Connect for Health Colorado Supports Senate Bill 24-093

Statement from Connect for Health Colorado

DENVER – On Monday, Connect for Health Colorado’s Board of Directors took a support position for Senate Bill 24-093, Continuity of Health-Care Coverage Change. This bill would help Coloradans who are no longer eligible for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program who have serious medical conditions more easily transition to individual market coverage and continue coverage of necessary medical treatments during the transition period. Connect for Health Colorado released the following statement:

“Coverage transitions can be a stressful period for people losing Medicaid regardless of health condition, but Coloradans with serious medical conditions and those getting ongoing treatments are in an especially vulnerable situation. This bill will ensure that Coloradans can continue treatment for their serious medical condition for 90 days without fear of out-of-network balance billing, and hopefully, help provide greater peace of mind as they continue critical treatments.

As the official health insurance marketplace, it’s our mission to increase access, affordability, and choice. This bill gives people ongoing access to coverage when they need it most. It keeps coverage affordable in the individual market by covering people’s medical treatments with insurance. And it preserves choice by allowing people to shop for coverage that is right for their circumstances for the full plan year, rather than focusing only on the coverage they need to finish the course of treatment they are currently receiving. For those reasons, Connect for Health Colorado supports Senate Bill 24-093.”

Senate Bill 24-093 has passed the Senate and is currently awaiting debate and vote in the House.

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Media contact

Mónica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-576-7995

About Connect for Health Colorado  

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace.  Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert, in-person help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

Connect for Health Colorado Offers Funding Opportunity for Enrollment Assistance

DENVER— Connect for Health Colorado, Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, is requesting applications from new and returning organizations to operate Assistance Sites, Certified Application Counselor locations, Enrollment Centers, and Referral Partner locations across the state.

“Our partners provide a crucial one-on-one service to help Coloradans get covered,” said Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson. “They help us make sure local communities, especially those who face barriers in getting health coverage, can access the plans and savings we offer. I encourage interested organizations and current partners to apply.”

Partnership Opportunities

  • Assistance Sites and Certified Application Counselor locations provide staff to support their communities with education, health insurance literacy, and the enrollment process. They are certified to assist with enrollment on Connect for Health Colorado’s Marketplace and Colorado Connect as well as Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program.
  • Enrollment Centers across the state also offer health coverage education and enrollment assistance from a local storefront and can receive matching funds for marketing. These locations will also have the ability to help people on a walk-in basis.
  • Referral Partners are organizations that can help educate their communities about available health coverage options, applicable financial help programs, and provide referrals for health coverage enrollment.

Who May Apply
Connect for Heath Colorado welcomes applications from community-based organizations, medical facilities, associations, ranching and farming organizations, chambers of commerce, unions, state and local human service agencies, Certified Brokers/Broker Agencies, and other organizations that meet the criteria for selection.

How to Apply

  1. See instructions and apply by April 10 at https://c4hco.smapply.io/  
  2. Attend a live webinar to learn about the application process March 7. Webinar information is available in this document.

Connect for Health Colorado will determine the award depending on the organization type, staffing, goals, and customer service. Connect for Health Colorado welcomes applications from any potential partner but might not accept all proposals.

Interested applicants can find information about the funded and non-funded opportunities, as well as criteria for each partnership award at https://c4hco.smapply.io/ 

Timeline

Feb. 26, 2024: Applications open

6 Week Application Period: Webinars and Q&A for interested organizations and Brokers

Apr. 10, 2024: Application deadline

Apr. 11 – May 15, 2024:  Connect for Health Colorado will review and reply to applicants 

July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025: Contract period

Contact

For questions about the application or process: [email protected]

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About Connect for Health Colorado  

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace.  Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert, in-person help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

Media contact: Mónica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-576-7995

Colorado’s Health Insurance Marketplace Finishes Open Enrollment with More Than 237,000 Sign-Ups, A New Record 

DENVERConnect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, closed its annual Open Enrollment Period yesterday and reports that 237,107 people have enrolled in a 2024 health insurance plan. That is about 18 percent higher than last year’s end of Open Enrollment total of 201,758 enrollments and is Connect for Health Colorado’s biggest enrollment period ever. Of the total enrollments for 2024 coverage, 77 percent are receiving financial help to reduce premiums.  

Additionally, 12,485 people enrolled in a health insurance plan through Colorado Connect, Connect for Health Colorado’s public benefit corporation and online platform. The majority of those Colorado Connect enrollments were from the OmniSalud program, which provides Coloradans who are undocumented with a safe platform to compare plans, apply for financial help, and enroll.  

“I am elated that we’re ending this enrollment period having helped nearly 250,000 Coloradans secure their coverage for 2024,” said Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “We’ll be digging into our Open Enrollment data to see what exactly is driving this increase in sign-ups shortly. But I know we couldn’t have reached these levels of success without the hard work of our staff and our partners across the state who help customers. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish to bring affordable health coverage to more Coloradans.” 

Connect for Health Colorado also saw a notable increase in the percentage of customers choosing a Colorado Option plan this Open Enrollment Period compared to last year when they were introduced on the market. For 2024 coverage, 80,655 people selected a Colorado Option plan: roughly 34 percent of total Marketplace enrollments. Last year, Colorado Option plans made up approximately 13 percent of Marketplace enrollments. 

Connect for Health Colorado will be conducting an in-depth analysis of enrollment data and will publish a report with more information and findings this spring.  

While the Open Enrollment Period has closed for 2024 coverage, people can still enroll if they have a qualifying life event. Find a list of qualifying events on Connect for Health Colorado’s website. 

Connect for Health Colorado offers free enrollment assistance from certified Brokers and community-based Assisters year-round. A certified Broker can review plan options, give advice, check networks, and suggest a new plan. Find a Broker, Assister, or visit an Enrollment Center near you. 

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Media Contact 

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995 

About Connect for Health Colorado  

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information: ConnectforHealthCO.com 

Customer Advisory: “In-Line” Enrollment Extension Available through January 17

Customers must call to complete their health insurance enrollment for 2024

DENVERConnect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, is alerting customers who started their plan enrollments or made changes by yesterday’s deadline, January 15, that they have through Wednesday, January 17 at 6:00 p.m. to finish their enrollment. These customers must call Connect for Health Colorado’s Customer Service Center at 855-752-6749 to complete their enrollment.

“I’m pleased this Open Enrollment has been so smooth and that we can offer this flexibility with the deadline,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “If you or someone you know couldn’t complete their enrollment by yesterday, please let them know about this extension and give us a call right away. We’re here to make the process as easy as possible for folks, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to secure your coverage for 2024.”

On January 4, Connect for Health Colorado announced that more than 222,000 people had enrolled in a 2024 health insurance plan; the highest number of sign-ups through the Marketplace since it opened for business in 2013. Connect for Health Colorado will report total Open Enrollment sign-ups in the coming days and share an in-depth analysis of enrollment data this spring.

You can get free enrollment assistance from certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. A certified Broker can review plan options, give advice, check networks, and suggest a new plan. Find a Broker, Assister, or visit an Enrollment Center near you.

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Media Contact

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

Biggest Open Enrollment Yet for Colorado’s Exchange

Less than two weeks left in the enrollment period for 2024 health coverage

DENVERConnect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, reports that 222,067 people have enrolled in a 2024 health insurance plan as of January 4th. This number of sign-ups not only surpasses the same-day comparison to last year (189,010 enrollments), but also last year’s end of Open Enrollment total (201,758 enrollments).

“I’m thrilled that the strong pace of sign-ups has held throughout the Open Enrollment season and that we’ve already hit such a major milestone,” said Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “But we’re not done yet. If you haven’t taken that step to get covered for 2024, this is your reminder that it’s not too late. And while we’re seeing record sign-ups, we’re also seeing folks getting through the enrollment process smoother and faster than ever before. So, give us a call, make an appointment with a free enrollment specialist, or use our Quick Cost and Plan Finder to browse your options. We’ve got many resources and tools to make health insurance easier, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.”

The Open Enrollment Period for 2024 coverage ends Monday, January 15, 2024. People who enroll by that date will have their coverage begin on February 1, 2024. Connect for Health Colorado offers free enrollment assistance from certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. A certified Broker can review plan options, give advice, check networks, and suggest a new plan. Find a Broker, Assister, or visit an Enrollment Center near you.

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Media Contact

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

Colorado Celebrates Get Covered Colorado Day

Connect for Health Colorado continues to set new enrollment records.

DENVER— Today is Get Covered Colorado Day. This day of action was created to encourage as many Coloradans as possible to enroll in 2024 health coverage during the annual Open Enrollment Period. Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, reports that in the first five weeks of Open Enrollment, 184,240 residents have enrolled in a health insurance plan. This is 29 percent ahead of the same day last year.

“I’m thrilled with the pace of enrollments as we head into the busiest weeks of the year,” said Connect for Health Colorado Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “My message to people on this Get Covered Day is simple: don’t assume our plans are out of your budget or won’t meet your needs. We’ve got more financial help available than ever before, and this year, three out of five customers can find a plan that is $10 per month or less. Take that first step to find the right health coverage for next year by making an appointment with an enrollment specialist, visiting our website, or giving us a call. We’re here to help you every step of the way.”

“Here in Colorado, we’ve been working to expand options so people can get the health care coverage they need to keep themselves and their families well,” said Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care. “We know that when individuals are covered, they’re less likely to delay treatments or forgo the medications they need, improving overall health outcomes and reducing medical debt.”

Across the state, community leaders and influencers will promote this year’s enrollment opportunity. Coloradans across the state can follow the hashtags #GetCovered and #CoverCO to find information about the Open Enrollment Period. Residents can participate by signing up for coverage or reminding someone in their network who is uninsured to contact Connect for Health Colorado and enroll in a plan.

More Financial Help Available

More than 75 percent of Connect for Health Colorado customers qualify for financial help to lower the cost of health insurance. And because of how financial help is calculated to offset premium costs, many Coloradans can find a more affordable plan if they change plans. In fact, 95 percent of Coloradans receiving financial help will be able to find a premium that is equal to or less than their current premium just by shopping for a new plan within their same metal tier (e.g., Silver to Silver, Gold to Gold) for coverage in 2024.

People shopping on Connect for Health Colorado can also qualify for even more cost-sharing reductions than last year or previous years. That’s because of Colorado’s Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise, which provides additional, state-funded financial help to people shopping in the individual market. The enhanced cost-sharing reductions financial help further lowers deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, copayments, prescriptions, and more for people who qualify. For example, with these new, enhanced cost sharing reductions, customers currently enrolled in Silver plans could see their deductibles lowered from an average of $3,446 to an average of $65, a 98 percent decrease.

Important Deadlines

The Open Enrollment Period for health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado runs through January 15, 2024. However, people should enroll by Friday, December 15 for coverage that starts on January 1, 2024. If you enroll in a health insurance plan between December 16 and January 15, your new health coverage won’t begin until February 1, 2024.

Find Enrollment Assistance

Free help is available from enrollment experts—certified Brokers and community-based Assisters— located throughout Colorado. Connect for Health Colorado also offers Enrollment Centers to provide you with personalized help signing up for a health insurance plan in-person or by phone, and many also offer virtual assistance. No appointment is necessary.

For questions and assistance, contact Connect for Health Colorado at ConnectforHealthCO.com or call 855-752-6749.

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Media Contacts

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information: ConnectforHealthCO.com

First Two Weeks of Open Enrollment Spell Early Success for Colorado’s Health Insurance Marketplace

Sign-ups are 27 percent higher than last year, and more people are qualifying for financial help

DENVER— Open Enrollment for 2024 health insurance coverage started just two weeks ago, and Connect for Health Colorado reports that enrollments are up 27 percent from last year. Currently, more than 36,500 individuals have signed up for a health insurance plan through its marketplace, and 82 percent of those people are qualifying for financial help.

Nearly two weeks ago, on the second day of the Open Enrollment Period, Connect for Health Colorado announced that it had filled the maximum allotment of spots for financial help for the OmniSalud program. This program provides health insurance and financial help to people who are undocumented and is available on Colorado Connect, Connect for Health Colorado’s public benefit corporation and online enrollment platform.

“I’m overjoyed that we are off to such a strong start this Open Enrollment. This response tells me we’re giving people what they need: access to quality plans at the right price point and the right help and tools to get covered,” said Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson. “I attribute this early success to our staff, who made this work possible, as well as our partners at the Division of Insurance, our network of community partners, and our enrollment partners. We’ve got about nine weeks to go, but this pace could lead to our biggest enrollment year yet. If you haven’t done so yet, be sure to check out plans this year and make an appointment to get enrolled.”

Save by Switching Plans Instead of Renewing

Many Connect for Health Colorado customers qualify for automatic plan renewal and will see their plan automatically renewed on December 2. Because of the way financial help is calculated to offset premium costs, 56 percent of Coloradans receiving financial help through Connect for Health Colorado will see either no change or a decrease in their premiums when they automatically renew in the same plan in 2024.

However, plan prices and options change every year, and many Coloradans can find a more affordable plan if they change plans and do not renew their plan. In fact, 95 percent of Coloradans receiving financial help will be able to find a premium that is equal to or less than their current premium just by shopping for a new plan within their same metal tier (e.g., Silver to Silver, Gold to Gold) for coverage in 2024. People can review plans and prices using the Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool.

Get Help Applying and Enrolling

Connect for Health Colorado offers free enrollment assistance from certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. A certified Broker can review plan options, give advice, check networks, and suggest a new plan. Find a Broker, Assister, or visit an Enrollment Center near you.

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Media Contact

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

OmniSalud Financial Help Spots Claimed for 2024

Denver— Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, has announced that the maximum number of individuals (11,000) have submitted a Colorado Connect application for 2024 and been found eligible for SilverEnhanced Savings, the financial help for enrollees in the OmniSalud program.

Kevin Patterson, CEO of Connect for Health Colorado, released the following statement:

“We anticipated that we would see significant financial help determinations early in the enrollment period for OmniSalud; the response we saw yesterday and today has exceeded even our very high expectations. I’m truly grateful for and astounded by the response.

We understand people will be disappointed to learn the funding limit has already been reached, and we hope to continue to find ways to expand the program in the future to meet the demand. I want to express my gratitude for the additional spots made available this year as well as the extraordinary work from our enrollment network and community partners.

While the financial help spots have been claimed, we do encourage people who are interested in the OmniSalud program to continue to apply. They will still be able to enroll in plans at regular cost, and we want to be sure to capture the ongoing interest in the program. If you missed out on the financial help, I recommend consulting with one of our enrollment experts. Our Brokers and Assisters are very knowledgeable about health care and coverage options and are here to help.”

The OmniSalud program provides undocumented Coloradans with a safe way to compare affordable health insurance plans, get financial help if eligible, and enroll securely. The OmniSalud program is available on Colorado Connect, Connect for Health Colorado’s public benefit corporation and online enrollment platform.

Last month, the Colorado Division of Insurance announced that for 2024, it would increase the availability of financial assistance for health insurance in the OmniSalud program to 11,000 individuals, a 10 percent increase from 10,000 individuals in 2023.

Last year, Connect for Health Colorado reported that it met the funding limit for SilverEnhanced Savings by December 6, 2022.

The Open Enrollment Period runs through January 15, 2024.

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Media Contact

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

Open Enrollment for Health Insurance in Colorado Starts Today

Your guide to shopping and saving money on health plans

DENVER— Open Enrollment for 2024 health insurance coverage starts today in Colorado, and people can expect more savings than ever before due to federal changes and innovative state programs.

Save on Monthly Costs

As the state’s official health insurance marketplace, Connect for Health Coloradois the only place where residents can qualify for and receive financial help for their health insurance.

The American Rescue Plan Act, which passed in 2021 and provides enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credits, is still in effect. That means people can continue to expect a higher level of financial help and people with higher incomes can now qualify. Currently, 77 percent of Connect for Health Colorado customers get financial help to lower the cost of health insurance. This year, three out of five Connect for Health Colorado enrollees will have a plan available to them with a premium of less than $10 per month.

To Renew or Not to Renew?

Many Connect for Health Colorado customers qualify for automatic plan renewal and can expect a notice from the marketplace with information about their plan renewal options in early November.

Because of the way financial help is calculated to offset premium costs, 56 percent of Coloradans receiving financial help through Connect for Health Colorado will see either no change or a decrease in their premiums if they automatically renew in the same plan in 2024.

However, plan prices and options change every year, and many Coloradans can find a more affordable plan if they change plans. In fact, 95 percent of Coloradans receiving financial help will be able to find a premium that is equal to or less than their current premium just by shopping for a new plan within their same metal tier (e.g., Silver to Silver, Gold to Gold) for coverage in 2024.

Significant Savings When You Buy a Silver Plan

People shopping on Connect for Health Colorado can qualify for even more cost-sharing reductions than last year or previous years. That’s because of Colorado’s Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise, which provides additional, state-funded financial help to people shopping in the individual market.

The enhanced cost-sharing reductions financial help further lowers deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, copayments, prescriptions, and more for people who qualify.

While the Enterprise has provided customers on Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace with additional cost-sharing reductions since 2022, the Enterprise decided to expand those enhanced cost-sharing reductions to people up to 250 percent of the poverty level (see chart below) starting in Plan Year 2024. People with qualifying income who enroll in a Silver-level plan will receive cost-sharing reductions at the 94 percent level, meaning your health insurance company will pay for 94 percent of all medical costs, on average.

Household SizeYou qualify for enhanced cost-sharing reductions if your income is less than…
1$36,450
2$49,300
3$62,150
4$75,000

The enhanced cost-sharing reductions will be automatically applied to Silver-level plans when eligible customers are shopping and enrolling on Connect for Health Colorado.

With these new, enhanced cost sharing reductions, customers currently enrolled in Silver plans could see their deductibles lowered from an average of $3,446 to an average of $65, a 98 percent decrease. Additionally, they will see their maximum out-of-pocket costs decrease 77 percent, from an average of $7,257 to an average of $1,670. 

Connect for Health Colorado customers who are not enrolled in a Silver plan can see huge savings by switching to a Silver plan. For example, those who are currently enrolled in Bronze plans could see a 99 percent decrease in their deductibles, from an average of $6,823 to $65, by switching to a Silver plan. Those who are currently enrolled in Gold plans could see a 95 percent decrease in their deductibles, from an average of $1,409 to $65, by switching to a Silver plan.

“We say it every year, but it’s truer this year than ever before—it really, really pays to shop,” said Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson. “Thanks to innovative state programs, we’re offering more financial help to customers on top of the expanded federal financial help that is still in effect. I implore all people shopping on our marketplace to use our tools and experts to find the best plan and take advantage of these savings.”

Quickly Check Plans and Prices

Six health insurance companies are offering health insurance plans on Connect for Health Colorado this year, with one new company, Select Health, entering the market. People should use the Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool to get an estimate of financial help and to see all their plan options.

“Having health insurance is absolutely critical. Not only does it make routine care like check-ups, vaccinations and maintenance drugs more accessible and affordable,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway, “but it also helps protect finances when a major accident or illness happens. There are many plans to choose from, including Colorado Option plans which offer a number of $0 or low-cost benefits, and many ways of finding financial help. I urge everyone to take advantage of open enrollment and get covered for 2024.”

Year Two of the OmniSalud Program

Today marks the start of the second Open Enrollment Period for Colorado Connect, Connect for Health Colorado’s public benefit corporation and online enrollment platform. Colorado Connect is home to the OmniSalud program, which provides undocumented Coloradans with a safe way to compare affordable health insurance plans, get financial help if eligible, and enroll securely.

Last month, the Colorado Division of Insurance announced that for 2024, it would increase the availability of financial assistance for health insurance in the OmniSalud program to 11,000 individuals, a 10 percent increase from 10,000 individuals in 2023. 

“I’m elated by the additional financial help we can offer for 2024. We saw an astounding response to the OmniSalud program when it launched last year, and we’re truly grateful that we can continue to strengthen this innovative program,” said Patterson.

People who are interested in enrolling in the OmniSalud program are strongly encouraged to contact a certified Broker or enrollment Assister. Find help by visiting the OmniSalud Help website page.

Get Help

Connect for Health Colorado offers free enrollment assistance from certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. A certified Broker can review plan options, give advice, check networks, and suggest a new plan. Find a Broker, Assister, or visit an Enrollment Center near you.

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Media Contact

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

Connect for Health Colorado® Welcomes Adam Fox and Robert Ruiz-Moss to the Board of Directors

DENVERConnect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, welcomes Adam Fox and Robert Ruiz-Moss to the Board of Directors.

Governor Polis recently announced his appointment of Adam Fox, Deputy Director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative (CCHI), to the board. Adam has worked for CCHI in various roles for 12 years. In his current role, Adam oversees and coordinates policy, communications, and organizing, informed by CCHI’s direct service activities, to advance CCHI’s organizational and policy goals and mission. Adam cultivates relationships with health care stakeholders, policymakers, and government officials at the state and national level to develop and advocate for policy priorities that benefit consumers and center equity in health care.

Adam has been closely involved in various health care reform efforts, including ACA implementation, consumer protections from surprise medical bills, insurance network adequacy, hospital accountability, health insurance affordability efforts including the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise and Colorado Option, lowering the costs of prescription drugs, and more.

Prior to joining CCHI, Adam worked with the Boys & Girls Clubs to promote access to public health programs and implement health education programs with youth. Adam earned his M.A. in International Policy Studies from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in 2009 and his B.A. in International Studies, Anthropology, and Spanish from Pacific University in 2007.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Adam to the board. Not only has he been a great partner to us over the years, but he’s also been instrumental in helping make health care more equitable, affordable, and accessible for Coloradans,” said Kevin Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of Connect for Health Colorado.  

Connect for Health Colorado also welcomes Robert Ruiz-Moss, Vice President of Individual Business at Elevance Health, to the board. Robert (Rob) has over 30 years of experience in numerous facets of the healthcare market. In his current role, Rob oversees Elevance Health’s individual business strategy, product offerings, and sales approach in each of its 14 states where Individual ACA coverage is offered.

Rob joined Elevance Health in 2009 as the general manager for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s individual health insurance business in Colorado, Nevada, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. He previously served as one of the original board members of the Colorado Health Benefits Exchange (Connect for Health Colorado) appointed by Governor Hickenlooper.

Among his significant previous positions, Rob served as chief executive officer of Imerica Life and Health Insurance Company, which offers HSA-qualified insurance plans, health savings bank accounts, and PPO plans. As CEO he provided leadership and vision for the 80-member organization and grew revenue from $1.5 million to $40 million within 18 months. He was president and chief executive officer of Mountain Medical Affiliates, a physician-owned PPO providing health care services to more than 80,000 Coloradans utilizing more than 10,000 provider contracts.

Rob holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Colorado at Boulder and has served on the boards of the Colorado Health Foundation, HealthOne Hospital System, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the Denver Metro American Heart Association.

“I’m so pleased to welcome Rob to the board. His leadership, expertise, and breadth of experience will be extremely valuable to our conversations. I’m looking forward to our work together,” said Patterson.

The Board of Directors of Connect for Health Colorado was appointed in compliance with Senate Bill 11-200, passed by the General Assembly in 2011. The board meets monthly to discuss and vote on a range of issues related to the establishment and operation of Connect for Health Colorado. Board and Advisory Group meetings are open to the public, and up-to-date meeting announcements and information can be found here.

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Media Contact

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com