Changes for Plan Year 2027
What’s New
Changes to Health Insurance Affordability in Colorado
What Changed?
Colorado recently passed SB26-178, a law designed to help keep health coverage more affordable for Coloradans who buy their own health insurance.
The law provides additional support for programs that help lower costs and maintain access to health coverage through Connect for Health Colorado.
What Does This Mean for You?
SB26-178 is intended to:
- Help reduce future premium increases.
- Support financial assistance programs that lower monthly health insurance costs.
- Maintain access to quality health coverage for Colorado individuals and families.
- Continue support for affordability initiatives, including OmniSalud.
While your costs and savings will still depend on factors like income, household size, age and where you live, this law helps strengthen Colorado’s efforts to make health insurance more affordable.
What Should You Do?
Review Your Options Every Year
Even if you’re enrolled, it’s important to compare plans during Open Enrollment to ensure you are getting the coverage that best fits your needs and budget. Health plans, premiums and financial assistance can change from year to year.
Update Your Information
Keeping your income, household and contact information up to date helps ensure you receive the correct amount of financial help and stay informed about your coverage options.
Check for Financial Help
Many Coloradans qualify for financial assistance that lowers monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs. If you haven’t checked your eligibility recently, it may be worth taking another look.
Get Free Resources and Expert Assistance
Whether you are enrolling for the first time, renewing your coverage or exploring your options, Connect for Health Colorado offers free resources and expert assistance to help you find the right plan.
Get started by exploring plans or checking your eligibility for financial help by connecting with a certified enrollment expert today.
We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re enrolling for the first time, renewing your coverage, or exploring your options, Connect for Health Colorado offers free resources and expert assistance to help you find the right plan.
Get started by exploring plans, checking your eligibility for financial help, or connecting with a certified enrollment expert.
Other Federal Changes
In addition to Colorado’s SB26-178, recent federal legislation includes changes that may affect how some people enroll in and maintain health insurance coverage through the Marketplace. Some of these changes are expected to take effect for future plan years.
What May Be Different
Depending on your situation, you may notice changes such as:
- Additional verification requirements when applying for or renewing coverage.
- Changes to when and how financial assistance is determined.
- Updates to certain Special Enrollment Period eligibility rules.
- New Health Savings Account (HSA) options for some Bronze and Catastrophic health plans.
Are Open Enrollment Date Changing?
Yes. Beginning with the 2027 plan year, the Open Enrollment period for health insurance coverage through Connect for Health Colorado will have a shorter enrollment window.
Key Dates
- Open Enrollment begins: November 1, 2026
- Open Enrollment ends: December 31, 2026
- Coverage begins: January 1, 2027
Mark your calendars and plan ahead. Reviewing your options early can help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure you select the plan that best fits your needs and budget.
What Should I Do?
To help avoid coverage disruptions, we recommend:
Reviewing and updating your application information each year.
Responding promptly to requests for documentation.
Reviewing your eligibility for financial assistance during Open Enrollment.
Comparing available plans annually, as costs and coverage options may change.