Connect for Health Colorado Releases Open Enrollment Report for Plan Year 2023

DENVER— In its tenth year of enrollment operations, Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, is providing more financial help for health insurance, offering more local enrollment assistance and enrolling more people into coverage than ever before.

In a report published today, Connect for Health Colorado provides a comprehensive look at the Open Enrollment Period data and outcomes. (Connect for Health Colorado released preliminary enrollment totals from the Open Enrollment Period at the end of January.) This new report includes information such as average costs and enrollments by county and the significance of Broker and Assister enrollment assistance. Here are the highlights:

Making Plans More Affordable

Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where residents can access financial help to cover monthly premiums and health care costs. The extension of enhanced financial help via the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022 kept the cost of staying covered controlled for many customers. This year, the average premium for people who received financial help was $143. For people not receiving financial help, the average monthly premium was $412.

For a third year, the Marketplace saw an increase in people choosing Gold-level plans. Year over year, there was an 8-percentage point increase among those who qualify for financial help and a 10-percentage point increase for those who don’t qualify for financial help.

Increasing Enrollments in Rural Areas

One of Connect for Health Colorado’s strategic goals is to advocate to improve access to coverage in rural areas of the state. To support that effort, Connect for Health Colorado increased its enrollment assistance network in rural communities, with 26 of 51 Enrollment Center locations offered in rural communities and new sites added in Salida, Buena Vista and Durango.

Staying with a four-year trend, many of the largest increases in enrollments came from rural counties. The percentages of the population in these rural counties that enrolled through Connect for Health Colorado are comparable to more populous counties. For example, four percent of Kiowa County’s population enrolled through Connect for Health Colorado – the same percentage as the more populous Jefferson County. For people in rural counties, the average premium with financial help applied was $130.

Providing Expert Assistance in Your Community

Connect for Health Colorado’s certified Brokers continue to be integral partners in keeping Coloradans covered. In fact, the majority of customers enrolling in health insurance through the Marketplace, 62 percent, did so with the guidance of a Broker.

Certified Enrollment Assisters also provide crucial support to residents, especially those who face barriers to health care coverage. More than 50 percent of all completed appointments with Assisters were with customers who were uninsured for at least two months before their appointment, and over 40 percent of all completed appointments with Assisters were in Spanish. 

Enrollment Centers maintained their role as important footholds in small, rural communities and larger cities. In total, nearly 46,000 Coloradans enrolled in Marketplace coverage at an Enrollment Center, and 82 percent of them received financial help.

You can find more data about plan selection trends, average costs and savings in your county, Colorado Option plans, outreach and marketing strategies to reach eligible Coloradans and more in the By the Numbers End of Open Enrollment Report for Plan Year 2023.

Opportunities to Enroll Now

People can enroll in health insurance now if they have a qualifying life event, such as losing Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) coverage, losing health insurance from your job and certain household changes.

Free help is available year-round from certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. Contact Connect for Health Colorado at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749 to apply for health insurance during a Special Enrollment Period and to find local enrollment assistance.

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Media Contact

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995

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. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

Tax Time Enrollment Program Gives Uninsured Coloradans Another Chance to Sign Up for Health Insurance 

Tax Season is a Health Coverage Enrollment Opportunity 

DENVER— The annual Open Enrollment Period for health insurance ended mid-January, but Coloradans who missed the enrollment deadline could still have a special opportunity to sign up for health coverage as a result of the Tax Time Enrollment Program

The Tax Time Enrollment Program, which launched last year, provides Coloradans the opportunity to check a box on their state tax return to share their information with Connect for Health Colorado and the state Department of Health Care Policy & Financing for the purpose of obtaining health coverage. Through October 2022, approximately 1,700 people used the Tax Time Enrollment Program to enroll in a health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado.  

“I’m so pleased Colorado continues to come up with innovative programs, like Tax Time Enrollment, to get more uninsured residents enrolled throughout the year,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “It’s our mission to increase access to health coverage, and Tax Time Enrollment does just that. If you missed the annual enrollment period, I encourage you to look for that checkbox on your state return, or ask your tax preparer to check that box, and take advantage of this sign-up opportunity before April 18.”  

People who check the box on their state tax return will receive follow-up information from Connect for Health Colorado that: 

  • Informs them how to enroll in a private health insurance plan through the Marketplace 
    during a Special Enrollment Period, or 
  • Connects them to apply for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program). 

In most circumstances, tax filers will hear from Connect for Health Colorado about a week after filing their state return. The Special Enrollment Period is effective for 60 days starting from the date that a person applies and receives application results from Connect for Health Colorado. Coverage will be effective on the first day of the month following plan selection. Residents must file their Colorado state tax return and select the checkbox option on their return by the deadline on Tuesday, April 18 (regardless of tax filing extensions) to qualify for this Special Enrollment Period. 

Other Enrollment Opportunities 

People who don’t use or qualify for the Tax Time Enrollment Program might be eligible to sign up for health insurance now if they have a different qualifying circumstance, like losing health insurance from a job or no longer being eligible for Health First Colorado.   

Representatives, community Assisters and certified Brokers are available and ready to help residents figure out which Special Enrollment Period they may qualify for and how to enroll. Contact Connect for Health Colorado at 855-752-6749 or ConnectforHealthCO.com/we-can-help to enroll and find local enrollment assistance.   

Residents can enroll in coverage through Health First Colorado or the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program any time during the year if they qualify. 

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Media Contact 

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995 

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. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information: ConnectforHealthCO.com 

Connect for Health Colorado Names Chief Product Officer

DENVER— Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson recently announced that Kelly Davies has been named as Chief Product Officer. In her role, Davies drives the development of new products and programs with a customer focus. Davies previously held the position of Director of Product Development within the organization.

“I’m delighted that Kelly Davies has accepted this new role of Chief Product Officer,” said Kevin Patterson. “Kelly is an innovative and thoughtful leader who doesn’t shy away from big ideas. Her focus on product and project implementation for a fast moving, mission-based organization is exactly what we need to keep moving us forward and delivering high-quality health coverage options to Coloradans.”

Davies has held a variety of roles within Connect for Health Colorado since joining the organization as a project and product manager in February 2015. Most recently, as Director of Product Development, Davies helped lead several critical modernization initiatives such as redesigning the customer-facing application, building new plan shopping decision support tools and upgrading the customer relationship management tool. She also led the organization’s transformation from a waterfall design methodology to an agile shop that is focused on continually producing value for users.  

Davies is a member of the Customer Experience Program Advisory Board for the University of Colorado-Boulder Leeds School of Business. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University. Davies is also a certified DevOps Practitioner and Scrum Master.

Along with Connect for Health Colorado’s CEO Kevin Patterson, the executive leadership team includes Chief Financial Officer Brian Braun, Chief Innovation Officer Kelly Guthner, Chief Human Resources and Training Officer Dr. Renata Robinson, Director of Policy and External Affairs Nina Schwartz, and Director of Communications and Marketing Strategy Ezra Watland.

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Media Contact

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995

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. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

More Than 212,000 Coloradans Signed Up for Health Insurance Coverage During Annual Enrollment Period

DENVER – Connect for Health Colorado (the Marketplace) reports that 201,758 Coloradans enrolled in a health insurance plan during the Open Enrollment Period for 2023 coverage. That is an increase of approximately 3,000 plan enrollments above last year’s total.

Additionally, 10,416 people enrolled in a health insurance plan through Colorado Connect, Connect for Health Colorado’s public benefit corporation and new, online platform. The majority of those Colorado Connect enrollments were from the OmniSalud Program, which provides Coloradans who are undocumented with a safe platform to compare plans, apply for financial help and enroll. 

“The steady increase in Marketplace sign ups year over year tells me that we continue to move in the right direction to provide people with high-quality, affordable plans to choose from,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “Additionally, this year, thanks to the launch of Colorado Connect and the OmniSalud Program, thousands more Coloradans can rest assured that they’re now covered when they need health care. I’m deeply proud of what we we’ve been able to accomplish to bring affordable health coverage to more Coloradans.”

Increasing Choice with Colorado Option Plans

The 2023 Open Enrollment Period introduced Colorado Option plans to the individual market, including on Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace and Colorado Connect. Colorado Option plans were designed to cover all essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act, provide $0 primary care and mental health visits, and have a specific set of lower, fixed costs across all companies. During the Open Enrollment Period, 27,113 total enrollments on the Marketplace were Colorado Option plans (approximately 13% of Marketplace enrollments). Combined with Colorado Connect enrollments, this results in 37,529 people enrolled in Colorado Option plans in their first year.

“Our Marketplace, and now Colorado Connect, serves a wide variety of customers, from individuals to families to small business owners and employees,” added Patterson. “It’s our job to help people enroll in the plan that best meets their needs and give customers the support they need along the way, including tools and expert assistance. The introduction of Colorado Option plans was a meaningful step forward toward improving choice for residents purchasing their own health insurance—a pillar of our mission.”

Connect for Health Colorado will release in-depth Open Enrollment data, including average costs and savings by county, later in March 2023. (See past Open Enrollment reports on the website here.)

Special Enrollment Opportunities and Assistance

Outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period (Nov. 1—Jan. 15), Coloradans can sign up for health insurance if they experiencecertain qualifying life changes. People can enroll in Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program any time during the year if they qualify.

As a reminder, customers who had a health insurance plan with Bright Health or Oscar in 2022 qualify for a 60-day Special Enrollment Period because those companies did not offer plans for 2023. This 60-day Special Enrollment Period started on Jan. 1 and will continue until March 1, 2023.

Free help is available year-round from enrollment experts—certified Brokers and community-based Assisters— located throughout Colorado. Connect for Health Colorado offers Enrollment Centers to provide help signing up for a health insurance plan in person, virtually or by phone. Contact Connect for Health Colorado at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749 to apply for health insurance during a Special Enrollment Period and to find local enrollment assistance.

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Media Contacts

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995

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. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

Open Enrollment for 2023 Health Insurance Ends January 15th

Last chance to sign up for health insurance during the Open Enrollment season

This press release is available in Spanish.

DENVER— This Sunday, January 15th, is the last day of Colorado’s annual Open Enrollment Period for health insurance. Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, reports that more than 192,000 people have signed up for a 2023 health insurance plan during Open Enrollment so far.

“If you need assistance with the process of applying for and picking a health insurance plan, reach out to us at Connect for Health Colorado as soon as possible,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “We’ll connect you to free enrollment assistance and help you pick a plan before the deadline this Sunday. Don’t miss this opportunity to get covered this year.”

Connect for Health Colorado offers free virtual and in-person help from certified enrollment experts and at Enrollment Centers located throughout the state. Many enrollment assistance sites are hosting events ahead of the January 15, 2023 deadline.

Reminders

Two health insurance companies did not return to offer individual plans for 2023 in Colorado’s market: Bright Health and Oscar Health. People who were enrolled in plans with these insurance companies in 2022 and who need help selecting a new plan for 2023 should contact a Connect for Health Colorado-certified expert by visiting: https://connectforhealthco.com/we-can-help/

After the Open Enrollment Period ends on January 15th, Coloradans can only sign up for health insurance if they experience certain life changes, like losing health coverage, getting married, having a baby and many other circumstances. Residents who qualify for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) can enroll any time during the year.

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Media Contact

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995

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. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

Enrollment Season for Health Insurance Continues Through January 15th

Coloradans Can Still Enroll in 2023 Coverage

DENVER— As of January 4th, more than 188,000 Coloradans have signed up for a health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, during the annual Open Enrollment period. This is approximately 2,300 enrollments ahead of the same day last year. 75 percent of customers applying are qualifying for financial help to reduce the cost of their insurance.

But there is still time to enroll. With the enrollment deadline approaching on January 15, 2023, Coloradans have less than two weeks left to choose a plan for coverage that will start on February 1, 2023.

Two health insurance companies did not return to offer individual plans for 2023 in Colorado’s market: Bright Health and Oscar Health. People who were enrolled in plans with these insurance companies in 2022 and who need help picking a new plan for 2023 should contact a Connect for Health Colorado-certified expert by visiting: https://connectforhealthco.com/we-can-help/

“The sustained level of enrollments through this enrollment season tells me that Coloradans are taking advantage of the expert help available and finding plans that are in their budget,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “If you haven’t signed up for health insurance for 2023, I urge you to contact Connect for Health Colorado. It’s not too late to enroll, and our experts are here to help start-to-finish with the application process.”

Help is Available

Connect for Health Colorado offers free, virtual and in-person help from certified enrollment experts and at Enrollment Centers located throughout the state. Many enrollment assistance sites are hosting events ahead of the January 15, 2023 deadline.

One of the reasons more residents can qualify for health insurance savings in 2023 through Connect for Health Colorado is because of the Inflation Reduction Act passed in August of 2022. Health insurance savings are available to many individuals and families who were previously ineligible because of their income; two out of three customers can find a plan for $25 per month or less with financial help. Residents can use the Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool to get an estimate of financial help and browse plans before beginning an application.

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Media Contacts

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995

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. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

Get Covered Colorado Day is December 8th

Thousands of Residents Have Used the Marketplace to Enroll in 2023 Health Insurance

DENVER— This Thursday, December 8, is Get Covered Colorado Day. This day of action encourages as many Coloradans as possible to enroll in 2023 health coverage during the annual Open Enrollment Period, which runs through January 15. In the first five weeks of this year’s Open Enrollment, approximately 145,000 residents enrolled in a plan through Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado.

“Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace is a great place to see all the plan options in your area, and you can even get free enrollment help when you schedule an appointment with an expert,” said Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson. “If you didn’t enroll last year, it’s worth checking out your options again this year. Don’t let this Get Covered Day pass by you without making a game plan to sign up for health insurance coverage.”

“If you’re new to the marketplace or haven’t shopped on Connect for Health Colorado in the last two years, I encourage you to see if you’re eligible for financial subsidies to pay premiums. The American Rescue Plan expanded these subsidies, and the Inflation Reduction Act has continued that expansion, meaning more help for more people,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “There are plans to fit all types of budgets and all types of health needs, including Colorado Option plans with $0 primary care, mental health visits and diabetic supplies, as well as more predictable costs overall. Don’t miss this opportunity to get coverage for you and your family for 2023.”

Across the state, community leaders and influencers will promote this year’s enrollment opportunity on social media using the hashtag #GetCovered. Coloradans across the state can follow the hashtags #GetCovered and #CoverCO to find information about the Open Enrollment Period. Residents can participate by signing up for coverage or reminding someone in their network who is uninsured to contact Connect for Health Colorado and enroll in a plan.

Reminder for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) Enrollees

As a result of the current COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) declaration, many Coloradans continue to be covered by Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), even if their income would otherwise make them ineligible. When the PHE ends, those who are no longer eligible for Health First Colorado or CHP+ should remember they will have a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a private health insurance plan.

“Having health care coverage is critical to ensuring Coloradans get the care they need,” said Kim Bimestefer, executive director for the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. “Health First Colorado and CHP+ provide free or low-cost health coverage for Coloradans who qualify. We encourage Coloradans to apply for coverage and see what they may qualify for during Get Covered Day.”

When to Enroll

The Open Enrollment Period for health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado ends January 15, 2023. People should enroll by December 15 for coverage that is effective January 1, 2023. Those who sign up between December 16 and January 15 will receive a February 1 start date for their coverage.

People can enroll in Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program any time during the year if they qualify. Connect for Health Colorado can evaluate whether applicants likely qualify for Health First Colorado and CHP+.

Finding Enrollment Assistance

Free help is available from enrollment experts—certified Brokers and community-based Assisters— located throughout Colorado. Connect for Health Colorado also offers Enrollment Centers to provide residents with personalized help signing up for a health insurance plan in-person or by phone, and many also offer virtual assistance. No appointment is necessary.

Contact Connect for Health Colorado at ConnectforHealthCO.com or call 855-752-6749.

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Media Contacts

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [email protected], 720-576-7995

Vincent Plymell, Colorado Division of Insurance, Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), [email protected], 303-910-9614

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. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

About the Division of Insurance

The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), regulates the insurance industry and assists consumers and other stakeholders with insurance issues. Visit doi.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7499 / toll free 800-930-3745.

About DORA

DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855 / toll free 800-886-7675.

More Coloradans Are Enrolling in Health Insurance Coverage Than Last Year

CEO Statement from Connect for Health Colorado

DENVER— Since November 1, more than 57,500 people have used Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace to enroll in a health insurance plan. That’s 7,000 enrollments ahead of the same time period last year. Approximately 78 percent of those who have enrolled so far are qualifying for financial help that reduces the cost of plans.

Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson, released the following statement:

“I’m so pleased that people are getting covered early in the enrollment period and that we’re continuing to see enrollment growth year over year. That tells me that our marketplace is giving people the options they’re looking for, at prices that are within their budget. For those who are waiting to sign up, I urge that you make an appointment with an enrollment specialist and enroll by December 15 to begin the new year with peace of mind.”

Important Dates

Coloradans shopping for health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado should pay attention to two important dates to secure coverage that begins January 1, 2023:

Dec. 1— Connect for Health Colorado will automatically renew plans for eligible customers on Dec. 1, 2022. Current customers should review their renewal plan details in their online account to make sure it still meets their needs and budget in 2022.

Dec. 15— Customers who are not eligible for auto-renewal, customers who wish to change their plan after their renewal, and any Coloradans seeking health insurance starting Jan. 1 must complete enrollment by Dec. 15, 2022.

While Connect for Health Colorado remains open through Jan. 15, people who sign up between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 will receive a Feb. 1 start date for their 2023 health insurance plan, leaving them potentially without insurance for the month of January.

Coloradans can enroll by creating an account or scheduling a free appointment with an insurance expert. People who need assistance enrolling can find help by visiting https://connectforhealthco.com/we-can-help/. 

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Media Contacts

Mónica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-576-7995

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. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information: ConnectforHealthCO.com

Thousands of Coloradans Are Enrolling in Health Insurance Coverage Through OmniSalud

CEO Statement from Connect for Health Colorado

DENVER— For the first time ever in Colorado, people who are undocumented, as well as DACA recipients, have a safe way to enroll in affordable health insurance plans and qualify for financial help. The new program that makes this possible is known as OmniSalud, and it launched with the start of this year’s Open Enrollment season on Connect for Health Colorado’s new platform, Colorado Connect.

Since November 1, more than 5,700 people have used the program to enroll in a health insurance plan, and approximately 5,600 of those who have enrolled so far have qualified for state-funded financial help that reduces the cost of plans to $0.

Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson, released the following statement:

“I’m elated by the early interest we’ve seen in OmniSalud. We know that if you or someone in your family is undocumented, you haven’t had good options to manage your health without health insurance. That’s why we’re so grateful that we could implement this innovative program for Coloradans using our new platform, Colorado Connect. For those who are considering applying, I urge that you make an appointment with an enrollment specialist as soon as possible. We have Brokers and Assisters who are ready to guide you in the enrollment process, advise you, and address any concerns and questions you may have.”

Immigrants and their families who need assistance enrolling, or who wish to learn more about the OmniSalud Program and speak with a certified expert, can find help by visiting: https://connectforhealthco.com/get-started/omnisalud-help/

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Media Contacts

Mónica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-576-7995

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. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information: ConnectforHealthCO.com

Your Guide to Shop and Save on Colorado’s Health Insurance Marketplace

It’s time to enroll in health insurance for 2023

This press release is available in Spanish here.

DENVER— For those who aren’t already covered by an employer’s health insurance or another insurance program (like Colorado’s Medicaid program or Medicare), now is the time to sign up for or renew health insurance coverage. If you’re a resident that finds themselves in need of affordable health coverage, here’s some tips and reminders to help you shop and save on health insurance this year:

  • Know when to shop

Open Enrollment for Connect for Health Colorado’s Marketplace began November 1, 2022 and ends January 15, 2023. The annual Open Enrollment Period is the time to sign up for a health insurance plan, renew your current plan or change plans. Residents must enroll by December 15th for coverage that begins January 1, 2023. If you miss this deadline, you can still sign up for coverage until January 15th, but your plan won’t begin until the 1st of February 2023.

  • Tips to save on your health insurance

Remember to use Connect for Health Colorado’s Marketplace—it’s the only place where residents can apply for and receive financial help to lower the cost of their private health insurance plan. With the passage of the federal Inflation Reduction Act in August, people shopping with health insurance marketplaces like Connect for Health Colorado can qualify for more financial help than in the past, including many people who weren’t previously eligible because of their income. In fact, two out of three current customers can find a plan for $25 per month or less after financial help is applied.

  • Know your health and dental plan options

Six health insurance companies are returning to offer plans for 2023 on Colorado’s marketplace: Anthem, Cigna, Denver Health, Friday Health Plans, Kaiser Permanente, and Rocky Mountain Health Plans. Of the 64 Colorado counties, residents in 63 of those counties can expect to shop between at least two insurance companies. (Jackson County is the remaining county where a single company is offering plans.)

Starting this Open Enrollment, every company that sells health insurance in the state must offer Colorado Option plans, and these plans will be available on Connect for Health Colorado. They cover all essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), provide free ($0) primary care and mental health visits, and have a specific set of lower, fixed costs across all companies, allowing for easier shopping.

Two health insurance companies are not returning to offer plans for 2023 in Colorado’s market: Bright Health and Oscar Health. Enrollees in these plans should use certified Connect for Health Colorado experts or the anonymous Quick Cost & Plan Finder tool to help them search for preferred providers and choose a new plan that meets their budget and medical needs for 2023.

When you’re shopping on Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace, you will also have a chance to enroll in dental insurance coverage. Three companies are offering dental plans for 2023: Anthem, Cigna, and Delta Dental.

  • Tips for choosing a plan

As a marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado allows you to browse through all the health insurance plans in your area. Some may be cheaper, and others may fit your health needs better. To help you find the plan that’s right for you, consider more than just a plan’s monthly premium. Ask yourself questions like, how often do I expect to need care? Are my medications covered? Which doctors and facilities do I like to see? What services do I need?

Need or want more personalized assistance choosing a health insurance plan? Connect for Health Colorado offers free enrollment assistance and advice from certified insurance Brokers and enrollment Assisters across the state. Find help by visiting https://connectforhealthco.com/we-can-help/ or by calling the Customer Service Center at 855-752-6749.

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Media Contact

Mónica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-576-7995

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. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information: ConnectforHealthCO.com