Connect for Health Colorado® Welcomes Last Minute Shoppers at Downtown Store and Dozens of Enrollment Events

Date January 29, 2016
Contact: Luke Clarke 720-496-2545

DENVER — Connect for Health Colorado® is gearing up and extending hours for an anticipated rush of Coloradans expected to line up in time to buy 2016 health insurance by the midnight Sunday, Jan. 31, deadline.

Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s health insurance Marketplace, and its partner organizations are hosting dozens of enrollment events throughout the state between now and the end of Open Enrollment. These events give Coloradans a chance to receive free, in-person help from certified brokers and health coverage guides.

“We know from experience that we will see a number of customers in these final days of open enrollment,” said Kevin Patterson, CEO of Connect for Health Colorado. “But I want to emphasize it is time to act. There are just a few days left for Coloradans to get covered in 2016. The penalty for going without coverage this year has increased. Don’t miss your chance to provide for your family’s health and financial security.”

The tax penalty for not having coverage is expected to average nearly $1,000 per household, depending on income in 2016.

Open enrollment for this year ends Jan. 31. That will be the last chance for most Coloradans to sign up and protect their family budget with health insurance. After that date, only those who experience a life change event – such as, marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, losing insurance provided through a job – can buy their own insurance.

Customers who would like free expert help have four easy options:

  • Find an event near you on the Connect for Health Colorado’s events calendar.
  • Schedule to meet a broker or health coverage guide at com/person-help/.
  • Drop by the downtown Denver store at 1600 California Street, which will be open from noon to 6 pm through Sunday.
  • Call Connect for Health Colorado at 855-PLANS-4-YOU (855-752-6749). We are extending hours to 10 pm Friday and to midnight Saturday and Sunday.

Although open enrollment for this year ends Jan. 31, individuals and families who are shopping for new coverage because their health insurance company is no longer offering health plans in their area – or because they had a policy last year that no longer meets the minimum legal requirements – will be permitted to enroll in new coverage through Feb. 29 through a Special Enrollment Period. This includes individuals and families who purchased their 2015 health insurance on or off Connect for Health Colorado’s site.

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.  It opened for business on Oct. 1, 2013, for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and is the only place to apply for financial assistance in the form of tax credits to help lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access free, in-person assistance from a statewide network of certified Brokers, community-based Health Coverage Guides or Application Counselors. For more information: www.connectforhealthco.com