# Rural health clinics in Colorado

> A rural health clinic is a clinic in a rural area that is certified by the federal Medicare program. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants often provide much of the care.

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

## When people see one

- You live far from a larger clinic or hospital
- You want a primary care provider close to home
- Checkups, vaccines, and everyday illness
- Follow-up for ongoing conditions

## How it differs

- Community health center: A rural health clinic has a federal certification based on its rural location. A community health center is a nonprofit with a federal grant and a sliding fee scale.
- Primary care clinic: A rural health clinic is a type of primary care clinic with a federal certification for rural areas.

## 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

- 91 locations in public records.

## Questions to ask the office

- Are you taking new patients?
- Which 2027 plans do you take? Ask for the plan's network name, not only the insurance company.
- Do you offer telehealth visits?
- Where do you send patients who need a specialist or a hospital?

## Sources

- [CMS: Information for Rural Health Clinics](https://www.cms.gov/files/document/mln006398-information-rural-health-clinics.pdf)