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.


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

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.”

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.  

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

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

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

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

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.

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.


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

More Than 256,000 Coloradans Enroll in Health Insurance for January Coverage

Denver, Colo.– Enrollment for health coverage beginning Jan. 1 is consistent with this time last year, Connect for Health Colorado announced today. 256,422 residents have enrolled in a health insurance plan through the state’s official health insurance marketplace. That is approximately 0.14% higher than the number of people who enrolled for Jan. 1 coverage last year.

Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where Coloradans can get financial help to purchase health insurance, and an estimated 65% of customers will qualify for financial help for plan year 2026. More than half – 58% – of customers who currently receive financial assistance will have at least one 2026 plan option with an estimated net premium under $10 per month.

The Colorado General Assembly and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise are also introducing Colorado Premium Assistance for plan year 2026. The new program will help reduce monthly costs for households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. While Colorado Premium Assistance may not fully offset the loss of enhanced federal support, it is expected to provide meaningful savings for many families.

“It’s encouraging to see customers enrolling, particularly because we know this year hasn’t been easy,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “Higher premiums and the expiration of federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) have discouraged some people from enrolling – but customers are shopping and comparing plans, and state-funded Colorado Premium Assistance has created more affordable options for plan year 2026. Further, Coloradans consistently show that they value their physical, mental and financial health, and our network of experts have helped many customers find affordable options.”

While financial help is available, without federal ePTCs, net premiums for customers who currently receive financial assistance are expected to double on average. 

“While many people have found affordable options and meaningful financial help, others are facing significant premium increases, and they’re weighing hard choices to protect their health,” Patterson said. “No one should have to choose between paying for health insurance and putting food on the table or paying their mortgage. We expect we could continue to see impacts of the expiration of ePTCs in the coming months. ” 

Patterson and state leaders continue to emphasize the importance of Congress extending ePTCs, and Connect for Health Colorado will allow customers to re-select a plan if those credits are extended. Meanwhile, Patterson encouraged customers to explore coverage options before open enrollment ends. 

Jan. 15 is the final day to enroll in health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado. After Jan. 15, people can only buy health insurance or make changes to a current plan through the marketplace if they experience certain life changes

Connect for Health Colorado encourages people to connect with its certified network of Assisters and insurance Brokers, who are located throughout Colorado and can provide free support in multiple languages. They can help Coloradans apply free of charge, and there’s no obligation to buy a plan when contacting an expert.

The enhanced Estimate & Explore tool also offers personalized recommendations and side-by-side plan comparisons, providing a clearer, more tailored view of coverage options. 

Those who need health care insurance are encouraged to learn more about open enrollment, plan options, and financial help at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

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


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.

December 15, 2025 is the Deadline to Enroll for Health Insurance Coverage for January 1, 2026

Denver, Colo. – The Dec. 15 deadline to enroll in health insurance for Jan. 1 is fast approaching, and Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, is encouraging people to shop and start their applications today to avoid a lapse in coverage. 

“Dec. 15 is an important deadline; it’s the final day for Coloradans to enroll in health coverage that starts Jan. 1, and our team is ready to help customers stay covered,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “Staying covered is one of the most important things people can do for their physical and financial well-being. Gaps in coverage can leave Coloradans vulnerable to unexpected medical costs – but we’re here to help. We want to be sure people have the information and assistance they need to choose a plan that works for them.”

Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where Coloradans can get financial help to purchase health insurance, and an estimated 65% of customers will qualify for financial help for plan year 2026. More than half – 58% – of customers who currently receive financial assistance will have at least one 2026 plan option with an estimated net premium under $10 per month.

“Access to health care is a basic human necessity,” said Michael Conway, commissioner of the Colorado Division of Insurance. “The advice we give every year still holds true – it’s important for folks to explore their options, take advantage of available financial help, and shop around and get covered with the plan that works best for them and their families.” 

More than 210,000 Colorado residents have already enrolled in health insurance for plan year 2026, and there are several resources available to help customers compare plans and apply.

Connect for Health Colorado encourages people to connect with its certified network of Assisters and insurance Brokers, who are located throughout Colorado and can provide free support in multiple languages. They can help Coloradans apply free of charge, and there’s no obligation to buy a plan when contacting an expert.

The enhanced Estimate & Explore tool also offers personalized recommendations and side-by-side plan comparisons, providing a clearer, more tailored view of coverage options. 

Those who need health care insurance are encouraged to learn more about open enrollment, plan options, and financial help at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

Leaders Continue to Emphasize the Importance of Federal Enhanced Premium Tax Credits

Federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) are scheduled to expire on Dec. 31. Without these credits, net premiums for customers who currently receive financial assistance are set to double on average. Connect for Health Colorado and state leaders continue to emphasize the importance of extending ePTCs. 

“While Connect for Health Colorado doesn’t set health insurance rates, we know rising premiums and the expiration of enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) will have a real impact on people in Colorado,” Patterson said. “It’s not too late for Congress to extend ePTCs for our customers. We’re ready to act and prepared to work as quickly as possible to ensure the people we serve have reliable, high-quality and affordable health insurance.”

Beginning in plan year 2026, the Colorado General Assembly and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise will introduce Colorado Premium Assistance to help reduce monthly costs for households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. While this new program may not fully offset the loss of enhanced federal support, it is expected to provide meaningful savings for many families.

“Colorado took critical steps to blunt premium increases on the individual market by passing HB25B-1006,” Conway at the Colorado Division of Insurance said. “Even with that, many consumers are still seeing huge premium increases. But it’s not too late – Congress still has the time to make this right by extending the enhanced Premium Tax Credits to ensure that Coloradans can afford to maintain their access to health care. For the sake of the hundreds of thousands of Coloradans who rely on the individual market, I am praying that Congress finally does act.”

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


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.

Colorado Health Insurance Enrollment Remains Steady for Plan Year 2026

On Get Covered Colorado Day, Connect for Health Colorado and state leaders urge customers to compare options and maintain health coverage in 2026.

Denver, Colo.– Today is Get Covered Colorado Day, a day of action designed to encourage as many Coloradans as possible to enroll in 2026 health insurance during Connect for Health Colorado’s annual open enrollment period.

“Our message today is simple: we’re here to help every Coloradan get covered,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. “Even with premium increases and the possible expiration of federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits, Coloradans are finding plans that fit their needs and their budgets – and they’re not doing it alone. Our experts are ready to guide customers every step of the way. We want Coloradans to know there’s no better time than now to shop, compare options and take advantage of the support we have available.”

“Colorado is stronger and healthier when every family has access to the care they need,” said Governor Jared Polis. “In the face of rising premiums and the loss of federal Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, we’ve taken action. During the Special Session, I signed a law to combat high private insurance costs and launch Colorado Premium Assistance so more families can stay covered and it’s working to keep people insured despite the federal difficulties. We’ll keep fighting to save families money on health care. On Get Covered Colorado Day, I encourage everyone to review their options and choose the plan that works best for them.”

As marketplace and state leaders emphasize the importance of health coverage, enrollment for plan year 2026 is down slightly from roughly the same time period last year, Connect for Health Colorado announced. Since Nov. 1, 210,139 residents have enrolled in a health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado. That’s about 5% fewer enrollments than roughly the same time period last year. 

According to Connect for Health Colorado, a few factors may be contributing to the small dip in enrollment. Higher premiums and the possible expiration of enhanced federal Premium Tax Credits may be prompting people to take more time selecting a plan. Also, due to eligibility changes, fewer people were included in Connect for Health Colorado’s annual auto-renewal process this year.

Connect for Health Colorado remains the only place where Coloradans can get financial help to purchase health insurance, and an estimated 65% of customers will qualify for financial help for plan year 2026. More than half – 58% – of customers who currently receive financial assistance will have at least one 2026 plan option with an estimated net premium under $10 per month.

“Health coverage is one of the most powerful tools people have to protect their well-being, manage chronic conditions, and access the care that keeps them healthy,” said Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera. “Get Covered Colorado Day is about making sure every Coloradan has the information and support they need to stay insured. If you apply for coverage before December 15, you can avoid any gap in care and start the new year with the peace of mind that comes from being covered. Today is the perfect moment to visit Connect for Health Colorado, compare your options, and get the help you need to enroll.”

Enrollment for 2026 coverage is open now through Jan. 15, 2026. Coloradans must enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage that starts Jan. 1. With the deadline fast approaching, customers are strongly encouraged to begin the application process as soon as possible to explore available health insurance plan options and financial assistance, and to avoid a lapse in coverage.

Six insurance companies are offering medical plans in 2026, including Colorado Option plans that give customers access to many services at no-cost, including $0 for doctor visits for annual check-ups, health screenings, immunizations, maternity care, and mental or behavioral health or substance abuse services. 

To make care more affordable, the state is also introducing Colorado Premium Assistance for households between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, offering meaningful

savings even as federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits are scheduled to expire. This support was created by HB25B-1006, which Governor Polis signed earlier this year. 

Several resources are available to help Coloradans explore their options. Connect for Health Colorado’s free network of certified Assisters and insurance Brokers are located throughout Colorado and speak more than 22 languages. They can help Coloradans apply free of charge, and there’s no obligation to buy a plan when contacting an expert.

An enhanced Estimate & Explore Tool lets customers compare medical and dental plans side-by-side – without needing to log in – and helps manage cost expectations before customers apply. 

Those who need health care insurance are encouraged to learn more about open enrollment, plan options, and financial help at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

For Questions about Connect for Health Colorado and Enrollment Data
Michelle Mendoza
Media Consultant
[email protected]
303-210-1461

Governor’s Office Media Contact
Derek Dash
Senior Communications Advisor, Governor’s Office of Federal Funds & Strategic Initiatives
[email protected]
303-618-1809


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’s Statement on the Passage of the ‘Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026’

Denver, Colo.– Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, released the following statement about the passage of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, and enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) that are set to expire next month. 

“Today’s action by Congress means that enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) are set to expire at the end of 2025. Without these credits, net premiums will double on average for customers who currently receive financial assistance, and too many people will have to make impossible choices between essential health coverage and other basic needs. 

While we are deeply concerned about the thousands who could lose coverage, we want to be clear: there are still affordable options available for 2026. Open enrollment is happening now, and an estimated 65% of customers will qualify for financial help for plan year 2026. More than half – 58% – of customers who currently receive financial assistance will have at least one 2026 plan option with an estimated net premium under $10 per month. 

Thanks to the leadership of the Colorado General Assembly and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise, starting for plan year 2026, our state is introducing Colorado Premium Assistance to help reduce monthly costs for households between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. While Colorado Premium Assistance may not replace the reduced federal support of ePTCs, it will still provide meaningful savings for many families. And our customers aren’t in this alone. They can connect for free with local experts or our customer service team, who will help them find affordable health coverage options; and they can use our new Estimate & Explore tool to shop and compare plans. 

Customers can find local experts to help them find affordable options using our tools or by calling our customer service staff (or something like this to remind them of the help they have).

As we navigate this next chapter, our mission remains the same: to increase access, affordability, and choice for individuals and small employers purchasing health insurance in Colorado. Circumstances may change – our commitment won’t.

Congress may revisit enhanced Premium Tax Credits in December, but there’s no guarantee they’ll be extended. If they are, we’ll work quickly to get those additional savings to our customers. The important thing is for people to get covered now during open enrollment to ensure they have health insurance on Jan. 1.”

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.