Happening Now: Coloradans are Encouraged to Act Early to Find Lower-Cost Health Coverage During Open Enrollment

About 69% of Connect for Health Colorado customers are likely to qualify for financial help; free expert assistance is available statewide.

COLORADO – Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance is underway, and Connect for Health Colorado is encouraging customers to shop, compare plans and explore available financial help before choosing coverage.

Why it Matters: The Colorado Division of Insurance announced in September that health insurance premiums for 2027 will rise by an average of 10% for customers in the individual market. Connect for Health Colorado does not set health insurance rates.

But higher premiums do not necessarily mean a customer’s current plan will be their most affordable option. About 69% of Connect for Health Colorado customers are likely to qualify for financial help. Among customers who receive financial help, about 60% could find a plan for $10 or less per month, and 3 out of 4 could find a plan for $75 or less per month if they shop and compare.

Certified, community-based Assisters and licensed health insurance Brokers are also available at no cost to help customers understand their options, apply for financial help and enroll. Support is available in every Colorado county and in more than 22 languages.

When: Open enrollment is underway and runs through Jan. 15, 2027.

Customers who enroll by Dec. 15 will have coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
Customers who enroll Dec. 16 through Jan. 15 will have coverage beginning Feb. 1, 2027.

Customers can shop, compare plans and enroll now at ConnectForHealthCO.com.

Interview Opportunities: Connect for Health Colorado representatives are available to discuss:

What customers should know now that open enrollment is underway.
Important changes customers may see for plan year 2027.
Data that shows how shopping and comparing plans may help customers find lower-cost coverage.
County-level projected premiums.
Financial help available for eligible customers.
How Connect for Health’s statewide network of experts can help customers apply for financial help and enroll at no cost.

About Connect for Health Colorado

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

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

Media Contact
Michelle Mendoza
Media Consultant
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 303-210-1461

Open Enrollment for 2027 Health Coverage Starts Sunday, Nov. 1; Comparing Plans Could Help Many Coloradans Save Money

69% of Connect for Health Colorado customers are likely to qualify for financial help.

COLORADO – Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance begins Sunday, Nov. 1, and Connect for Health Colorado is encouraging customers to take action early.

The annual enrollment period offers Colorado residents the opportunity to explore new health insurance options or renew their current plans. And according to the state’s official health insurance marketplace, customers may find lower-cost coverage this year by shopping, comparing plans and exploring available financial help.

Finding ways to save may be especially important for 2027. The Colorado Division of Insurance announced in September that health insurance premiums will rise by an average of 10% for customers in the individual market. Connect for Health Colorado does not set health insurance rates.

“Health insurance costs are a concern for many of our neighbors,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “The good news is that people have options. Colorado has worked hard to make coverage more affordable, and we want customers to take the time this year to see what financial help and coverage options are available to them.”

According to Connect for Health Colorado, 69% of customers are likely to qualify for financial help for 2027, and those who qualify could save money by shopping instead of renewing their current plans. About 60% of customers who receive financial help could find a plan for $10 or less per month, and 3 in 4 could find a plan for $75 or less per month.

Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where Colorado residents can get financial help to purchase health insurance. That includes Federal Advance Premium Tax Credits and state-funded Colorado Premium Assistance, both of which will continue to help eligible customers lower their monthly premiums for the 2027 plan year.

Understanding available financial help and comparing coverage options may help customers save, but Connect for Health Colorado encourages customers to consider more than just their monthly premiums.

A lower-premium plan may have a different deductible, provider network, prescription drug coverage or other out-of-pocket costs. Connect for Health Colorado’s Estimate & Explore tool allows customers to review and compare those plan details before enrolling.

“We want to help customers find coverage that meets their health care needs and fits their household budgets,” Patterson said. “That’s why our free, statewide network of certified Assisters and licensed insurance Brokers is here to help customers make informed choices about their health insurance. Collectively, they speak more than 22 languages and can answer customers’ questions at no cost and with no obligation to purchase a plan.”

During open enrollment for plan year 2026, more than 187,000 customers enrolled with help from an Assister or Broker, and 71% of those customers qualified for financial help. Support is available in every Colorado county.

Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15, 2027. Customers who enroll by Dec. 15 will have coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

Customers can learn more, shop for coverage and connect with an expert at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

Important Dates

Open enrollment begins Nov. 1, 2026, and ends Jan. 15, 2027.
Customers must enroll by Dec. 15, 2026, for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
Customers who enroll from Dec. 16, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027, will have coverage beginning Feb. 1, 2027.

2027 Plan Information

Six health insurance companies are offering medical plans for 2027: Anthem, Colorado Access Choice by Access Connected Care Partners, Elevate Health Plans by Denver Health, Kaiser Permanente, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, and Select Health. All private health insurance companies are required to offer Colorado Option plans.
Colorado Option plans can make health care more affordable and accessible for Colorado residents. Customers can expect to pay $0 for doctor visits for annual checkups, health screenings, immunizations, and maternity care, as well as $0 for visits with a therapist, counselor, or doctor for mental or behavioral health or substance abuse.
Cigna Healthcare will no longer offer individual medical plans in Colorado beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Current Cigna medical coverage will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2026, but customers must actively select a plan from another insurance company if they want coverage in 2027.
Six dental insurance companies will offer plans: Anthem, Cigna, Delta Dental, EMI Health, Humana, and Solstice.

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

Media Contact
Michelle Mendoza
Media Consultant
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 303-210-1461

Colorado Health Insurance Shoppers Get an Early Look at 2027 Plans and Prices

Connect for Health Colorado’s Estimate & Explore tool is now available with new plan year information; customers can begin enrolling on Nov. 1.

COLORADO – Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace is giving customers an early look at 2027 health insurance plans, offering more time for people to compare coverage and costs before the annual open enrollment period begins.

Connect for Health Colorado’s Estimate & Explore tool offers personalized recommendations and side-by-side plan comparisons to help customers understand their coverage options. Customers can preview and compare 2027 plans now so they are prepared when open enrollment begins on Nov. 1.

Colorado has taken significant steps to keep coverage costs below what customers might otherwise face. Even so, affordability remains a real concern for many Coloradans, making it especially important to compare plans and understand the financial help that may be available.

The Colorado Division of Insurance announced last month health insurance premiums will rise on average 10% for customers on the individual market. The division’s release of final 2027 rates allowed Connect for Health Colorado to load updated plan and cost information into the Estimate & Explore tool earlier than usual. Connect for Health Colorado does not set health insurance rates.

“Choosing health insurance is an important financial decision, and we want Coloradans to have as much time as possible to explore their options,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “By making 2027 plan information available now, customers have more time to look closely at their coverage and costs, ask questions and get help from an expert before it’s time to enroll.”

The extra time may be especially valuable this year. Connect for Health Colorado’s data shows that lower-cost 2027 plans are available to many customers who receive financial help. About 60% could find a plan for $10 or less per month, and 3 out of 4 could find a plan for $75 or less per month if they shop and compare.

Customers can use the Estimate & Explore tool to compare monthly premiums, deductibles, provider networks, prescription drug coverage and other costs, and consider whether their current plan still meets their needs and budget.

“Our message to Coloradans is simple: Take advantage of this time,” Patterson said. “Compare your options, consider how your health care needs may have changed, and get help from an expert if you need it. You don’t have to make a decision today but you can prepare and be ready on Nov. 1 when it’s time to enroll.”

Connect for Health Colorado’s free network of certified Assisters and health insurance Brokers can help customers make informed decisions about their health coverage. Experts are located throughout Colorado and speak more than 22 languages. They can help Coloradans apply for free, and there’s no obligation to buy a plan when contacting an expert.

Open enrollment for Plan Year 2027 runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027. Customers who enroll by Dec. 15 will have coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Customers who enroll between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 will have coverage beginning Feb. 1, 2027.

Coloradans can use the Estimate & Explore tool now, find free expert help on Connect for Health Colorado’s website, or call 855-752-6749 if they have questions.

About Connect for Health Colorado

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

ConnectforHealthCO.com

Media Contact

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

Gov. Polis Appoints New Member to Connect for Health Colorado’s Board of Directors

Denver, Colo. – Gov. Jared Polis has appointed Jack Teter to Connect for Health Colorado’s board of directors.

Teter, the vice president of government affairs at Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, will begin a four-year term on the board effective immediately.

Connect for Health Colorado’s board meets monthly to discuss and vote on a range of issues related to the organization’s policies and operations. The board includes nine voting members and three ex-officio members, who serve in an advisory capacity.

“I’m happy to welcome Jack to our board of directors,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. “Jack has deep expertise in health policy, insurance coverage and government affairs, along with a strong record of bringing partners together to advance meaningful change and improve access to affordable care. His strategic perspective and commitment to serving communities throughout Colorado will be valuable as we continue working to ensure all Coloradans can access affordable health coverage.”

At Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, Teter leads legislative, regulatory, and political strategy across Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. He built and now oversees the organization’s government affairs program, advancing policies related to sexual and reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, Medicaid, insurance coverage, provider protections, and patient access.

His work has included developing model legislation, constitutional amendments, and regulatory reforms that have influenced reproductive health policy nationwide. Teter also advises coalitions, nonprofit organizations, and elected officials on legislative and political strategy.

He serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of New Era Colorado and on Colorado’s Provider Stabilization Fund Advisory Board. A graduate of Colorado College, Teter was the first transgender staffer at the Colorado State Capitol.

Teter will replace outgoing Connect for Health Colorado board member Annie Lee, president and chief executive officer of Colorado Access.

“Annie brought expertise and thoughtful leadership to her role as vice chair of the board of directors,” Patterson said. “Her extensive experience across Colorado’s Medicaid and health care systems strengthened our work and informed important conversations about health care access, affordability and quality. I am grateful for the time and insight she has devoted to advancing Connect for Health Colorado’s mission and improving access to affordable, quality health care for all Coloradans.”

About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact:
Michelle Mendoza
Media Consultant
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 303-210-1461

Connect for Health Colorado Celebrates Senate Bill 26-178 Becoming Law

Denver, Colo.– Connect for Health Colorado is celebrating Senate Bill 26-178 becoming law. The new law directly increases affordability for customers served by the state’s official health insurance marketplace. It protects programs funded through the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise—including Colorado Premium Assistance and OmniSalud—at the same levels for another year.

In particular, the new law would enable the Colorado Premium Assistance program to continue to meaningfully reduce monthly health insurance premiums for Coloradans.

Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, released the following statement about Senate Bill 26-178.

“Connect for Health Colorado is grateful to the General Assembly, state Division of Insurance, and the Governor’s office for their support of Senate Bill 26-178, which will extend the state’s Colorado Premium Assistance program at its current levels through plan year 2027.

In plan year 2026, Colorado Premium Assistance has provided tremendous support for our customers. Despite significant changes to federal financial help, the program has stabilized costs and helped Coloradans get and stay covered.

This year, the program helped reduce premium costs for more than 176,000 people. For households that receive financial help, it is providing meaningful savings and keeping coverage costs about the same as they were in 2025. Colorado Premium Assistance has also helped prevent a steep drop in enrollment, especially among customers ages 26 to 34.

Colorado and other states with premium assistance programs saw smaller enrollment decreases this year than states without similar programs. Customers who received Colorado Premium Assistance also reported higher satisfaction with their health insurance choices and fewer concerns about costs.

As part of the funding mechanism for the new law, Connect for Health Colorado offered to redirect up to $9 million from its annual operating budget to help pay for innovative state affordability initiatives like Colorado Premium Assistance, reinsurance and OmniSalud. We offered this funding because we believe deeply in these programs and the support they provide for our customers.

The reduction in funding for our operating budget will have no effect on our ability to serve our customers. In fact, it returns money to taxpayers and our customers, and it aligns with our mission to expand access, affordability and choice for Coloradans who purchase health insurance through the individual market.

By continuing this essential financial help through plan year 2027, Senate Bill 26-178 will help preserve access to affordable health insurance and choice for tens of thousands of Coloradans. Through innovative programs like Colorado Premium Assistance, reinsurance, and OmniSalud, Colorado is leading the way in keeping health coverage within reach.”

‘Coordinated State Effort’ Helped Keep Coloradans Insured: Connect for Health Colorado Releases its Annual Open Enrollment Report

Denver, Colo. — Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, released its annual Open Enrollment Report today, highlighting a statewide effort to stabilize costs for plan year 2026 despite significant changes to federal financial assistance.

Connect for Health Colorado estimates the expiration of federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) reduced or eliminated federal financial help for approximately 78,000 Coloradans. In response, the state implemented Colorado Premium Assistance for plan year 2026 to blunt the impact of cuts to federal financial help for households below 400% of the federal poverty level.

Colorado Premium Assistance is providing approximately $10.6 million per month to help offset premium costs for more than 176,000 customers. According to Connect for Health Colorado, the program has helped prevent a steep drop in enrollment, especially for customers between the ages of 26 and 34. Colorado Premium Assistance has kept coverage costs about the same as they were in 2025 for households that receive financial help.

“There was a coordinated state and local effort focused on getting—and keeping—Coloradans covered in plan year 2026,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “I am extremely grateful to the Governor’s Office, the General Assembly, Division of Insurance, Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise, and Connect for Health Colorado’s team, community partners, and trained, certified network of Assisters and health insurance Brokers. Together, through strong partnerships and innovative solutions like Colorado Premium Assistance, we’re leading the way in keeping affordable health coverage within reach for hundreds of thousands of our neighbors.”

For customers receiving remaining federal Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) and Colorado Premium Assistance, the average net premium is $131.21 per month. By comparison, the average monthly premium for customers without financial help is $616.09.

Even with remaining federal APTCs and Colorado Premium Assistance, Connect for Health Colorado estimates customers are paying approximately $19 million more per month in premiums compared to plan year 2025.

The General Assembly is considering Senate Bill 26-178, which would extend Colorado Premium Assistance at the same levels for another year.

Read the full 2026 Open Enrollment Report on Connect for Health Colorado’s website.

Enrollment and Plan Selection At-a-Glance
After five consecutive years of record growth, enrollment in health coverage through Connect for Health Colorado dipped. 277,228 Coloradans enrolled in health insurance through the marketplace, with 69% receiving federal APTCs.

As of April, effectuated enrollment is down approximately 4% compared to the same time last year, suggesting that higher costs may be affecting some customers’ ability to maintain coverage. This will continue to change throughout the year.

Plan selection remained largely consistent year over year, with only minor shifts across metal tiers. Among customers receiving financial help, Gold plan selection held steady at 29%, Silver increased to 40%, and Bronze decreased to 31%.

Among customers who did not receive financial help, Gold plan selection decreased 1%, while Bronze increased by approximately 5% compared to Plan Year 2025. Silver decreased from 6% to 4%, and Catastrophic plan selection decreased from 4% to 2%.

Experts Connect Customers to Financial Help
This year, more than 187,000 customers enrolled with help from a trained, certified enrollment Assister, licensed health insurance Broker, or both. With rising costs, many customers needed expert help to find affordable plans, and 71% of customers who enrolled with the help of an Assister or Broker qualified for financial help.

Assisters provided both in-person and virtual appointments, with 44% conducted in languages other than English.

Year-Round Support
While open enrollment for plan year 2026 has ended, people can still buy health insurance or make changes to a current plan year-round if they experience certain life changes. Find a list of qualifying life changes on Connect for Health Colorado’s website.

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

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

Media Contact:
Michelle Mendoza
Media Consultant
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 303-210-1461

Request for Proposal: Customer Operations Staff Augmentation

Connect for Health Colorado (C4HCO) is soliciting responses from qualified entities to provide the highest quality staff augmentation services for our customer operations. Selected Vendors will be pre-approved to augment C4HCO’s existing staff (and/or other service providers) across a spectrum of core competencies.

The Request for Proposal will provide additional details. We look forward to hearing from you.

Gov. Polis Appoints Three New Members to Connect for Health Colorado’s Board of Directors

Denver, Colo. – Gov. Jared Polis has appointed three new members to Connect for Health Colorado’s board of directors.

Kristin Harding, chief marketing and communications officer for Children’s Hospital Colorado; former state Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, president of the Bell Policy Center; and Toni Sarge, director of health policy at the Colorado Children’s Campaign will begin four-year terms on the board effective immediately.

“I’m happy to welcome Kristin, Chris, and Toni to our board of directors,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. “They’ve done incredible work in their respective careers to protect, expand, and promote access to affordable health coverage for every Coloradan—and their collective expertise will be extremely valuable to us as we continue to do the work to improve the health of Colorado’s communities.”

Harding, deGruy Kennedy, and Sarge will replace outgoing board members Mara Baer, Christy Blakely, and Lorez Meinhold.

“I am extremely grateful to Mara, Christy and Lorez for their service,” Patterson said. “As members of the board, they have provided valuable perspectives, helping guide Connect for Health Colorado through years of significant transition and record-breaking enrollment. I appreciate their willingness to share their time, talent and expertise.”

About Kristin Harding

Kristin Harding is the chief marketing and communications officer at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She leads the organization’s marketing and communications strategy, including modernization of its marketing engine. She also oversees the hospital’s enterprise-level crisis communications program, shaping strategy and response during high-stakes situations, and strengthening organizational readiness. Previously, as chief marketing officer for Individual Solutions at Transamerica, she led marketing and customer experience capabilities across insurance and annuities business lines, and orchestrated high-performing go-to-market strategies. Harding holds a Bachelor of Arts in marketing management from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

About Chris deGruy Kennedy

Former state Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy is president of the Bell Policy Center, a Colorado nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic mobility for every Coloradan. Prior to joining the Bell in July 2024, he served four terms in the Colorado House of Representatives, representing Lakewood, Edgewater, and parts of Jefferson County, and concluded his tenure as Speaker Pro Tempore. During his time in the legislature, he led efforts to address the high costs of housing, healthcare, childcare, and higher education, and to expand access to high-quality, comprehensive healthcare. A lifelong Coloradan, deGruy Kennedy holds degrees from the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Colorado Denver.

About Toni Sarge

Toni Sarge is director of health policy at the Colorado Children’s Campaign, where she works with partners and lawmakers to ensure all children have access to health coverage and high-quality care. She leads multiple statewide coalitions focused on child well-being, including the Cover All Coloradans coalition and the All Kids Covered coalition. Prior to joining The Campaign, she worked in marketing and communications at Boulder Community Health and served as director of public affairs for WestSide Baby in Seattle. Sarge holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, San Diego.

About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact:

Michelle Mendoza
Media Consultant
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 303-210-1461

Connect for Health Colorado Offers Funding Opportunity for Enrollment Assistance

Applications open now through April 20, 2026.

Denver, Colo. – Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, is accepting applications for enrollment and referral partners across the state—advancing its mission to provide customers with expert assistance to enroll in affordable health insurance.

“Our partners play an essential role in helping hundreds of thousands of Coloradans get and stay covered,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “They know their communities, and they care about their neighbors. They provide trusted, expert help, and make it easier for everyone to find affordable health insurance plans that meet their needs.”

Partnership Opportunities

Enrollment Centers across the state offer health coverage education and enrollment assistance from a local storefront and can receive funds for marketing. These locations will also have the ability to help people on a walk-in basis.
Assistance Sites and Certified Application Counselor locations provide staff to support their communities with education, health insurance literacy, and the enrollment process. They do not receive commission from insurance companies. They are certified to assist with enrollment on Connect for Health Colorado’s Marketplace and Colorado Connect, and help with Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program), and the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program. Funding is available for some of these services.
Referral Partners are organizations that can help educate their communities about available health coverage options, applicable financial help programs, and provide referrals for health coverage enrollment.

Who May Apply

Connect for Health Colorado welcomes applications from community-based organizations, medical facilities, associations, ranching and farming organizations, chambers of commerce, unions, state and local human service agencies, certified health insurance Brokers and Broker agencies, and other organizations that meet the criteria for selection. Priorities for funding include helping people understand the individual impacts of federal and state policy changes to health coverage, increasing enrollment through Connect for Health Colorado, and increasing the geographic coverage of assistance.

How to Apply

Visit c4hco.smapply.io to read the application instructions; learn more about funded and non-funded opportunities; review criteria for partnership awards; and apply. The deadline to apply is April 20, 2026.
Attend a live webinar on March 18, 2026, to learn about the application process.
Connect for Health Colorado will determine the award depending on the organization type, staffing, goals, and customer service. Connect for Health Colorado welcomes applications from any potential partner but might not accept all proposals.

Timeline

March 9, 2026: Applications open; webinars and question-and-answer sessions are available to interested parties throughout the six-week application period.
April 20, 2026: Application deadline.
April 21 through May 22, 2026: Connect for Health Colorado will review and reply to applicants.
July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029: Contract period.

Contact

Email [email protected] if you have questions about the application or application process.

About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact:
Michelle Mendoza
Media Consultant
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 303-210-1461

Health Insurance Enrollment Through Connect for Health Colorado Dips Slightly for Plan Year 2026

Denver, Colo. – After five consecutive years of record growth, enrollment in health coverage through the state’s official health insurance marketplace for plan year 2026 dipped 2%, Connect for Health Colorado announced today.

Despite rising costs due to less federal financial assistance, 277,228 Coloradans enrolled in health insurance, with 69% of customers receiving financial help to lower the cost of their monthly premiums.

Colorado Premium Assistance – a new program introduced by the Colorado General Assembly and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise for plan year 2026 – has helped reduce monthly costs for many Coloradans.

Still, a rise in insurance premiums following the expiration of federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) may have discouraged some residents from enrolling, said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado – and may also be driving an 83% increase in the number of people who are canceling their plans compared to this time last year, he noted.

“On one hand, it’s encouraging to see enrollment remain relatively steady, with only a slight dip, and to see so many people receive meaningful financial assistance,” Patterson said. “That is thanks in large part to the state’s Colorado Premium Assistance program and to our statewide network of certified Assisters and insurance Brokers, who helped customers find the most affordable plan to meet their needs. On the other hand, it’s deeply troubling that a record number of people are canceling their plans because they simply can’t afford their monthly payments, or are being forced to choose between health care and basic necessities like housing and food. Without federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits, this alarming trend is, sadly, emerging across the country.”

Connect for Health Colorado also reported enrollment declines across several populations. Enrollment among new customers dropped by approximately 24% compared to last year, while enrollments among customers ages 55 and older declined by 6%. Enrollment among customers in rural communities also decreased 5%.

Ahead of open enrollment, Connect for Health Colorado and other state health leaders anticipated that older adults and people living in rural communities would be among those most impacted by rising premiums and the expiration of enhanced Premium Tax Credits.

“For the past year, state health leaders and I have consistently emphasized the importance of extending federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits to maintain access to affordable health insurance – and that conversation doesn’t end with open enrollment,” Patterson said. “If federal lawmakers take action and vote to extend ePTCs, Connect for Health Colorado is ready to support our customers and allow them to shop, compare, and select new affordable health insurance plans.”

Connect for Health Colorado’s Year-Round Support

While open enrollment for plan year 2026 has ended, people can still buy health insurance or make changes to a current plan year-round if they experience certain life changes. Find a list of qualifying life changes on Connect for Health Colorado’s website.

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

About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact:
Michelle Mendoza
Media Consultant
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 303-210-1461