Curtis Hubbard, 303-908-2378 (Connect for Health Colorado)

Events include Connect for Health Colorado® Denver Trivia Night; College campus events in Denver, Durango and Grand Junction

DENVER (Jan. 27, 2015) – Connect for Health Colorado® is joining in National Youth Enrollment Day on Thursday with a campaign to remind young adults that obtaining health coverage should not be trivialized – and there are just 17 days left before Open Enrollment closes on February 15.

Health and Happy Hour Trivia night in Denver is one of four events planned to mix some pop culture fun with simple facts about the importance of coverage and qualifying to lower the costs of premiums. Youth Enrollment Day events at Metro State University in Denver, Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction and Fort Lewis College in Durango will provide other opportunities to get health insurance questions answered.

Do you know your 90s trivia? Young adults will test their knowledge of pop culture, music, television and healthcare for chances to win tickets to Icelantic’s Winter on the Rocks concert on Friday (Jan. 30 at Red Rocks Amphitheater) with Major Lazer and Damian Marley, as well as other prizes.

During the first eight weeks of open enrollment, 121,650 Coloradans signed up for private coverage through Connect for Health Colorado. A quarter of Connect for Health Colorado customers are adults between 18 and 34 years old.

Anyone who does not have health insurance provided through their employer should sign up at Connect for Health Colorado before Feb. 15 to have coverage this year.

Health and Happy Hour Trivia
WHO: Young adults interested in having fun and learning about health insurance options
WHAT: Health & Happy Hour 90s Trivia Night
WHERE: Three Lions Pub, 2239 E Colfax Ave, Denver
WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 4 to 6 pm

Metro State University
WHO: Students and others interested in having fun and learning about health insurance options
WHAT: Free photo booth, help with coverage(more)
WHERE: Tivoli – Information Table Atrium 2, (In the main market area) 890 Auraria Parkway Denver,
WHEN:  Thursday, January 29, 11 am to 1 pm

Colorado Mesa University
WHO: Students and others interested in having fun and learning about health insurance options
WHAT: Help with coverage
WHERE: Grand Junction
WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 11 am to 3 pm

Fort Lewis College
WHO: Students and others interested in having fun and learning about health insurance options
WHAT: Help with coverage
WHERE: Student Center, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango
WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 10 am to 2 pm

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011. A health insurance Marketplace built just for Colorado, it launched on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified Brokers, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors. The open enrollment period for individuals and families for 2015 coverage is Nov. 15, 2014 through Feb. 15, 2015. For more information: www.connectforhealthco.com

Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378
Connect for Health Colorado
Marc Williams, [email protected], 303-866-3144
Colorado Medicaid

DENVER, CO – Between Nov. 15 and Jan. 15, more than 171,000 Coloradans enrolled in healthcare coverage for 2015, either in Medicaid, Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) or in private health insurance purchased through the state health insurance Marketplace, according to new data released today by Connect for Health Colorado® and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

“I want to urge anyone who hasn’t done it yet to take the important step in protecting their families’ health and their financial security by purchasing health insurance coverage,” said Gary Drews, Connect for Health Colorado Interim CEO. “We can help qualifying individuals and families save on the cost of their coverage but only if they act now. There is less than a month left to choose your coverage. Open enrollment ends on February 15^th.”

Anyone who does not have health insurance provided through their employer should apply before Feb. 15, 2015, to sign up for private health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado.  Only those experiencing certain life change events – such as losing a job, moving to Colorado, adopting a child or having a child – will be able to enroll in private coverage for 2015 after that date.

Coloradans eligible for no- or low-cost coverage through Medicaid and CHP+ have no deadlines and can apply year-round.

During the first eight weeks of open enrollment, 121,650 people enrolled in private coverage through Connect for Health Colorado and 47,724 in Medicaid and 2,272 in CHP+.  Connect for Health Colorado also enrolled 20,580 individuals in dental plans.

“The enrollments in Medicaid and Connect for Health Colorado show that Coloradans are attuned to the importance of having health insurance coverage,” said Susan Birch, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Whether Coloradans have health insurance coverage through private insurance or through Medicaid, health coverage is the first step to better health.”

Nov 15 – Jan 15
Click to view county metrics

About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing: The Department administers the Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus programs as well as a variety of other programs for low-income Coloradans who qualify. For more information about the department, please visit Colorado.gov/hcpf.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace.  It opened for business on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors. In 2014, the Marketplace enrolled more than 148,000 Coloradans in private insurance and helped nearly 100,000 gain access to new tax credits that made their health coverage more affordable – all while keeping fees among the lowest in the country.

Luke, [email protected], 303-887-0607 (Connect for Health Colorado)

DENVER – Connect for Health Colorado and multiple community partner organizations are joining forces with faith communities to offer education and free in-person enrollment assistance at six churches in Denver and Aurora and at locations in Avon and Fort Collins on Sunday, January 11th 2015.

Health Coverage Sunday offers congregants and community members the chance to meet individually with certified health coverage guides and brokers to learn about health insurance and get free in-person assistance applying for financial programs to offset cost and to shop for a plan on Connect for Health Colorado’s health insurance marketplace.

“As leaders in our religious communities, we have an opportunity to help our congregations take care of their physical and financial wellbeing while we work to guide them toward spiritual health,” said Pastor Rev. Jules E. Smith of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, one of the churches participating in Health Coverage Sunday. “This is just another chance for us to have a positive impact on the lives of the members of our church.”

Connect for Health Colorado is the online marketplace where individuals, families and small businesses in Colorado can shop, compare, pick and purchase health insurance plans and get exclusive access to income-based financial assistance to reduce costs.

Health Coverage Sunday locations in metro Denver offering education, resources and individual assistance include: The Absolute Word Church, 2400 California St. Unit South, Denver; Central Presbyterian Church, 1660 Sherman St., Denver; Divine Love Christian Center, 10690 Del Mar Parkway, Aurora; Greater St. John Baptist Church, 1312 Uinta St., Denver; Living Hope Baptist Church, 11373 E. Alameda Ave., Aurora; Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1500 S. Dayton St., Aurora.

Locations outside Denver include First United Methodist Church, 1005 Stover St., Fort Collins, and the Avon Public Library, 200 Benchmark Road, Avon.

For additional information on Health Coverage Sunday, visit healthcoveragesunday.com.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011. A health insurance Marketplace built just for Colorado, it launched on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors. Open enrollment for individuals and families continues through Feb. 15, 2015. For more information: www.connectforhealthco.com

Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378 (Connect for Health Colorado)
Marc Williams, [email protected],  303-866-3144  (Colorado Medicaid)

DENVER, CO – Between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, more than 151,000 Coloradans enrolled in healthcare coverage for 2015, either in Medicaid, Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) or in private health insurance purchased through the state health insurance Marketplace, according to new data released today by Connect for Health Colorado® and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

“We are happy to see so many Coloradans taking the important step in protecting their families’ health and their financial security by obtaining health insurance coverage,” said Gary Drews, Connect for Health Colorado Interim CEO. “I want to remind everyone who has not yet acted that it’s not too late to purchase health insurance for 2015. Open enrollment continues until February 15.”

Those who want their coverage to take effect by Feb. 1, 2015, have until Jan. 15, 2015, to sign up for commercial health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado.  Policies purchased between Jan. 16, 2015, and the close of open enrollment on Feb. 15, 2015, will go into effect March 1.

Coloradans eligible for no- or low-cost coverage through Medicaid and CHP+ have no deadlines and can apply year-round.

The initial six weeks of open enrollment saw a total of 113,864 enrollments in private coverage through Connect for Health Colorado (20,790 people new  to the Marketplace and 93,074 re-enrollments from 2014); 35,981 in Medicaid; and 1,517 in CHP+.  Connect for Health Colorado also enrolled 19,068 individuals in dental plans.

Connect for Health Colorado health plan enrollments increased by 5,787 from Dec. 15 to Dec. 31, 2014. Dental plan enrollments increased by 993 during that period.

“Colorado continues to make progress in connecting citizens to the coverage they need,” said Sue Birch, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “Health coverage is the first step to better health.” Medicaid and CHP+ are year-round programs that do not have open enrollment periods. Click here for a Fact Sheet detailing demographic and county by county breakouts for Medicaid enrollments

Nov. 15 – Dec. 31
  View county metrics

About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing: The Department administers the Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus programs as well as a variety of other programs for low-income Coloradans who qualify. For more information about the department, please visit Colorado.gov/hcpf.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace.  It opened for business on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors. In 2014, the Marketplace enrolled more than 148,000 Coloradans in commercial insurance and helped nearly 100,000 gain access to new tax credits that made their health coverage more affordable – all while keeping fees among the lowest in the country.

CONTACTS:
Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378 (Connect for Health Colorado)
Marc Williams, [email protected], 303-866-3144 (Colorado Medicaid)

DENVER, CO – In the first month of Open Enrollment, 136,315 Coloradans enrolled in healthcare coverage for 2015, either in Medicaid, Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) or in commercial health insurance purchased through the state health insurance Marketplace, according to new data released today by Connect for Health Colorado® and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

“These initial sign-ups during this first month were consistent with our projections and culminated with a single-day record of 12,600 enrollments on December 15th,” said Connect for Health Colorado Interim CEO Gary Drews. “It’s also important to remember that it’s not too late for people to purchase health insurance for 2015. Open enrollment continues until February 15^th.”

Dec. 15 was the deadline for individuals and families to select plans for coverage to begin on Jan. 1. Connect for Health Colorado will continue working with those who started their application by Dec. 15 to help finish it so they can be covered by the New Year. Customers also have to take the last step to ensure their coverage: make the first payment on time.

Those who want their coverage to take effect by Feb. 1, 2015, have until Jan. 15, 2015 to sign up for commercial health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado. Health plans purchased between Jan. 16, 2015 and the close of open enrollment on Feb. 15, 2015, will go into effect March 1.

Coloradans eligible for no- or low-cost coverage through Medicaid and CHP+ have no deadlines and can apply year-round.

The initial four weeks of open enrollment saw a total of 108,077 enrollments in commercial coverage through Connect for Health Colorado (18,893 new lives covered and 89,184 re-enrollments from 2014) and 27,306 in Medicaid and 932 in CHP+. Connect for Health Colorado also enrolled 18,075 individuals in dental plans.

“Colorado has been recognized as one of the leading states in reducing the uninsured rate and today’s enrollment numbers show how we continue to make progress getting all Coloradans covered,” said Susan Birch, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. “We are proud of the work our county and community partners are doing to help connect low-income Coloradans to coverage.”

Nov. 15 – Dec. 15

     View county metrics

About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing: The Department administers the Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus programs as well as a variety of other programs for low-income Coloradans who qualify. For more information about the department, please visit Colorado.gov/hcpf.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace.  It opened for business on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors. In 2014, the Marketplace enrolled more than 148,000 Coloradans in commercial insurance and helped nearly 100,000 gain access to new tax credits that made their health coverage more affordable – all while keeping fees among the lowest in the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

County level enrollments and other Connect for Health Colorado metrics

CONTACT: Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378

DENVER (Dec. 11, 2014)  — Connect for Health Colorado® announced Thursday that 24,811 individuals and families have signed up for health insurance coverage since the current enrollment period began Saturday, November 15.

“We are happy that so many Coloradans chose to protect their family’s health and financial security for 2015 by enrolling in coverage, but I want to urge others to complete their enrollments in time for January coverage,” said interim CEO Gary Drews. “It’s time to act right now.”

Current customers who wish to change their plans should do so by Monday, Dec. 15. Open Enrollment for new customers runs to February 15, 2015, but individuals buying new coverage need to choose a plan by Monday, December 15, to have health insurance effective January 1.

Some customers have encountered technical difficulties completing their sign up. Connect for Health Colorado will work with any of our customers who begin their enrollment by Dec. 15 to have their health insurance effective January 1.

Anyone who does not enroll for insurance by February 15 will not be able to get coverage in 2015 unless they have a life-changing event, like a marriage or divorce.

“I urge anyone who is not provided health insurance by their employer to shop now for a policy that meets their needs and their circumstances,” Drews said. “We know that this process can be complicated. That’s why we suggest Coloradans take advantage of free, in-person help available in every county of our state from a network of trained and certified Health Coverage Guides and Brokers. These are experts who can help explain the differences in plans, benefits and costs, and help you through the financial application and enrollment process.”

There are more than 1,600 independent brokers and agents, and more than 450 Health Coverage Guides and Certified Application Counselors. To find them in your area (search by zip code) go to help center.

Of the 24,811 covered lives in the enrollment, about one-third are customers new to the state health insurance Marketplace and the rest are customers re-enrolling in coverage for 2015. In addition, 3,642 Coloradans have enrolled in dental insurance through the Marketplace.

By this date last year, Connect for Health Colorado’s first open enrollment period, 12,706 customers had selected health plans through the Marketplace.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011. A health insurance Marketplace built just for Colorado, it launched on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors. The next open enrollment period for individuals and families is Nov. 15, 2014 through Feb. 15, 2015. For more information: connectforhealthco.com

View county metrics

 

CONTACTS: Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378 (Connect for Health Colorado), Marc Williams, [email protected]  (Colorado Medicaid)

DENVER, CO – Between Nov. 15 and Nov. 30, 22,487 Coloradans enrolled in health care coverage for 2015, either in Medicaid, Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) or in private health insurance purchased through the state health insurance Marketplace, according to new data released today by Connect for Health Colorado® and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

“We are happy with these initial sign-ups during our first two weeks of open enrollment,” said Connect for Health Colorado Interim CEO Gary Drews. “However we continue to urge everyone not to procrastinate – this is an important decision. Plans have changed so you should start selecting your 2015 coverage now and avoid the last-minute rush. ”

Those who want their coverage to take effect by January have just 13 days left to sign up for private health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado.  Open enrollment ends Feb. 15, 2015, for private insurance. Enrollment for Medicaid and CHP+ is year-round.

The two-week period saw 9,782 enrollments in private coverage through Connect for Health Colorado and 12,533 in Medicaid and 172 in CHP+.

“Medicaid and CHP+ enrollments over the last few weeks show that we are still finding and enrolling low-income Coloradans into coverage,” said Susan Birch, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.  “Whether you qualify for Medicaid, CHP+ or purchase insurance through the Marketplace, gaining coverage is the first step to improving overall health and will help Colorado make progress towards becoming the healthiest state in the nation.”

About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing: The Department administers the Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus programs as well as a variety of other programs for low-income Coloradans who qualify. For more information about the department, please visit Colorado.gov/hcpf.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace.  It opened for business on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors. In 2014, the Marketplace enrolled more than 148,000 Coloradans in private insurance and helped nearly 100,000 gain access to new tax credits that made their health coverage more affordable – all while keeping fees among the lowest in the country.

CONTACT: Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378

DENVER (Dec. 2, 2014) Connect for Health Colorado® Board Chair Sharon O’Hara today announced changes in the Board of Directors for the health insurance Marketplace.

Founding board member and former chair Gretchen Hammer, who was instrumental in the formation of Connect for Health Colorado, announced that she is stepping down from the Board of Directors. Hammer is taking a position as director of the state’s Medicaid program with the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. As executive director of the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved, Hammer has been a strong advocate for improving healthcare and coverage for children and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Long active in state health reform efforts, she was named by the governor to the Marketplace Board in 2011 and served as chair through July 2013.

“We are deeply grateful to Gretchen Hammer’s dedication to improving the health of Coloradans and commitment to finding solutions for our healthcare challenges,” O’Hara said. “Gretchen has been a leader in shaping the state health insurance Marketplace and positioning us for success in achieving our mission of improving access, choice and affordability for Coloradans in need of health insurance. We know she will continue making a difference for Coloradans in her new post.”

O’Hara also announced other changes to the board Tuesday:

David A. Padrino, an international business consultant who this year took a position in Gov. John Hickenlooper’s administration as deputy chief of staff, was appointed by the governor to an ex-officio, non-voting seat on the Connect for Health Colorado Board.

Before joining the state leadership team, Padrino worked as a consultant for the Boston Consulting Group, serving clients in the public and non-profit sectors, as well as customers in financial services, technology, pharmaceutical and consumer industries.

On the board, Padrino replaces Kevin Patterson, who has served for 19 months. Patterson left the board in November when he took on the position of interim chief of staff to the governor.

“We’re happy to welcome David to our Board,” O’Hara said. “His experience in a wide range of industries will bring a strong strategic perspective to Connect for Health Colorado as we grow the Marketplace and increase coverage in our state for individuals, families and small businesses.”

She added: “We are grateful to Kevin for the insight, time and energy he devoted to Connect for Health Colorado. We wish him all the best.”

Board member Ellen Daehnick, who served as a representative of small business since July 2013, also is leaving the board.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011.  A health insurance Marketplace built just for Colorado, it launched on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in-person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors.   The next open enrollment period for individuals and families is Nov. 15, 2014 through Feb. 15, 2015. For more information: www.connectforhealthco.com

CONTACT: Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378

DENVER (Nov. 30 2014)  – The state health insurance Marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado®, is urging holiday shoppers to make their first online purchase “the gift of coverage” in the form of health insurance for any family members not already covered.

“We know the peace of mind that comes with knowing your personal finances are protected with health insurance — and that you can get the health care you need — is a gift that is now in reach for many more families,” said Gary Drews, Connect for Health Colorado’s chief executive. “Whether it’s adult children getting coverage for their parents’ peace of mind or young parents building the financial protection they need to back them up, a new health insurance policy will brighten any home. But it’s time to start shopping now.”

As the state health insurance Marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where buyers of health insurance can get financial assistance to help pay their monthly premium. More than 6,000 Coloradans have signed up for health insurance coverage in 2015 through the state Marketplace.
Monday, Dec. 1, is “Cyber Monday,” as the first Monday after Thanksgiving has become known, because online shopping peaks for the Christmas holiday.

Individuals and families have until Dec. 15 to lock in coverage to start Jan. 1, whether they bought health insurance in 2014 or are buying their own for the first time. Open enrollment ends Feb. 15, 2015.

“With just two weeks left to shop for January coverage we are urging anyone who doesn’t have coverage to make their first clicks Monday at Connectforhealthco.com,” Drews said. “Whether they are looking for free, in-person assistance in their community or they are ready to choose their own plan on the website, that’s the place to start on Cyber Monday. We are pleased with the enrollments we are seeing but we know there are thousands of Coloradans who have yet to make a choice.”

If you experience technical issues with your application, please do not start over or fill out multiple applications. Instead, please send your full name (as you entered it on your application), your phone number, your email address  – and if you have one, your Connect for Health Colorado account number – to our secure email: [email protected]. Do not include any additional personal information in the email.  Make sure you put the words “Requesting Enrollment Help” in the email subject line.

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established in law by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011.  It opened for business on Oct. 1, 2013 for individuals, families and small employers to compare and buy health insurance and apply for tax credits to help make their insurance more affordable.  Customers can shop online; get help by phone or chat from expert Customer Service Center representatives; and find in person assistance from certified brokers and agents, community based certified Health Coverage Guides or Certified Application Counselors.

The current open enrollment period for individuals and families runs through Feb. 15, 2015, but you need to enroll by Dec. 15 to have coverage in effect Jan. 1, 2015.   For more information: www.connectforhealthco.com

CONTACT: Curtis Hubbard, [email protected], 303-908-2378

DENVER (Nov. 24, 2014)  — Connect for Health Colorado® announced Monday that 6,144 individuals and families have signed up for health insurance coverage since the current enrollment period began Saturday, November 15, which exceeds the pace of initial signups last year.

“We are very pleased that Coloradans are taking this important step in protecting their family’s health and financial security for 2015,” said interim CEO Gary Drews. “It’s vital that people don’t put this off. There isn’t much time to get your coverage in place for next year. Enrollments must be complete by December 15 to have coverage starting on January 1^st.

The 6,144 health plan enrollments and 936 enrollments in dental coverage through Saturday, November 22, 2014, compares to 204 health plan and 87 dental plan enrollments during the first eight days the state health insurance Marketplace was open in 2013.

“As pleased as we are with these initial enrollment figures, we want to urge anyone who is not provided health insurance by their employer to begin now to shop for a policy that meets their needs and their circumstances,” Drews said. “We recommend Coloradans be smart consumers and take the time to compare their options before renewing their current plan or enrolling in a new one.”

The Open Enrollment Period runs to February 15, 2015. Whether you are renewing or enrolling for the first time, you must complete enrollment by December 15, 2014, to have coverage January 1, 2015, and avoid a gap in your insurance. People who do not enroll for insurance by February 15 will not be able to get coverage in 2015 unless they have a life changing event, like a marriage or divorce.

“We know that this process can be complicated. That’s why we suggest Coloradans take advantage of free, in-person help available in every county of our state from a network of trained and certified Health Coverage Guides and Brokers,” Drews said. “These are experts who can help explain the differences in plans, benefits and costs, and help you through the financial application and enrollment process.”

There are more than 1,600 independent brokers and agents, and more than 450 Health Coverage Guides and Certified Application Counselors. To find them in your area (search by zip code) go to connectforhealthco.com/resources/person-help/