Nearly 200,000 Coloradans Signed Up for Health Insurance During Annual Enrollment Period

Special enrollment opportunities and enrollment assistance still available

DENVER – Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, reports that 198,412 Coloradans signed up for a health insurance plan by the end of the Open Enrollment Period. This is an increase of more than 18,000 enrollments, or 10 percent, above last year’s end of Open Enrollment total, and is the highest end of Open Enrollment total since Connect for Health Colorado opened for business in 2013.

Three out of four customers who signed up for a plan qualified for health insurance savings via tax credits. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, an individual can save an average of 52 percent on their monthly premium after financial help is applied.

“The record level of enrollments we’re seeing tells me that people are finding plans in their budget and that our sign-up process is smoother than ever before,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson.

While the annual enrollment period has ended, uninsured residents who have been impacted by the recent fires in Boulder County or by COVID-19 can access a new Disaster Relief Special Enrollment Period now through March 16, 2022.

“While the regular Open Enrollment Period is complete, we opened our doors again. We’re here to make sure those who find themselves affected by the recent Marshall Fire and the pandemic can get the coverage and care they need,” Patterson said.

“The American Rescue Plan helped make health care more affordable and accessible for nearly 200,000 Coloradans. That is what progress looks like,” said Colorado Senator Michael Bennet. “As we continue to face ongoing challenges as a result of COVID-19 and the Marshall Fire, I’m grateful that the enrollment deadline has been extended to ensure more families can get covered this year.”

“These numbers prove Connect for Health Colorado is a success story,” said Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper. “Congress needs to keep premiums low to make health care an affordable reality for every Coloradan.”

Additional Enrollment Opportunities and Assistance

Qualifying events, like certain household changes or losing health insurance from a job, also open a 60-day Special Enrollment Period for residents who need health insurance or want to change their plan. 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.

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 and to find local enrollment assistance.

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Media Contacts

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

About Connect for Health Colorado Connect for Health Colorado is a public, nonprofit 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

Colorado Opens a Health Insurance Special Enrollment Period for Residents Impacted by Recent Wildfires and COVID-19

Residents affected by disasters can enroll in health coverage now

DENVER– Due to the fires in Boulder County on December 30, 2021 and the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, Colorado is opening a Disaster Relief Special Enrollment Period. Uninsured residents who have been impacted by these disasters can access the Special Enrollment Period now through March 16, 2022.

“I’m thankful we can offer this opportunity and hope it provides greater peace of mind to those who need health coverage during this time,” said Kevin Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s health exchange. “I urge residents who have been affected but don’t know where to go to find health insurance to start with Connect for Health Colorado. We are here to help every step of the way.”

“The spike in COVID-19 cases and the fires in Boulder County have been a one-two punch for many Coloradans. And both events impact people’s physical and mental health, making health insurance coverage so important,” said Colorado’s Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “People are still sorting through the effects of COVID-19 and the fires, and we know there will be long-term consequences, meaning that if you or your family need health insurance, now is the time to enroll.”

Coloradans qualify to enroll in health insurance coverage now if they:

Are impacted by Colorado wildfires, including the Marshall Fire
Are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
Experience a different qualifying life event

Health insurance will begin on the first day of the month following plan selection. Enrollees will not be asked by the health insurance company to provide documentation to verify their eligibility for the Disaster Relief Special Enrollment Period (now through March 16, 2022).

Connecting with Enrollment Assistance

Free help is available 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.

To find out whether you qualify for additional savings on health insurance plans, how much financial assistance you can receive and to see all the plans available to you, contact Connect for Health Colorado at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

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.

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Media Contact

Monica 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

Colorado’s Health Insurance Enrollment Period Ends January 15th

Free Enrollment Help is Available Statewide

DENVER – This Saturday, January 15^th, 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 190,000 Coloradans have signed up for a health insurance plan so far.

“Health insurance is a critical tool for families amid the ongoing pandemic,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “If you don’t know where to go to get covered, start with Connect for Health Colorado. We have free enrollment assistance and are here to help you every step of the way. Don’t miss this opportunity to enroll.”

Enrollment 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. People can also use the Quick Cost & Plan Finder to search for plans based on what matters most, including covered doctors, medications, monthly costs and estimated annual costs.

Outside of the Open Enrollment Period, Coloradans can only sign up for health insurance if they experience a qualifying life event. 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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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

Contact

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

Connect for Health Colorado Reports More Than 185,000 Health Insurance Sign Ups So Far

January 15 is the deadline to enroll for 2022 coverage

DENVER – As of January 1^st, more than 185,000 Coloradans have signed up for a health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado during the annual enrollment period. This is an eight percent increase over the same time frame last year and exceeds last year’s end of Open Enrollment total of 179,661 sign ups.

But there is still time to enroll. With the January 15, 2022 enrollment deadline approaching, Coloradans have less than two weeks left to choose a plan for coverage that will start February 1^st.

More residents can find health insurance savings through Connect for Health Colorado for their 2022 coverage thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act passed early this year. For the first time, health insurance savings are available to many individuals and families who were previously ineligible because of their income; two out of three customers who applied for financial help in 2021 but didn’t qualify could receive financial help in 2022.

“The remarkable number of enrollments so far tells me that Coloradans are taking advantage of the expert help available and finding plans that are affordable,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “If costs were a barrier to getting covered in the past, 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.”

Enrollment 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^th deadline. People can also use the Quick Cost & Plan Finder to search for plans based on what matters most, including covered doctors, medications, monthly costs and estimated annual costs.

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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

Contact

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

Get Covered Colorado Day is December 8

Residents can find more affordable health coverage than ever before

DENVER- December 8, 2021, is Get Covered Colorado Day. The day of action is to encourage as many Coloradans as possible to enroll in 2022 health coverage during the annual Open Enrollment Period. Open Enrollment is the time of year to renew your health plan, change plans or sign up for a plan if you’re uninsured. This year, more residents shopping through Colorado’s health insurance exchange, Connect for Health Colorado, can expect increased plan choice and even more health insurance savings.

“Ensuring every Coloradan has access to high-quality, affordable health care has been a primary focus of our Administration since day one,” said Lt. Governor and Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care Dianne Primavera. “Get Covered Colorado Day is the perfect opportunity for uninsured Coloradans to sign up, or to remind friends and family that they can save money on their health care by shopping for plans on Connect for Health Colorado.”

“I’m thrilled that more than 158,000 Coloradans have signed up for 2022 coverage at this point in the enrollment period,” said Connect for Health Colorado Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “If you are looking for health insurance but don’t know where to begin, Connect for Health Colorado is the place to go. We’re here to help you apply for savings, give advice and get the coverage you need for next year.”

“Finding affordable insurance is a key step in getting access to the necessary health care for you and your family. Colorado’s Reinsurance Program is a vital tool in keeping health insurance affordable for people, and for 2022, the success of the program will continue as it saves people an average of 24% on their premiums,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “For Get Covered Colorado Day, I encourage anyone who needs health insurance to take advantage not only of these savings, but the financial assistance that more Coloradans are eligible for this year.”

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 to apply for health insurance savings and enroll in a plan.

New Savings Are Here

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act passed early this year, health insurance savings are available to many individuals and families who were previously ineligible because of their income; two out of three customers who applied for financial help in 2021 but didn’t qualify could receive financial help in 2022. If you’re currently enrolled in a plan through Connect for Health Colorado and haven’t updated your application recently, you’ll likely qualify for more financial help when you renew your coverage this Open Enrollment Period.

Connecting with 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 you 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.

The Open Enrollment Period ends January 15, 2021. 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+.

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Media Contacts

Monica 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

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.

Connect for Health Colorado Sees Steady Growth in Health Insurance Enrollments for 2022 Coverage

DENVER- 50,522 Coloradans have signed up for a health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado’s Marketplace between Nov. 1 and Nov. 29, a 14-percentage increase over the same enrollment period last year. Through the first four weeks of the Open Enrollment Period, approximately 75 percent of applicants qualify for savings on their health insurance premiums.

“As the pandemic continues to affect our communities, it’s more important than ever that Coloradans have access to affordable and quality health coverage,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “Residents who need health coverage, including those who have lost their job health insurance or find themselves in a different financial situation this year, should contact us right away to see the plans and savings available.”

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act passed early this year, more residents can find health insurance savings through Connect for Health Colorado for their 2022 coverage. For the first time, health insurance savings are available to many individuals and families who were previously ineligible because of their income; two out of three customers who applied for financial help in 2021 but didn’t qualify could receive financial help in 2022.

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, 2022:

Dec. 2— Connect for Health Colorado will automatically renew plans for eligible customers on Dec. 2, 2021. 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, 2021.

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 2022 health insurance plan, leaving them potentially without insurance for the month of January.

Enrollment Help is Available

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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

Contact

Mónica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-496-2574

Open Enrollment for 2022 Health Insurance Begins Today

Here’s what you need to know about signing up for health coverage

DENVER — It’s Open Enrollment in Colorado. For those who aren’t already covered by job health insurance or another insurance program (like Health First Colorado, Colorado’s Medicaid program or Medicare), now is the time to sign up for a health insurance plan for 2022 coverage. This year, many individuals, families and small business owners shopping for health and dental plans can expect increased plan choice and savings for 2022.

“If you find yourself uninsured or are looking for health insurance but don’t know where to begin, Connect for Health Colorado is the place to go,” said Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson. “We are here to help Coloradans figure out their options and provide decision-making support tools, so you can get the coverage you need at the price you can afford. Don’t let this Open Enrollment Period go by without contacting us; you might be surprised to find more plan options in your budget than ever before.”

New Savings Are Here

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act passed early this year, more residents can find health insurance savings through Connect for Health Colorado for their 2022 coverage. For the first time, health insurance savings are available to many individuals and families who were previously ineligible because of their income. If you applied in the past but didn’t qualify for financial help, now is the time to reapply. Two out of three customers who applied for financial help in 2021 but didn’t qualify could receive financial help in 2022.

If you’re currently enrolled in a plan through Connect for Health Colorado and haven’t updated your application recently, you’ll likely qualify for more financial help when you renew your coverage this Open Enrollment Period. Four out of five customers can find plans for $25 per month or less after financial help is applied.

Connect for Health Colorado is also launching a new state-funded program to provide more health care savings to people shopping on the Marketplace whose income is just over the limit to receive Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and who enroll in a Silver-level plan. If you’re eligible for this program, all you need to do to receive the higher level of benefits is apply through Connect for Health Colorado and enroll in a Silver-level plan. You will see those extra savings automatically applied to Silver-level plans when you are shopping.

When to Enroll in Health Coverage

You can sign up for a health insurance plan during the Open Enrollment Period, which runs today through January 15.

Most current customers are eligible for plan renewal, which means that their health insurance plan will automatically renew on December 1 for 2022 coverage.
After December 1, customers have until December 15 to update their account and change their plan as needed for coverage starting January 1.
If you sign up for a plan or change your plan between December 16 and January 15, your coverage will begin February 1, 2022.

Connecting with 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 you with personalized help signing up for a health insurance plan. Enrollment Centers are here to help you in-person or by phone, and many also offer virtual assistance. No appointment is necessary.

To browse plans and prices before starting an application, use our Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool to get an estimate of costs and to search plans based on what matters most to you.

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About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact

Monica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-756-7995

Coloradans Will See Stable Health Insurance Rates, More Savings and More Choice in 2022

Connect for Health Colorado CEO Statement

DENVER — Today, the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) announced final rate filings for approved 2022 health insurance plans, which show premium prices in the individual market (non-employer coverage) increasing an average of 1.1% statewide over 2021 premiums. Connect for Heath Colorado® Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson, released the following statement in response:

“I’m grateful that many families can expect more affordable premiums again this year. Colorado is making meaningful strides to increase access, affordability and choice, and Connect for Health Colorado is still offering increased savings thanks to the American Rescue Plan for 2022 plans. If health insurance costs were out of reach for you in years past, it’s time to take another look at prices and savings available starting November 1^st.”

The same eight companies from 2021 are returning to offer plans for 2022. And many Connect for Health Colorado customers can expect increased plan choice when they shop for 2022 coverage. The health insurance companies’ expansions for 2022 will leave only one county with a single insurance company available— down from 10 counties in 2021, and 22 counties in 2020.

The Open Enrollment Period for 2022 health coverage opens November 1 and goes through January 15.

About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact

Monica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-496-2574

Losing Free COBRA Premiums or Job Health Insurance? You Can Still Enroll in Health Coverage for the Last Few Months of 2021

Residents with a Qualifying Life Event Have Options to Get Covered

DENVER —Thousands of Coloradans will lose free COBRA premiums at the end of the month and may need other affordable coverage options. Through the American Rescue Plan Act, which passed earlier this year, many people were able to receive free COBRA premiums through September 30. Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s health insurance marketplace, is reminding residents that they can still sign up for a health insurance plan for the remainder of the year if they experience a Qualifying Life Event, such as losing free COBRA premiums this month or losing job health insurance.

“Connect for Health Colorado is the place for residents and small business owners who are navigating a coverage transition. We’re providing more savings on health insurance than ever before, and we have certified plan experts ready to review all your health care options with you.”

Kevin Patterson, Chief Executive Officer

Options for Staying Covered

If you’re losing free COBRA premiums at the end of this month or have another Qualifying Life Event, such as losing job health insurance, you might consider the following options for staying covered for the remainder of the year.

Apply for free or low-cost coverage through Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program).

Enroll in a health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749 during your 60-day Special Enrollment Period.

Remain on COBRA through the end of the year (paying full cost) and enroll in a new plan during the annual Open Enrollment Period, which begins November 1, for plan year 2022. While customers can be eligible for plans and savings through Connect for Health Colorado now, this might be a good option for customers who use their health coverage frequently, are currently receiving care in a specific provider network, are close to or have met their deductible, or have maxed out their out-of-pocket costs.

Get Savings and Enrollment Assistance
Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, Coloradans can find more financial help than in previous years to cover some or all the cost of their health insurance premium, but only when they shop through Connect for Health Colorado. For the first time, families of most income ranges can now qualify for savings on health insurance.

Residents can continue to get help signing up for coverage from certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. Use the Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool to get an estimate of costs and to search plans based on what matters most to you.

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Media Contact

Monica Caballeros | [email protected] | 720-576-7995

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, nonprofit 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

Christy Blakely, Top Health Care Consumer Advocate, Named to Connect for Health Colorado’s Board of Directors

DENVER —Governor Polis recently appointed Christy Blakely, a leading health care consumer advocate, to the Board of Directors of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace.

“I’m delighted to welcome Christy to our Board of Directors,” said Connect for Health Colorado’s Board Chair, Claire v.S. Brockbank. “It’s the Board’s priority to make it easier for people shopping for their own health insurance to get the assistance and coverage they need. Christy’s unique perspective and extensive experience will be invaluable as we help families navigate Colorado’s changing health care landscape.”

Christy Blakely

Christy S. Blakely of Littleton, Colorado, brings her expertise and involvement in health care consumer navigation and health care services to Connect for Health Colorado’s Board. Christy is the Executive Director of Family Voices CO, a chapter of the national advocacy organization which provides services for families of children with special health care needs. Christy is also involved with several organizations focused on improving health outcomes, such as the Children’s Disability Advisory Committee to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, the Center for Improving Value in Health Care (CIVHC) Board of Directors, and the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative Board of Directors.

Governor Polis reappointed two current Connect for Health Colorado Board members for their terms through July 1, 2025:

Claire v.S. Brockbank, Board Chair of Connect for Health Colorado
Lorez Meinhold

The Board of Directors of Connect for Health Colorado meets monthly to discuss and vote on a range of issues related to the operation of the Marketplace. Stakeholders and members of the public participate in Board Advisory Groups to inform policy and operational decisions, communication and outreach strategies, and establish partnerships to achieve shared goals for improving the health of our communities.

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About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact

Monica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-496-2574