Residents can find quality health plans, more savings when they shop, and easier plan comparison than ever before

DENVER— It’s Open Enrollment for 2023 health insurance plans in Colorado. 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. This year, people shopping for plans on Connect for Health Colorado can expect quality health plans, more savings when they shop, and easier plan comparison than ever before.

“You know your health needs best, and Connect for Health Colorado has the tools and experts to help you find the best option at the right price for your budget,” said Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson. “This year, shopping around can help you reduce your monthly payment even more, and you can find plenty of high-quality plans to choose from. Let our experts do the busy work when it comes to health insurance, so you can head into the new year with more peace of mind.”

Save More When You Shop

Residents who qualify for financial help can expect even more assistance to offset rising costs, resulting in modest increases ($20/month on average) to net premiums if they renew into their current plan, and even net premium decreases for many customers in the Western area of the state.

Many customers will be able to save money if they enroll in a different plan, rather than renew into their existing coverage. Customers who are receiving financial help can save 13 percent on average if they switch to the lowest-cost plan in their same metal tier. Those who do not qualify for financial help can save 29 percent on average if they switch to the lowest-cost plan in their same metal tier.

With the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and the extension of financial assistance under the Inflation Reduction Act signed August 2022, even more Colorado residents are eligible for savings using Connect for Health Colorado. Nearly 3 out of 4 current customers qualify for financial help.

New Plans and Easier Comparison

Starting this Open Enrollment, every company that sells health insurance on Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace must offer Colorado Option plans. These plans 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, allowing for easier shopping.

Get Free, Expert Assistance

Connect for Health Colorado provides free enrollment assistance and advice. Certified insurance Brokers and enrollment Assisters help residents apply free of charge, and you’re not obligated to buy a plan when you contact an expert. Make an appointment or find a walk-in enrollment center or event near you by visiting ConnectforHealthCO.com/we-can-help or by calling 855-752-6749.

The Open Enrollment Period for 2023 coverage is now through January 15, 2023. People must enroll by December 15, 2022, for their coverage to begin on January 1, 2023.

###

Media Contact

Monica 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

Statement by Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer

DENVER— The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) announced final rate filings for approved 2023 health insurance plans, which show premium prices in the individual market (non-employer coverage) increasing an average of 10.4% statewide over 2022 premiums.

Because of the way financial help is calculated, residents who qualify for savings using Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace can expect even more assistance to offset rising costs, resulting in modest increases ($20/month on average) to net premiums, and even net premium decreases for customers in the Western area of the state.

Additionally, with the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and the extension of financial assistance under the Inflation Reduction Act signed August 2022, even more Colorado residents are eligible for savings on Connect for Health Colorado.

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

“Premium costs continue to be the most important factor for families when it comes to making decisions about coverage, including their ability to stay covered. That’s why I urge all our customers to take another look at plans and prices starting November 1. This year, shopping around can help you reduce your monthly payment even more, and you can find plenty of high-quality plans to choose from. Overall, I’m thankful that people can expect relative stability when it comes to health insurance prices for next year.”

Six companies are returning to offer plans for 2023: Anthem, Cigna, Denver Health, Friday Health Plans, Kaiser Permanente and Rocky Mountain Health Plans. Two companies, Oscar and Bright Health, are exiting Colorado’s market. Approximately 1 in 5 current Connect for Health Colorado enrollees will need to shop for a plan with a new insurance company this year.

The Open Enrollment Period for 2023 health coverage begins on November 1 and goes through January 15.

###

Media Contact

Monica 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

Statement by Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer

DENVER— Today, Bright Health informed the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) that it will withdraw from Colorado’s health insurance market for the 2023 plan year.

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

“With the Open Enrollment Period less than one month away, we’ll be at the ready to help Bright Health enrollees find the right plan for next year. I’m confident in the number of health plans and the quality of the plans that will be available for Coloradans shopping on our Marketplace for 2023. And, if you’re worried that your current plan won’t be available in the coming year or no longer meet your needs, remember that Connect for Health Colorado has the tools and experts to help you navigate changes to your health insurance situation, so that you can stay covered.”

Customers that have Bright Health plans for this current year will be able to use their health insurance through the end of the year.

The Open Enrollment Period for customers to enroll in a 2023 health insurance plan is November 1, 2022 to January 15, 2023.

###

Media Contact

Monica 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

Insurance Brokers and Enrollment Assisters Available across Colorado

DENVER— One way the state’s health insurance Marketplace serves Colorado’s health coverage needs is by providing a diverse network of experts who can help residents enroll in the best plan for them – and who can help for free any time of the year.

These experts are Connect for Health Colorado-certified Insurance Brokers and Enrollment Assisters, and they live and work everywhere across the state.

“Our certified experts are a valuable source of support for Coloradans,” said Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson. “But they don’t just provide enrollment services; they offer a continuum of assistance. I encourage anyone who needs health insurance help to use a Connect for Health Colorado Assistance Site. We’re here to help you navigate anything that changes your situation, so that you can stay covered.”

More Assistance and Resources Than Ever Before

Connect for Health Colorado boasts 77 total Assistance Network and Enrollment Center partners across the state, recently adding 13 newly certified Sites.

The Marketplace recently awarded funding for organizations and certified Brokers to operate Assistance Sites and Enrollment Centers now through June 2024.

“I’m so proud that we have grown our network and of the breadth of assistance our partners provide,” added Kevin Patterson.

In addition to enrollment assistance, Brokers and Assisters offer health insurance literacy education to help residents learn about how to use their plan. Connect for Health Colorado’s certified experts also engage with local businesses, health care facilities and organizations to establish connections and facilitate warm-hand offs for customers as appropriate.

Strengthening Community Partnerships

One of the newly awarded sites is The Independence Center, an organization based in Colorado Springs that provides information, resources and support to help people with disabilities.

“We are excited and honored to be a new Assistance Site for Connect for Health Colorado,” said Ashley Billington, Independent Living Program Manager for The Independence Center. “Access to – and education about – health insurance is essential to ensuring that those in our community live healthier, more independent lives. This partnership gives us the opportunity to connect individuals from all walks of life to affordable health care options.”

Dozens of returning Connect for Health Colorado-certified sites have been providing health coverage assistance and building networks in their communities for years, some since the first Open Enrollment Period in 2013. One of those organizations is The Health Partnership, which works closely with Grand County Rural Health Network to provide services to people in Routt, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Grand and Jackson counties.

“Our vision for our Connect for Health Colorado-certified program is to be known and trusted as the place people come for health insurance,” said Kim Fox, Program Manager at The Health Partnership.

“The cross-county collaboration allows us to have deeper reach into our diverse communities so that we can provide necessary outreach to our underserved community members, many of whom struggle to get their basic needs met, including access to affordable health insurance,” said Brittney Wilburn, Executive Director at The Health Partnership.

Finding Help in Your Area

Connect for Heath Colorado’s certified network extends across and far beyond the Denver Metro area. Residents can walk in or schedule an appointment with Enrollment Centers located from Durango, Buena Vista, Pueblo, Leadville, Salida, Yuma up to Fort Morgan, just to mention a few.

Staff at Connect for Health Colorado-certified Sites and Enrollment Centers are prepared to help Coloradans in several languages other than English. Last year, nearly one in five appointments were in Spanish.

Individuals and families looking for expert assistance can find it by visiting ConnectforHealthCO.com/we-can-help or by calling Connect for Health Colorado’s Customer Service Center at 855-752-6749.

The Open Enrollment Period for plan year 2023 begins November 1, 2022 and ends January 15, 2023. Coloradans can enroll any time during the year if they lose health coverage from their job or experience certain household changes.

###

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, in-person help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

Statement by Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer

DENVER— Today, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. In addition to tackling issues such as climate change, health care and prescription drug costs, the legislation will extend the expansion of Affordable Care Act marketplace premium tax credits through 2025.

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

“I thank President Biden for signing this important bill into law. I’m grateful and extremely excited to plan for the three-year extension of additional savings for our customers. In Colorado, these enhanced subsidies lowered costs for 155,000 enrollees, reduced their average out-of-pocket costs by $900 per year and resulted in increased enrollments in rural communities across our state. I hope that the more than 200,000 Coloradans who rely on us to afford health insurance and get the health care they need can rest easier knowing this level of financial help will continue for years to come.”

Since Connect for Health Colorado started providing enhanced subsidies in April of 2021, more residents have used the marketplace to enroll in a health insurance plan than ever before. Approximately 74 percent of enrollees are qualifying for financial help to cover the cost of their plan.

###

Media Contact
Monica 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

Connect for Health Colorado is looking for applications from qualified media services vendors to assist Connect for Health Colorado with our marketing goals to Spanish-speaking and bilingual (English/Spanish) audiences across the state. You would be contracted to work with Connect for Health Colorado to develop a media strategy based on our goals and to develop and execute a media buying program and advertising campaigns, during the upcoming Open Enrollment period for health insurance, and for other marketing purposes.

The Request for Proposal provides additional details and instructions on how to respond.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Governor Polis Appoints Allison Neswood and Mara Baer to Connect for Health Colorado’s Board of Directors

DENVER— Governor Polis recently announced his appointment of Allison Neswood and Mara Baer, both of Denver, Colorado, to the Board of Directors of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace.

Allison Neswood is a Staff Attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, where she leads enforcement of voting rights for Native language minority groups. In her previous role as the Deputy Director of Strategic Priorities for the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Neswood led initiatives to increase health equity and access to quality health care. Neswood has also been involved in the passage of several policy initiatives that Connect for Health Colorado has had a role implementing, including the Tax Time Enrollment Program.

Mara Baer is the Founder and President of AgoHealth, LLC. As a small business owner running her own health policy consulting firm, Baer has over 25 years of experience across the public and private sectors helping clients navigate the complexities of health care. Baer has worked on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act at the federal level, as well as supporting implementation of Health First Colorado (the state’s Medicaid program) through partnerships with Regional Accountable Entities and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

“I’m delighted to welcome Allison Neswood and Mara Baer to our Board of Directors. Their depth of knowledge about our work—from their policy expertise to their experience with program implementation— as well as their knowledge of and commitment to the communities we serve, will strengthen our Board,” said Kevin Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of Connect for Health Colorado. 

Governor Polis also re-appointed Annie Lee of Denver, Colorado, to Connect for Health Colorado’s Board of Directors. Allison Neswood and Mara Baer’s appointments follow the resignation of Adela Flores-Brennan and Claire v.S. Brockbank. 

###

Dr. T. Renata Robinson Joins Connect for Health Colorado’s Executive Leadership Team

DENVER— Connect for Health Colorado®’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson recently announced that Dr. T. Renata Robinson has joined the executive leadership team as the Chief Human Resources and Training Officer.

Before joining Connect for Health Colorado, Dr. Robinson was the first Chief Human Resources Officer of Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, as well as the Principal and Chief People Officer of her consulting practice MeekAdvantages, LLC. Prior to holding those positions, Dr. Robinson was the first Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Boulder, the Vice President of Human Resources for Teach for America, and the Director of Organization Development and Talent Management for Total Long-Term Care Solutions.

“I’m so pleased that Dr. Robinson has joined our executive leadership team,” said Patterson. “Her experience training leaders and advancing inclusive and equitable workplace practices will be crucial as our organization grows and as we serve a more diverse customer base.”

Dr. Robinson is a member of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Art in Organizational Management and an Educational Doctorate of Organizational Management.

Along with Connect for Health Colorado’s CEO, Kevin Patterson, the executive leadership team includes Chief Financial Officer Brian Braun and Chief Innovation Officer Kelly Guthner.

Connect for Health Colorado (C4HCO) is looking for applications from qualified entities that can provide video production services. You would be contracted to create marketing videos for C4HCO to use during advertising campaigns, during the upcoming Open Enrollment period for health insurance, and for other marketing purposes.

The Request for Proposal provides additional details and instructions on how to respond.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Statement by Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer

DENVER— Today, Governor Polis held a ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 22-081, Health Exchange Education Campaign Health-care Services. Senate Bill 22-081 directs Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, to conduct a consumer outreach and education campaign to help Coloradans attain and retain health care coverage based on their health care needs and financial circumstances.

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

“I thank Governor Polis for signing this important bill into law. Hundreds of thousands of Coloradans remain uninsured. We know that access to affordable health coverage often starts with increasing people’s awareness of the options available to them. With the additional funding provided by this law, we look forward to helping more Coloradans find and enroll into the affordable programs they are eligible for.”

Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace is where individuals, families and small employers across Colorado can purchase health insurance and get financial help to reduce costs. More than 215,000 residents have used Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace to enroll in a health insurance plan that provides coverage for this year. Approximately 74 percent of enrollees are qualifying for financial help to cover the cost of their plan.

###

Media Contacts

Monica 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