Connect for Health Colorado Extends Enrollment Period through at least August 15

DENVER — Yesterday afternoon, President Biden announced that the federal health insurance marketplace, HealthCare.gov, will extend the current enrollment period through August 15, 2021, to help as many people as possible get covered following the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Connect for Heath Colorado® Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson, released the following statement in response:

“We will follow the federal decision so that we can help as many Coloradans as possible get covered this year. Keeping our doors open through at least mid-August maximizes the number of people who can apply for financial help and enroll through our Marketplace, especially as our state recovers from the pandemic. We will share more details soon about how Coloradans who are newly eligible for benefits under the American Rescue Plan can get those additional savings.”

Connect for Health Colorado is working in coordination with the state Division of Insurance to develop an implementation plan for the portions of the law which impact Colorado consumers seeking health insurance through our Exchange. The new expanded savings for health coverage under the American Rescue Plan is expected to be available to Colorado residents starting in April, with changes taking effect as soon as May 1, 2021.

Connect for Health Colorado will release more information about when people who are newly eligible for financial assistance under the American Rescue Plan, as well as current customers, should come to our Marketplace to see how much they can save. The American Rescue Plan financial help changes are in effect through calendar year 2022.

Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where residents can get financial assistance for health insurance.

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

Media Contact

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

American Rescue Plan Makes Health Insurance More Affordable for More Coloradans Shopping through the Exchange

DENVER — Yesterday afternoon, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (American Rescue Plan) into law. Connect for Heath Colorado® Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson, released the following statement in response to provisions which strengthen the Affordable Care Act and increase affordability:

“We are thrilled and getting ready to implement the health coverage provisions outlined in this law. This expansion of financial help will provide greater access to savings on the health plans we offer. This means more affordable health insurance for many more Coloradans.”

The American Rescue Plan removes the 400 percent poverty level income cap to receive Advance Premium Tax Credits. It also updates the financial help calculation so that Coloradans will not pay more than 8.5 percent of their income on premiums based on the cost of the second-lowest-cost Silver plan in their area (also called the “benchmark plan”). As a result, Connect for Health Colorado customers will see an average savings of 49 percent or $56.30 on their monthly premium.

Connect for Health Colorado will develop an implementation plan for the portions of the law which impact Colorado consumers seeking health insurance through our Exchange. We will share more regarding how Coloradans can obtain the savings outlined in the law in the coming months. The financial help changes are in effect through calendar year 2022. Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where Coloradans can get financial assistance for health insurance.

About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact

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

One Month In, More Than 4,000 Coloradans Sign Up During Exchange’s Uninsured Enrollment Period

DENVER- 4,683 previously uninsured Coloradans signed up for a 2021 health insurance plan through Colorado’s Exchange between Monday, February 8 and the end of day Friday, March 5. That’s more than 1,000 new medical enrollments each week during the first month of Colorado’s Uninsured Enrollment Period.

“I’m pleased that people are taking advantage of this time and getting covered,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “If you’re already insured, but know of a friend, family member or neighbor who needs health insurance and help enrolling, you can refer them to one of our plan experts. We’re here to ensure as many people as possible get the right coverage to protect their health this year.”

A Few Reminders

Residents who are currently uninsured and who don’t qualify for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) have until May 15, 2021 to sign up for a health insurance plan during the Uninsured Enrollment Period.

Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where eligible Coloradans can get financial assistance to help pay for their health insurance. Nearly 7 in 10 people who apply are qualifying for financial help. Use our Quick Cost & Plan Finder tool to estimate how much financial help you could receive.

Free, virtual and in-person help is available from certified enrollment experts and at Enrollment Centers located throughout the state. Visit ConnectforHealthCO.com/we-can-help to find assistance in your area.

You can access a 60-day Special Enrollment Period and enroll in health insurance if you or someone in your household experiences a Qualified Life Event, like losing insurance from a job, getting married, or due to certain family and income changes.

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About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact

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

Colorado to Re-open Enrollment for Individual Health Insurance

Move mirrors executive action by President Biden to ensure consumers can enroll amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Denver— Today, President Joe Biden issued an Executive Order that re-opens enrollment on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. While the order pertains to states that use the federal exchange, healthcare.gov, Colorado’s exchange, Connect for Health Colorado will mirror the order by re-opening enrollment.

Coloradans without health insurance will be able to enroll in coverage through ConnectforHealthCO.com between Feb. 8 – May 15, 2021. Health insurance coverage will begin on the first day of the month following plan selection. This Special Enrollment period is for people who are without health insurance and begins a week earlier than the federal exchange.

In Colorado, the annual Open Enrollment for individual health insurance (meaning not from an employer) ended on January 15th. Connect for Health Colorado reported that nearly 180,000 Coloradans enrolled in 2021 coverage, which was around 8% higher than the enrollment figures for the previous year’s Open Enrollment.

Re-opening the exchanges is an effort to address the number of uninsured, and in particular help people who have lost their employer-based health insurance due to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway offered this statement in support of this effort.

“I am encouraged to see President Biden and his administration take action on this front, acknowledging the fact that so many remain without health insurance due to the continued impact of COVID-19. The Division of Insurance will work with Connect for Health Colorado to make sure this additional enrollment period works to help Coloradans get covered.”

Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson released the following statement in response to the Exchange reopening enrollment:

“I’m pleased that we can offer another opportunity to help people protect their health and safety this year. Now is a great time to remind friends and neighbors who missed the Open Enrollment deadline that it’s not too late to sign up and that help is available. I urge Coloradans who haven’t enrolled yet to call us or visit our website to find free enrollment assistance near you.”

Colorado individual health insurance consumers can enroll through Connect for Health Colorado online at ConnectforHealthCO.com. Residents can get help by calling 855-752-6749 or find free, virtual enrollment assistance from certified Brokers and Assisters. In addition, Connect for Health Colorado offers tools such as the Quick Cost & Plan Finder that can help you check if you qualify for financial help and search for plans based on what matters most, including covered doctors, medications, monthly costs, and estimated annual costs. About 70% of people applying qualify for financial help. Enrolling through Connect for Health Colorado is the only way to receive financial help that can make health insurance more affordable.

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Media Contacts

Connect for Health Colorado: Monica Caballeros | [email protected] | 720-496-2574

Division of Insurance: Vincent Plymell | [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.

Nearly 180,000 Coloradans Signed Up through the Marketplace

DENVER — 179,661 Coloradans signed up for a health insurance plan by the end of the Open Enrollment period, according to preliminary data released today by Connect for Health Colorado®. This is about 8 percent above last year’s end of Open Enrollment total. 69% of the customers who enrolled in a 2021 plan qualified for financial help to reduce their monthly premium.

“I’m pleased that so many people took advantage of this year’s enrollment period,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “It’s essential that we all have health coverage in place to protect ourselves and our families this year.”

Outside of the Open Enrollment period, Coloradans can still sign up for a health insurance plan through the Marketplace if they experience a Qualified Life Event, like losing job-based insurance, losing Health First Colorado (Medicaid) coverage or due to certain family and income changes. Residents can continue to get help signing up for coverage from certified Brokers and community-based Assisters.

For a deeper dive into enrollment and Marketplace changes during the Open Enrollment period for 2021 coverage, keep watching for the publication of Connect for Health Colorado’s End of Open Enrollment Report, By the Numbers, this Spring. Find past reports and monthly metrics at https://connectforhealthco.com/metric-and-reports/.

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About Connect for Health Colorado

Colorado Sees 9% Increase in Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollments Ahead of Jan. 15 Deadline

DENVER — A year-over-year comparison shows Connect for Health Colorado enrollments are currently trending 9 percent higher. Nearly 172,000 people so far have signed up for a health insurance plan through the state’s official marketplace, surpassing last year’s Open Enrollment Period total of 166,850 sign ups.

But there is still time to enroll. With the Jan. 15, 2021 enrollment deadline approaching, Coloradans have just over a week left to choose a plan for coverage that will start Feb. 1.

“I’m thankful that so many people have found coverage through our Marketplace as the pandemic continues to devastate the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “We’re here to help Coloradans secure financial help and choose a plan that gives them the care and peace of mind they deserve for this year.”

Before deciding that health coverage isn’t in your budget in 2021, first check how much assistance you could receive to reduce premiums through Connect for Health Colorado. About 7 in 10 residents who apply are qualifying for financial help to make premiums more affordable.

Individuals and families can also rest assured that every plan offered through Connect for Health Colorado includes essential health benefits and guaranteed coverage for people regardless of their medical history. All Marketplace plans include free preventive health care services, such as vaccinations, annual primary care check-ups and screenings.

“Last Call” Enrollment Events this Weekend

Residents can get free, virtual help to get covered from certified individuals and at Enrollment Centers located throughout the state. This Saturday, Jan. 9, people can find help at any one of the five virtual events we’re hosting, including this year’s keynote bilingual community resource and enrollment event, We’ve Got You Covered- Communities Coming Together to Cope with COVID / Hoy Por Ti Mañana Por Mi – Colaborando Para Una Comunidad Más Saludable Sin COVID.

About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact

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

Connect for Health Colorado® Establishes Public Benefit Corporation to Increase Access, Affordability and Choice for More Residents

DENVER – Connect for Health Colorado®, the official health insurance marketplace for Coloradans, has formally launched a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC).

The PBC will offer health care ancillary products and services across the state as well as work to increase Coloradans’ health literacy.

This new organization will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Connect for Health Colorado and will be a separate entity from Connect for Health Colorado. It will not affect residents’ ability to buy Qualified Health Plans and apply for financial help through our Marketplace.

One of the anticipated functions of the PBC will be to administer the plans and financial assistance to Coloradans according to the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise. The financial help will be in the form of a separate state-funded subsidy and will be available to individuals and families in Colorado beginning in 2023.

“This new organization expands our ability to better address health coverage disparities in our state,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “I look forward to helping more residents get covered and helping our State leaders implement solutions that improve the health of Coloradans.”

In October, Connect for Health Colorado’s Board of Directors appointed a Board of Directors to oversee the strategic vision of the PBC organization. Kevin Patterson, Connect for Health Colorado’s CEO, will serve as a member of the board.

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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

Media Contact

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

Connect for Health Colorado Offers Coloradans Through Dec. 18 to Enroll in Health Insurance Starting Jan. 1

DENVER — To help as many people as possible sign up for health insurance that begins on the first day of 2021, Connect for Health Colorado® has decided to extend the deadline for January 1 coverage to this Friday, Dec. 18.

“Too many Coloradans have been left unemployed, uninsured and are struggling to get by as the pandemic grows,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “By giving people a few extra days this week to get the coverage they need right on January 1^st, we can ease some of the strain people are feeling. Financial help is available to reduce costs and local experts can also provide free enrollment assistance.”

Access Lower Premiums and Health Care Costs

Before deciding that health coverage isn’t in your budget in 2021, first check how much assistance you could receive to reduce premiums through Connect for Health Colorado. 55% of families who receive financial help can find a plan for $50 or less per month. The financial help comes in the form of an Advance Premium Tax Credit and is not related to pandemic relief but is available to residents exclusively through Connect for Health Colorado.

Why Coloradans Should Enroll by Friday

Although customers have until mid-January to sign up for plan, doing so after this Friday will result in a February 1^st start date for their coverage, leaving them uninsured for the first month of the year.

Therefore, Coloradans are encouraged to take the following steps between Dec. 16 and Dec. 18 to be covered.

Steps to Enroll in Jan. 1, 2021 Coverage:

1. Enroll in a plan.

2. Call the Customer Service Center at 855-752-6749 by Dec. 18.

3. State “I would like coverage to begin January 1^st.”

4. If desired, request the incident number to track the request.

Coloradans who want to change their current plan also have through this Friday to enroll in a new plan for Jan. 1, 2021 and should follow the same steps.

The Open Enrollment period for 2021 coverage ends on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021.

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About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact: Mónica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-496-2574

Gov. Polis Proclaims Dec. 10 Get Covered Colorado Day

Denver- Gov. Jared Polis has signed a proclamation to make tomorrow, Dec. 10, 2020, Get Covered 2021 Colorado Day. The day of action is to encourage as many Coloradans as possible to secure health coverage for 2021, so they can protect their health and get the care they need in the new year.

“Today is a great reminder that it is time to take action and get covered with a health insurance plan in 2021,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “We’re here to help people with insurance costs and make the enrollment process as simple as possible. I encourage Coloradans to connect with us and get started today.”

Connect for Health Colorado is also participating in a national effort with a coalition of state-based marketplaces on Dec. 10, #GetCovered2021. In Colorado, community leaders will help promote enrollment with social media using the hashtag #GetCovered2021. Coloradans across the state can follow the hashtags #GetCovered2021 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 review their options.

Coloradans can enroll in a health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado now through Jan. 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+ when they apply through the Marketplace.

Colorado influencers, policy makers and community leaders hold Open Enrollment message boards, urging residents to sign up for a health insurance plan with Connect for Health Colorado.

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About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact

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

Marketplace Enrollments Trending Higher During Pandemic; Deadline for Jan. 1 Coverage Approaches

DENVER – Through Dec. 6, more than 148,000 Coloradans have signed up for a health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado. Initial enrollment totals show that more Coloradans are getting covered this Open Enrollment Period as the pandemic grows in Colorado.

“I’m encouraged that so many people have signed up for a medical plan that will give them the coverage they need. I hope this also gives them some peace of mind going into the new year,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “I urge Coloradans who haven’t enrolled yet to take advantage of the free enrollment assistance we offer. We’re here to help as many Coloradans as possible get covered for January 1st.”

The deadline to enroll in coverage starting Jan. 1, 2021 is next Tuesday, Dec. 15. People who sign up between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 will receive a Feb. 1 start date for their 2021 health insurance plan, leaving them potentially without insurance for the month of January.

This year, an individual earning up to $51,040, and a family of four with an annual income of up to $104,800, can qualify for financial help. Seven out of ten applicants are qualifying for financial help to help pay their monthly premiums. The majority of customers can save on their monthly premiums by shopping and not renewing their current health insurance plan.

In addition to possible financial help, Coloradans can rest assured that every plan offered through Connect for Health Colorado includes essential health benefits and guaranteed coverage for people regardless of their medical history. All Marketplace plans include free preventive health care services, such as vaccinations, annual primary care check-ups and screenings.

Enrollment Help is Available

We offer free, virtual help to get covered from certified enrollment experts and at Enrollment Centers located throughout the state. Our Customer Service Center has extended its hours this week and will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

People can also use our 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, 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

Media contact: Mónica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-496-2574