Connect for Health Colorado® Announces 6,144 Coloradans Have Enrolled in Health Insurance for 2015 During First Eight Days of Open Enrollment Period

CONTACT: Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378

DENVER (Nov. 24, 2014)  — Connect for Health Colorado® announced Monday that 6,144 individuals and families have signed up for health insurance coverage since the current enrollment period began Saturday, November 15, which exceeds the pace of initial signups last year.

“We are very pleased that Coloradans are taking this important step in protecting their family’s health and financial security for 2015,” said interim CEO Gary Drews. “It’s vital that people don’t put this off. There isn’t much time to get your coverage in place for next year. Enrollments must be complete by December 15 to have coverage starting on January 1st.

The 6,144 health plan enrollments and 936 enrollments in dental coverage through Saturday, November 22, 2014, compares to 204 health plan and 87 dental plan enrollments during the first eight days the state health insurance Marketplace was open in 2013.

“As pleased as we are with these initial enrollment figures, we want to urge anyone who is not provided health insurance by their employer to begin now to shop for a policy that meets their needs and their circumstances,” Drews said. “We recommend Coloradans be smart consumers and take the time to compare their options before renewing their current plan or enrolling in a new one.”

The Open Enrollment Period runs to February 15, 2015. Whether you are renewing or enrolling for the first time, you must complete enrollment by December 15, 2014, to have coverage January 1, 2015, and avoid a gap in your insurance. People who do not enroll for insurance by February 15 will not be able to get coverage in 2015 unless they have a life changing event, like a marriage or divorce.

“We know that this process can be complicated. That’s why we suggest Coloradans take advantage of free, in-person help available in every county of our state from a network of trained and certified Health Coverage Guides and Brokers,” Drews said. “These are experts who can help explain the differences in plans, benefits and costs, and help you through the financial application and enrollment process.”

There are more than 1,600 independent brokers and agents, and more than 450 Health Coverage Guides and Certified Application Counselors. To find them in your area (search by zip code) go to connectforhealthco.com/resources/person-help/