associates was so kind, helpful, knowledgeable, and efficient in helping me navigate the... (excerpt)
Phillip Buxton
Dec 16, 2024
Chip at Kelmeg & Associates was able to provide expert advice and assistance for my insurance needs. He quickly got... (excerpt)
Tyler Slade
Dec 10, 2024
Really great to work with!!
Kimberly Diaz
Dec 10, 2024
Kelsey was extremely helpful in helping me pick out a plan for my daughter who lives out of state and is in her early... (excerpt)
Gyanendra Kaphle
Dec 5, 2024
very helpful co-operative polite
Janelle Koenders
Dec 4, 2024
Five-star rating
Mark Lamontagne
Nov 27, 2024
Five-star rating
Matthew Burgard
Nov 21, 2024
Five-star rating
Liz Schmidt
Nov 19, 2024
Heidi was very helpful and patient. She explained different plans and options without any pressure. Definitely... (excerpt)
Michael Usrey
Nov 13, 2024
Chip and Kelsey have been trusted advisers for 20+ years. Originally, advice for employee health insurance for a small business. Later, help with the the individual and Medicare marketplaces. Very knowledgeable.
V M
Nov 12, 2024
Kelsey addressed all my concerns. Provided the info necessary to make an informed decision. Listened to my concerns an responded in regular people terms.
William Broersma
Nov 7, 2024
These people are awesome. They really know what they’re doing and make everything super fast and easy. I give them my highest recommendation.
Shanna Cullen
Nov 7, 2024
I have been working with Kelsey for several years now and she's always super helpful, kind, informative, and thorough. I highly recommend her and Kelmeg and Associates.
Ugljesa Janjic
Nov 7, 2024
Kelsey and the team are the very best in their trade. They make all Medicare and healthcare application processes a... (excerpt)
Steve Williams
Nov 4, 2024
Five-star rating
Michelle Kerska
Nov 3, 2024
Kelsey was so easy to work with. She was quick to respond and very knowledgeable about all my insurance needs!
Stan Smith
Oct 24, 2024
Kelsey is excellent to work with. Her knowledgeable expertise is invaluable.
Brian Dolan
Oct 21, 2024
Five-star rating
Jill Tallent
Oct 16, 2024
Kelmeg and Associates takes the worry and hassle out of the whole process in the least amount of time -- knowledgeable and helpful whether applying for the first time or taking on a new plan -- EXCELLENT!!!
Gina Wadsworth
Oct 15, 2024
Kelmeg is always there when you call or they respond quickly.
Jeff Smith
Sep 21, 2024
Chip and Heidi were great to work with. I highly recommend their services.
Quin-Lee Ng
May 28, 2024
Chip, Heidi & Kelsey are the best. We use them for all our company medical benefit needs and they're excellent to deal with. Very responsive, very knowledgeable.
John Gargaro
Apr 24, 2024
Highly recommend if you are looking for assistance navigating the vast health insurance landscape! Was able to schedule a call and speak with Chip, who is knowledgeable and a straight shooter!
Fran Wahl
Apr 10, 2024
Five-star rating
Lauren Finamore
Mar 7, 2024
Being a 26 year old with no idea of where to start for health insurance, Kelsey at Kelmeg and Associates helped me out... (excerpt)
Me G (Family mailbox)
Mar 4, 2024
Five-star rating
Kat Reisenbigler
Feb 23, 2024
Kelsey has been my saving grace when it comes figuring out insurance. The marketplace is so confusing and she... (excerpt)
Meghan Murphy
Feb 22, 2024
Absolutely amazing people who really care for their clients! Would never trust anyone other than Chip and Kelsey!
Heather Vipond
Feb 21, 2024
Kelsey is amazing! She goes above and beyond to find you the best coverage at an affordable rate. She understands the... (excerpt)
Partners and certifications
We work with reputable carriers and programs to help you compare options and enroll with confidence.


Frequently Asked Questions
Do small businesses have to offer health insurance in Colorado?
Not always. Many employers with fewer than 50 full-time + FTE employees are not required to offer coverage, but many choose to for hiring and retention.
Can we start a group plan any time of year?
Often, yes. Group plans can typically be set up throughout the year. Timing and carrier rules can vary.
How much does an employer typically contribute?
Contribution approaches vary by business. Some carriers have guidelines and we'll confirm what applies to your group.
What if some employees want to waive coverage?
That's common. Some carriers have participation guidelines; we'll help you structure the offering and waivers correctly.
Can we offer dental and vision without medical?
In many cases, yes. We can walk through what's available and what fits your goals.
We have remote employees, can we still offer a plan?
Usually, yes, but the best approach depends on where employees live and which networks are needed.
How early should we start a renewal review?
Ideally 60 to 90 days before your renewal so there's time to compare options and communicate to employees.
Build benefits your team will value
Tell us your company size, timing, and what you want to improve, and we'll map the best next step.
Important information
Information on this page is for general guidance and isn't medical, legal, or tax advice.
Plan availability, costs, eligibility, and compliance obligations vary by carrier, county, group size, and plan year.
