To Our Valued Stakeholders,

The Division of Insurance (DOI) has released encouraging news in the form of 5.94% average increase in the proposed rates for individual health insurance for 2019. The DOI notes in a press release that this is the smallest increase in a number of years and includes a breakdown by metal tier level.

We have said it before, but it is truer this year than ever. Individuals need to look at the total cost of their coverage – not just premium – and check for eligibility for Premium Tax Credit help before choosing their coverage.

We also want you to know that we have added a calendar of planned presentations about our new eligibility system to our technology page.

Risk Adjustment

Yesterday we joined with nine other state-based marketplaces in a letter to Health and Human Services executives emphasizing the critical importance of the risk adjustment program in restraining rate increases for our customers. The department announced suspension of the program one week ago based on questions arising from a February ruling in U.S. District Court in New Mexico.

Federal authorities clarified that the risk adjustment program in 2019 and beyond will continue, deep (page 3) in this July 12 memo.

In the News

We are reminded again this week of the benefit of operating our own state-based marketplace when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced another cut to assisters in states served by the federal marketplace. The New York Times reports the $10 million budget represents an 80 percent cut in two years.

Take care,

Kevin Patterson, MURP, MPA
Chief Executive Officer
Connect for Health Colorado