Shopping and comparing plans is key to finding affordable health insurance options this year, Connect for Health Colorado says.

COLORADO – Open enrollment for plan year 2026 begins tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 1, Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, announced today. 

The annual enrollment period – which runs through Jan. 15, 2026 – offers Colorado residents the opportunity to shop for new affordable health insurance options or renew their current plans. 

Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where Coloradans can get financial help to purchase health insurance, and an estimated 65% of customers will qualify for financial help for plan year 2026. More than half – 58% – of customers who currently receive financial assistance will have at least one 2026 plan option with an estimated net premium under $10 per month. 

With rising health insurance premiums and the expiration of federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs), Connect for Health Colorado is encouraging customers to shop and compare plans and rely on expert assistance to help them enroll. 

“While Connect for Health Colorado doesn’t set health insurance rates, we know rising premiums and the expiration of enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) will have a real impact on people in Colorado,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “Shopping and comparing plans this year is more critical than ever.”

To help customers shop and compare, Connect for Health is launching an improved Estimate & Explore tool that significantly upgrades the previous Quick Cost and Plan Finder Tool. The enhanced Estimate & Explore tool offers personalized recommendations and side-by-side plan comparisons, providing a clearer, more tailored view of coverage options. 

“Even with premium increases and the expiration of ePTCs, shopping and comparing plans during the annual open enrollment period may help customers find affordable options,” Patterson said. “And, our customers aren’t in this alone. Our free, statewide network of certified Assisters and insurance Brokers speak more than 22 languages and can answer customers’ questions – at no cost.”

Connect for Health Colorado’s website will update at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, with information for plan year 2026, and customers will be able to begin enrolling. 

Important Dates and Information About Open Enrollment

• Open Enrollment begins Nov. 1, 2025, and ends Jan. 15, 2026. 
• Customers must enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2026.
• Six health insurance companies are offering medical plans for 2026: Anthem, Cigna, Denver Health, Kaiser Permanente, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, and Select Health.
• Colorado Option plans can make health care more affordable and accessible for Colorado residents. Customers can expect to pay $0 for doctor visits for annual check-ups, health screenings, immunizations, and maternity care, as well as $0 for visits with a therapist, counselor, or doctor for mental or behavioral health or substance abuse. 

Changes to Financial Assistance

• Financial help is changing. Federal ePTCs are scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2025, unless Congress acts to extend them. Advanced Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions remain available but are returning to pre-pandemic levels. This means many customers will receive less financial help. Connect for Health Colorado is prepared to support customers if Congress acts and extends ePTCs during the annual open enrollment period. 
• Premiums are rising. The Colorado Division of Insurance released final approved premium information for private health insurance plans in 2026. Connect for Health Colorado estimates net premiums will double on average for all customers who are receiving financial assistance, with larger net premium increases for people in rural counties and for older adults.
• State help is available. Colorado is introducing Colorado Premium Assistance to help reduce monthly costs for households between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. While Colorado Premium Assistance may not replace the reduced federal support of ePTCs, it will still provide meaningful savings for many families.

Get Free, Expert Assistance

Connect for Health Colorado is committed to providing Coloradans with the resources they need to make informed choices about their health insurance. Connect for Health Colorado’s free network of certified Assisters and insurance Brokers are located throughout Colorado and speak more than 22 languages. They can help Coloradans apply free of charge, and there’s no obligation to buy a plan when contacting an expert.

Those who need health care insurance are encouraged to learn more about open enrollment, plan options, and financial help at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Its mission is to increase access, affordability and choice for individuals, families and small employers purchasing health insurance in Colorado. It is the only place where residents can qualify for and receive financial help for their health insurance.

Connect for Health Colorado
4600 South Ulster Street, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80237
ConnectforHealthCO.com

Denver, Colo.– Health insurance premiums will increase for many people who buy health insurance through Colorado’s official marketplace and fewer customers in 2026 will qualify for financial help to offset those costs, according to a new analysis from Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Most of the cost increase is the result of Congress allowing federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) to expire.

Connect for Health Colorado’s analysis is based on the Colorado Division of Insurance’s announcement of final health insurance premium rates for plan year 2026, and reflects the expiration of ePTCs and the benefit of the introduction of Colorado Premium Assistance, which will reduce premiums for some customers.

Connect for Health Colorado’s customer impact analysis shows net premiums will double on average for all customers who are receiving financial assistance, with larger net premium increases for people in rural counties and for older adults. It also shows the percentage of customers eligible for financial help could decrease from 81% in 2025 to 65% in 2026.

Among the key findings in Connect for Health Colorado’s analysis:

• Marketplace customers who currently receive financial assistance will experience average net premium increases of 100%, with some rural areas seeing increases of over 200%. Customers in Montrose County, for example, will see an average 246% increase in net premiums, while customers in Crowley County will see an average 223% increase, and customers in Garfield County will see an average 200% increase.
• Marketplace customers ages 55-64 who currently receive financial assistance will experience average net premium increases of 144%, or about $235 more per month.
• Marketplace customers who currently do not receive financial assistance will see average gross premium increases of 27%, or about $122 more per month.
• With the expiration of ePTCs, about 36,000 marketplace customers with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level will lose financial assistance, leading to average net premium increases near 142%.
• Under H.R. 1, approximately 1,800 lawfully present immigrants who are ineligible for Medicaid due to immigration status will lose eligibility for financial help through the marketplace, resulting in average net premium increases exceeding 5,000%.

“Shopping for coverage is more critical than ever this year,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “Even with premium increases and the expiration of ePTCs, shopping and comparing plans during the annual open enrollment period (Nov. 1, 2025 through Jan. 15, 2026) may help customers find affordable options.”

“While Connect for Health Colorado doesn’t set health insurance rates, we know rising premiums and the expiration of enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) will have a real impact on people in Colorado,” Patterson said. “Our priority is and has always been to help customers understand their options and find the best, most affordable coverage for them.”

“We are encouraging everyone to shop and compare plans, and to rely on expert assistance,” Patterson said. “Our free, statewide network of certified Assisters and insurance Brokers speak more than 22 languages. They can answer questions and help customers apply – at no cost.”

Patterson also said Connect for Health Colorado is prepared to assist customers if Congress extends ePTCs before or during the annual open enrollment period.

“We’re grateful to the Colorado Legislature for introducing Colorado Premium Assistance and recognizing the importance of affordable health insurance – but CPA alone can’t fully replace the lost federal support,” Patterson said. “It’s not too late for Congress to extend enhanced Premium Tax Credits for our customers. We’re ready to act and prepared to work as quickly as possible to ensure the customers we serve have reliable, high-quality and affordable health insurance.”

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Its mission is to increase access, affordability and choice for individuals, families and small employers purchasing health insurance in Colorado. It is the only place where residents can qualify for and receive financial help for their health insurance.

The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) recently completed a performance audit of Connect for Health Colorado focused on our sponsorship program, financial management practices, and Senate Bill 81 financial reporting. On Monday, October 20, Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson, Chief Financial Officer Brian Braun, and Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer Nina Schwartz appeared before the Legislative Audit Committee to present findings and answer questions.

On Thursday, October 23, in a public meeting of the Executive and Finance Committee of the Connect for Health Colorado Board of Directors, CEO Patterson walked through the audit findings, answered questions, and discussed work underway and planned improvements with board members.

There were several key findings discussed that we were pleased to report.

1. No evidence of participation in political fundraisers or activities.
2. No misuse of funds for personal benefit.
3. Previous 2017 audit findings regarding financial management and internal controls have been addressed.
4. No Senate Bill 81 funds were used for meals or lodging, and all public funds were properly used for educational and outreach purposes as required by statute.

The Committee also reviewed the findings requiring corrective action from the organization, a number of which are underway. Connect for Health Colorado accepts all audit findings and recommendations and is already implementing enhanced processes to strengthen fiscal management, documentation, and reporting. Those findings are:

1. The organization did not consistently follow its policies and procedures in vetting and documenting sponsorships.
2. Improvements need to be made in documenting sponsorship alignment with organization mission.
3. The organization did not consistently follow its financial documentation policies and there were gaps in oversight of executive use of credit cards.

Connect for Health Colorado takes these findings seriously. We have already established a plan, discussed publicly with our Board of Directors, to strengthen internal policies and procedures. These improvements include:

• Strengthening oversight processes for administrative expenditures.
• Enhancing receipt retention and documentation protocols across departments.
• Providing additional fiscal training and support for our volunteer Board of Directors to reinforce accountability.

The audit further noted that Connect for Health did not fully meet statutory reporting requirements for Senate Bill 81 funds in a prior period. This reporting process has since been modified.

We appreciate the legislature’s oversight and partnership in helping us continue to serve Coloradans responsibly, transparently, and in full alignment with our mission to increase access to affordable healthcare.

Connect for Health Colorado celebrates Gov. Jared Polis’s signing of House Bill 25B-1006, and urges Congress to extend federal Enhanced Premium Tax Credits.

Denver, Colo.– Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, released the following statement about Colorado House Bill 25B-1006. The bill was passed during the state Legislature’s special session and was signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis on Aug. 28, 2025. 

“Connect for Health Colorado was proud to support House Bill 25B-1006 when it was introduced during the Legislature’s special session. We are grateful to the Colorado Legislature and Gov. Jared Polis for their leadership in preserving and expanding access to affordable health care coverage.

For plan year 2026, this important, necessary stopgap legislation will lower the total cost of health insurance premiums and invest in OmniSalud, a program that provides access to health care coverage for Coloradans no matter their documentation status. 

Every day, we see how lives are transformed by access to affordable, essential health services, including preventive care, mental health treatment and life-saving prescription medications.

Now, it’s important for the U.S. Congress to protect the progress we’ve made, and strengthen our ability to provide health coverage to people who most depend on it. It’s absolutely critical that Congress extend the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits that have helped millions of Americans – including hundreds of thousands here in Colorado – maintain access to quality, affordable coverage. 

Without Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, health care coverage will be less affordable and – in some cases – out of reach for many people in Colorado, with rural residents, older adults, and those with fluctuating incomes among the most impacted. We estimate average increases of 100% to over 300% in monthly premiums for people receiving financial assistance; and we estimate tens of thousands of Coloradans will be at risk of losing coverage.

House Bill 25B-1006 will mitigate some of this impact. But make no mistake: failure to extend Enhanced Premium Tax Credits will significantly impede access to affordable health insurance.

Colorado continues to lead the way in making health care more accessible and affordable for our families, friends, and neighbors – and Connect for Health Colorado remains committed to ensuring that all Coloradans can get the coverage they need.”

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Its mission is to increase access, affordability and choice for individuals, families and small employers purchasing health insurance in Colorado. It is the only place where residents can qualify for and receive financial help for their health insurance.

Denver, Colo. – Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, released the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 1.

“At Connect for Health Colorado, our top priority is ensuring that Coloradans have dependable access to affordable, high-quality health coverage,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace.  “As federal policymakers make changes to the Affordable Care Act, we remain focused on what matters most: helping people stay covered without unnecessary barriers or disruptions.

We are carefully reviewing H.R. 1, as passed by Congress. While we do not take a position on federal legislation, we are concerned that this bill could increase costs and complexity for consumers, and reduce access to coverage through shortened enrollment windows. These changes could disproportionately impact rural residents, older adults, and individuals with variable incomes, such as hourly workers and the self-employed.

With Open Enrollment approaching, our team is working diligently to ensure Coloradans can access the coverage they need. We are prepared to implement new federal requirements in a way that protects coverage and minimizes disruptions. As always, we are here to provide consumers with clear, accurate information and guidance—so they can understand their options and make the best choices for themselves, their families, and their employees.”

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Its mission is to increase access, affordability and choice for individuals, families and small employers purchasing health insurance in Colorado. It is the only place where residents can qualify for and receive financial help for their health insurance.

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Denver, Colo.– Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, released its annual open enrollment report today. This year’s By The Numbers report includes new data and information about the record-breaking open enrollment period for plan year 2025, which enrolled 296,449 people in health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado and Colorado Connect, Connect for Health Colorado’s public benefit corporation. 

The report also includes more information about federal and state financial help that lowered costs for customers; growth in enrollments in rural areas; expert assistance available to customers; and interactive maps showing enrollments, plan prices, and financial help by county.

“This year’s report tells us there’s growing demand for affordable, comprehensive, quality health insurance – and that Connect for Health Colorado is meeting this critical need for hundreds of thousands of Coloradans,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “This has been our biggest enrollment period ever. That’s due, in part, to our continued effort to inform people about their health insurance options and available financial help, as well as state and federal policies that increased access to affordable health coverage.”

Read the full By The Numbers report on Connect for Health Colorado’s website. 

All About Costs

In 2025, federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits and Colorado’s cost-sharing reductions helped lower the cost of monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs for a record number of people.Notably, 80% of customers qualified for financial help this year. 

Enhanced Premium Tax Credits – passed by Congress in 2021, and extended in 2022 through plan year 2025 – returned more than $972 million as tax credits to customers; and 3 out of 5 customers could find a plan for $10 or less per month after tax credits were applied. 

“I cannot overstate the importance of federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits,” Patterson said. “They make a tremendous difference in cost savings for everyday people across Colorado, and it is absolutely crucial they continue beyond 2025.”

Additionally, Colorado’s cost-sharing reductions lowered deductibles, copays for prescriptions or doctor visits, and coinsurance for hospitalizations for 82,331 customers. 

Improving Rural Access to Coverage

One of Connect for Health Colorado’s strategic goals is to advocate to improve access to coverage in rural areas of Colorado. 

In 2025, nearly 26% of enrolled customers live in rural areas. Staying with a five-year trend, the majority of the largest increases in enrollments came from rural counties. In fact, 12 of the 15 counties experiencing the most significant growth are located in rural areas. 

The Impact of Expert Assistance

Connect for Health Colorado’s certified health insurance Brokers and community-based Assisters help customers understand and navigate their health insurance options. They guide customers through the application and enrollment process, share information about financial assistance, and help them understand how insurance works and how to use their coverage when they’re enrolled. 

In 2025, about 66% of all enrollments were completed with the help of a health insurance Broker or Assister, and 53% of appointments with Assisters were conducted in a language other than English.

Year-Round Support

While open enrollment for plan year 2025 has ended, people can still buy health insurance or make changes to a current plan year-round if they experience certain life changes. Find a list of qualifying life changes on Connect for Health Colorado’s website. 

Connect for Health Colorado’s network of certified insurance Brokers and enrollment Assisters are available to help year-round, are located throughout Colorado, and can provide free support in multiple languages. Those who experience a qualifying life change are encouraged to learn more about their options at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Its mission is to increase access, affordability and choice for individuals, families and small employers purchasing health insurance in Colorado. It is the only place where residents can qualify for and receive financial help for their health insurance.

Media Contact
Michelle Mendoza, Media Consultant
[email protected] / 303-210-1461

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Denver, Colo.– Nina Schwartz has been named Connect for Health Colorado‘s Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer, announced Kevin Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of the state’s official health insurance marketplace. 

“Connect for Health Colorado is extremely fortunate to have Nina Schwartz serve as Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer,” Patterson said. “Nina is an intelligent, thoughtful, strategic leader. She leads with integrity; has a deep understanding of policy; and has a tremendous ability to cultivate relationships in government, community, media and beyond. Nina’s inquisitive nature brings added perspective to the organization, and her commitment to our work is admirable. I am 100% confident Nina will excel in this new role.”

As Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer, Schwartz will guide policy, communication, marketing, government relations, enrollment assistance, and community engagement to advance Connect for Health Colorado’s objectives. 

Schwartz joined Connect for Health Colorado in 2020 and has served as Director of Policy and External Affairs, Senior Director of Policy and External Affairs, and Interim Director of Communications and Marketing Strategy. 

Prior to joining Connect for Health Colorado, Schwartz worked for the state of Colorado in several roles, including positions in policy, government relations, and strategic communications for the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. 

Before moving to Colorado, Schwartz worked on health policy in Washington, D.C., advocating for passage of the Affordable Care Act, and as a health care legislative assistant on Capitol Hill.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Its mission is to increase access, affordability and choice for individuals, families and small employers purchasing health insurance in Colorado. It is the only place where residents can qualify for and receive financial help for their health insurance

Media Contact
Joey Peña, Media Consultant
[email protected] / 951-313-7331

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Denver, Colo. – Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, announced today a record 282,483 Coloradans have enrolled in health insurance for plan year 2025, with 80% receiving financial assistance to reduce the cost of their premiums.

The total number of people who enrolled in health insurance plans for 2025 is 19% higher than the number who enrolled in 2024. 

“For the fifth consecutive year, Connect for Health Colorado set a new record, expanding access to affordable health insurance to a significant number of Coloradans,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “I couldn’t be prouder of the work that our team and our partners have done to inform people about their health insurance options and available financial assistance. We continue to succeed at providing Coloradans with affordable health insurance plans that improve their quality of life.” 

State and federal policies increased access to health insurance and financial help for the 2025 plan year. The federal enhanced premium tax credits increased affordability with particular benefit for lower- and middle-income Coloradans, rural Coloradans, and Coloradans over the age of 55.

Additionally, a record 13,968 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 part of the OmniSalud program, which provides Coloradans who are undocumented with a safe way to compare affordable health insurance plans, get financial help if eligible, and enroll securely.

Connect for Health Colorado also saw an increase in customers choosing a Colorado Option plan this open enrollment period compared to last year. In 2025, 132,791 people selected a Colorado Option plan, accounting for roughly 47% of total enrollments. Last year, Colorado Option plans made up approximately 34% of total enrollments. 

“This record enrollment is fantastic news for Coloradans,” said Michael Conway, commissioner of the Colorado Division of Insurance. “And once again, the success of the Reinsurance Program and the Colorado Option helped fuel this record enrollment. This record is also the product of the additional financial assistance at the federal level from the Inflation Reduction Act. Moving forward, it is vitally important for Congress to extend those subsidies. If Congress fails to act, insurance premiums will spike next year, and people will lose their health insurance coverage as a result. Let’s all work together to ensure that does not happen.”

Connect for Health Colorado will provide an extensive report of open enrollment data this spring.

Connect for Health Colorado’s Year-Round Support

While open enrollment for plan year 2025 has ended, people can still buy health insurance or make changes to a current plan year-round if they experience certain life changes. Find a list of qualifying life changes on Connect for Health Colorado’s website. 

Connect for Health Colorado’s network of certified insurance brokers and enrollment assisters are available to help year-round, are located throughout Colorado, and can provide free support in multiple languages. 

Those who experience a qualifying life change are encouraged to learn more about their options at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Its mission is to increase access, affordability and choice for individuals, families and small employers purchasing health insurance in Colorado. It is the only place where residents can qualify for and receive financial help for their health insurance.

Media Contact
Michelle Mendoza, Media Consultant
[email protected] / 303-210-1461

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DENVER— Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson recently announced that Brian Lidiak has been named as Chief Operating Officer.

“I enthusiastically welcome Brian Lidiak into this new Chief Operating Officer role,” said Kevin Patterson. “Brian brings more than two decades of health care industry leadership experience. His focus on business process analysis, change management, and operational efficiencies will support meaningful enterprise-level continuous improvements helping Connect for Health Colorado continue to thrive.”

Brian joined Connect for Health Colorado in December of 2024 as the Chief Operating Officer. His tenured healthcare leadership includes various CEO and COO roles with HCA Healthcare, Ascension Health, and Baylor Scott & White. He brings over 25 years of experience across five states leading hospitals, outpatient centers, large medical groups, insurance contracting, and healthcare start-ups.

Brian graduated with a BS in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University and a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Washington University in St. Louis. He is certified as a Lean Healthcare executive and is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Brian and his wife, Joni, enjoy skiing and taking full advantage of the Colorado outdoors with their three sons and two yellow labradors.

Denver, Colo.– Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, is celebrating a record-breaking open enrollment period, with 256,051 Coloradans enrolled in health coverage that begins Jan. 1.

To date, the number of Coloradans who enrolled in health insurance plans for plan year 2025 is more than the total number of people (237,107) who enrolled through Connect for Health Colorado last year.

“I couldn’t be happier to say that a record number of Coloradans will have access to affordable health coverage on Jan. 1,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “Year over year, we continue to break enrollment records and provide high-quality support to our customers. We’ve seen incredible demand during the first part of open enrollment – and we’re not done yet. While the deadline for Jan. 1 coverage has passed, Coloradans have until Jan. 15 to enroll in health insurance for plan year 2025.”

Customers are encouraged to begin the application process as soon as possible to explore available health insurance plan options and financial assistance.

“It’s not too late,” Patterson said. “If you don’t have access to affordable health insurance through your job, Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program), or Medicare, enroll now for coverage to begin Feb. 1. Financial assistance is still available, and we have several free resources to help people navigate enrollment. We’re here to help every step of the way.”

Connect for Health Colorado’s network of certified assisters and insurance brokers are still available to help Coloradans enroll by Jan. 15. They are located throughout Colorado, provide free support in multiple languages, and can help Coloradans apply free of charge. There’s no obligation to buy a plan when contacting an expert.

Six health insurance companies, including Anthem, Cigna, Denver Health, Kaiser Permanente, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, and Select Health, will offer medical plans for 2025. Additionally, dental and vision plans are available from several providers.

The Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool allows customers to browse plans and see what financial help they may be eligible for without having to create an account.

Those who need health care insurance are encouraged to learn more about open enrollment, plan options, and financial help at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Its mission is to increase access, affordability and choice for individuals, families and small employers purchasing health insurance in Colorado. It is the only place where residents can qualify for and receive financial help for their health insurance.

Media Contact
Michelle Mendoza, Media Consultant
[email protected] / 303-210-1461

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