# Community health centers in Colorado

> A community health center is a clinic that offers primary care whether or not you have insurance. Fees can be lower based on what you can afford.

Source: Colorado Health Insurance Colorado Care Index (https://coloradohealthinsurance.com/care/community-health-center), data updated 2026-11-11. Published by Grove Benefit Advisors LLC, a licensed Colorado health insurance agency.

## When people see one

- You want a primary care provider near home
- You need dental or behavioral health at the same place
- Your income is limited and cost matters
- You are between jobs or plans

## How it differs

- Primary care clinic: A community health center is a nonprofit with a federal grant and a sliding fee scale. A primary care clinic is any office that provides primary care, with or without those features.
- Rural health clinic: Both serve underserved areas. A rural health clinic has a federal certification for its location, and a community health center has a federal grant and a sliding fee scale.

## On 2027 Colorado plans

- Referral: No. You don't need a referral for primary care.
- Visit cost by metal level (standard plans):
  - Bronze: $25 to $50 a visit on 23 of 56 plans
  - Silver: $0 to $40 a visit on 53 of 58 plans
  - Gold: $0 to $30 a visit on 26 of 30 plans

## In Colorado

- 328 locations in public records.

## Questions to ask the office

- Which 2027 plans do you take? Ask for the plan's network name, not only the insurance company.
- How does the sliding scale work, and what proof of income do you need?
- Are you taking new patients?
- Which services are in the same building, such as dental or behavioral health?

## Sources

- [HRSA: What is a health center?](https://bphc.hrsa.gov/about-health-center-program)
- [MedlinePlus: Types of health care providers](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001933.htm)