Connect for Health Colorado® and Colorado Medicaid Report Enrollment Gains of More Than 169,000

January 5, 2016

Contacts: Connect for Health Colorado, Luke Clarke, 720-496-2545, [email protected]
Health Care Policy and Financing, Marc Williams, 303-866-3144, [email protected]

DENVER — Between Nov.1 and Dec. 31, more than 169,000 Coloradans enrolled in health coverage for 2016, either in private health insurance purchased through the state health insurance Marketplace or in Medicaid, or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), according to new data released today by Connect for Health Colorado® and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

“We are very happy with the enrollment growth during the first two months of this open enrollment period,” said Connect for Health Colorado® CEO Kevin Patterson.  “But I want to urge everyone who does not have health insurance provided through their employer to act now to provide financial security for their families and to avoid a penalty of nearly $695 or more. The final deadline for 2016 coverage –Jan. 31 – is fast approaching.”

Since the Nov. 1 beginning of Open Enrollment 132,263 people enrolled in private health care coverage through Connect for Health Colorado®.

In addition, the coverage gains include 35,269 in Medicaid and 2,031 in CHP+.

“It’s encouraging to see such strong enrollment numbers for Connect for Health Colorado,” said Sue Birch, MBA, BSN, RN,  executive director, Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “It’s critically important for all Coloradans to apply for health insurance by January 31st for the health and well-being of themselves and their families.”

Nov. 1-Dec.  31

2016 Coverage Total Medicaid CHP+ Connect for Health Colorado (private health insurance)
Coloradans enrolled

 

169,563 35,269 2,031 132,263

 

Key dates and deadlines for individuals and families buying private coverage

  • Open Enrollment: November 1, 2015 – January 31, 2016.
    • You cannot purchase health insurance after this period unless you have a qualifying life-change event, such as marriage, divorce, having a child, losing your employer-sponsored insurance, or moving to Colorado.
  • Last day to enroll for coverage beginning January 1, 2016, is December 15, 2015. You must pay your first-month’s bill by December 25.
  • Last day to enroll for 2016 coverage (absent a life change event): January 31, 2016.

Medicaid and CHP+ are open to qualifying individuals year-round.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace.  It opened for business on Oct. 1, 2013, for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors. In 2015, the Marketplace enrolled more than 150,000 Coloradans in private insurance and helped nearly 100,000 gain access to new tax credits that made their health coverage more affordable – all while keeping fees among the lowest in the country. For more information: www.ConnectforHealthCO.com.

About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing: The Department administers the Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus programs as well as a variety of other programs for low-income Coloradans who qualify. For more information about the department, please visit Colorado.gov/hcpf.