CEO Statement from Connect for Health Colorado

DENVER— Since November 1, more than 57,500 people have used Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace to enroll in a health insurance plan. That’s 7,000 enrollments ahead of the same time period last year. Approximately 78 percent of those who have enrolled so far are qualifying for financial help that reduces the cost of plans.

Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson, released the following statement:

“I’m so pleased that people are getting covered early in the enrollment period and that we’re continuing to see enrollment growth year over year. That tells me that our marketplace is giving people the options they’re looking for, at prices that are within their budget. For those who are waiting to sign up, I urge that you make an appointment with an enrollment specialist and enroll by December 15 to begin the new year with peace of mind.”

Important Dates

Coloradans shopping for health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado should pay attention to two important dates to secure coverage that begins January 1, 2023:

Dec. 1— Connect for Health Colorado will automatically renew plans for eligible customers on Dec. 1, 2022. Current customers should review their renewal plan details in their online account to make sure it still meets their needs and budget in 2022.

Dec. 15— Customers who are not eligible for auto-renewal, customers who wish to change their plan after their renewal, and any Coloradans seeking health insurance starting Jan. 1 must complete enrollment by Dec. 15, 2022.

While Connect for Health Colorado remains open through Jan. 15, people who sign up between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 will receive a Feb. 1 start date for their 2023 health insurance plan, leaving them potentially without insurance for the month of January.

Coloradans can enroll by creating an account or scheduling a free appointment with an insurance expert. People who need assistance enrolling can find help by visiting https://connectforhealthco.com/we-can-help/. 

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Media Contacts

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

About Connect for Health Colorado  

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information: ConnectforHealthCO.com

CEO Statement from Connect for Health Colorado

DENVER— For the first time ever in Colorado, people who are undocumented, as well as DACA recipients, have a safe way to enroll in affordable health insurance plans and qualify for financial help. The new program that makes this possible is known as OmniSalud, and it launched with the start of this year’s Open Enrollment season on Connect for Health Colorado’s new platform, Colorado Connect.

Since November 1, more than 5,700 people have used the program to enroll in a health insurance plan, and approximately 5,600 of those who have enrolled so far have qualified for state-funded financial help that reduces the cost of plans to $0.

Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson, released the following statement:

“I’m elated by the early interest we’ve seen in OmniSalud. We know that if you or someone in your family is undocumented, you haven’t had good options to manage your health without health insurance. That’s why we’re so grateful that we could implement this innovative program for Coloradans using our new platform, Colorado Connect. For those who are considering applying, I urge that you make an appointment with an enrollment specialist as soon as possible. We have Brokers and Assisters who are ready to guide you in the enrollment process, advise you, and address any concerns and questions you may have.”

Immigrants and their families who need assistance enrolling, or who wish to learn more about the OmniSalud Program and speak with a certified expert, can find help by visiting: https://connectforhealthco.com/get-started/omnisalud-help/

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Media Contacts

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

About Connect for Health Colorado  

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information: ConnectforHealthCO.com

It’s time to enroll in health insurance for 2023

This press release is available in Spanish here.

DENVER— For those who aren’t already covered by an employer’s health insurance or another insurance program (like Colorado’s Medicaid program or Medicare), now is the time to sign up for or renew health insurance coverage. If you’re a resident that finds themselves in need of affordable health coverage, here’s some tips and reminders to help you shop and save on health insurance this year:

• Know when to shop

Open Enrollment for Connect for Health Colorado’s Marketplace began November 1, 2022 and ends January 15, 2023. The annual Open Enrollment Period is the time to sign up for a health insurance plan, renew your current plan or change plans. Residents must enroll by December 15th for coverage that begins January 1, 2023. If you miss this deadline, you can still sign up for coverage until January 15^th, but your plan won’t begin until the 1^st of February 2023.

• Tips to save on your health insurance

Remember to use Connect for Health Colorado’s Marketplace—it’s the only place where residents can apply for and receive financial help to lower the cost of their private health insurance plan. With the passage of the federal Inflation Reduction Act in August, people shopping with health insurance marketplaces like Connect for Health Colorado can qualify for more financial help than in the past, including many people who weren’t previously eligible because of their income. In fact, two out of three current customers can find a plan for $25 per month or less after financial help is applied.

• Know your health and dental plan options

Six health insurance companies are returning to offer plans for 2023 on Colorado’s marketplace: Anthem, Cigna, Denver Health, Friday Health Plans, Kaiser Permanente, and Rocky Mountain Health Plans. Of the 64 Colorado counties, residents in 63 of those counties can expect to shop between at least two insurance companies. (Jackson County is the remaining county where a single company is offering plans.)

Starting this Open Enrollment, every company that sells health insurance in the state must offer Colorado Option plans, and these plans will be available on Connect for Health Colorado. They cover all essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), provide free ($0) primary care and mental health visits, and have a specific set of lower, fixed costs across all companies, allowing for easier shopping.

Two health insurance companies are not returning to offer plans for 2023 in Colorado’s market: Bright Health and Oscar Health. Enrollees in these plans should use certified Connect for Health Colorado experts or the anonymous Quick Cost & Plan Finder tool to help them search for preferred providers and choose a new plan that meets their budget and medical needs for 2023.

When you’re shopping on Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace, you will also have a chance to enroll in dental insurance coverage. Three companies are offering dental plans for 2023: Anthem, Cigna, and Delta Dental.

• Tips for choosing a plan

As a marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado allows you to browse through all the health insurance plans in your area. Some may be cheaper, and others may fit your health needs better. To help you find the plan that’s right for you, consider more than just a plan’s monthly premium. Ask yourself questions like, how often do I expect to need care? Are my medications covered? Which doctors and facilities do I like to see? What services do I need?

Need or want more personalized assistance choosing a health insurance plan? Connect for Health Colorado offers free enrollment assistance and advice from certified insurance Brokers and enrollment Assisters across the state. Find help by visiting https://connectforhealthco.com/we-can-help/ or by calling the Customer Service Center at 855-752-6749.

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Media Contact

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

About Connect for Health Colorado  

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information: ConnectforHealthCO.com

Residents can find quality health plans, more savings when they shop, and easier plan comparison than ever before

DENVER— It’s Open Enrollment for 2023 health insurance plans in Colorado. For those who aren’t already covered by an employer’s health insurance or another insurance program (like Colorado’s Medicaid program or Medicare), now is the time to sign up for or renew health insurance coverage. This year, people shopping for plans on Connect for Health Colorado can expect quality health plans, more savings when they shop, and easier plan comparison than ever before.

“You know your health needs best, and Connect for Health Colorado has the tools and experts to help you find the best option at the right price for your budget,” said Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson. “This year, shopping around can help you reduce your monthly payment even more, and you can find plenty of high-quality plans to choose from. Let our experts do the busy work when it comes to health insurance, so you can head into the new year with more peace of mind.”

Save More When You Shop

Residents who qualify for financial help can expect even more assistance to offset rising costs, resulting in modest increases ($20/month on average) to net premiums if they renew into their current plan, and even net premium decreases for many customers in the Western area of the state.

Many customers will be able to save money if they enroll in a different plan, rather than renew into their existing coverage. Customers who are receiving financial help can save 13 percent on average if they switch to the lowest-cost plan in their same metal tier. Those who do not qualify for financial help can save 29 percent on average if they switch to the lowest-cost plan in their same metal tier.

With the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and the extension of financial assistance under the Inflation Reduction Act signed August 2022, even more Colorado residents are eligible for savings using Connect for Health Colorado. Nearly 3 out of 4 current customers qualify for financial help.

New Plans and Easier Comparison

Starting this Open Enrollment, every company that sells health insurance on Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace must offer Colorado Option plans. These plans cover all essential health benefits required by the Affordable Care Act, provide $0 primary care and mental health visits, and have a specific set of lower, fixed costs across all companies, allowing for easier shopping.

Get Free, Expert Assistance

Connect for Health Colorado provides free enrollment assistance and advice. Certified insurance Brokers and enrollment Assisters help residents apply free of charge, and you’re not obligated to buy a plan when you contact an expert. Make an appointment or find a walk-in enrollment center or event near you by visiting ConnectforHealthCO.com/we-can-help or by calling 855-752-6749.

The Open Enrollment Period for 2023 coverage is now through January 15, 2023. People must enroll by December 15, 2022, for their coverage to begin on January 1, 2023.

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Media Contact

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

About Connect for Health Colorado   Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information: ConnectforHealthCO.com

Statement by Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer

DENVER— The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) announced final rate filings for approved 2023 health insurance plans, which show premium prices in the individual market (non-employer coverage) increasing an average of 10.4% statewide over 2022 premiums.

Because of the way financial help is calculated, residents who qualify for savings using Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace can expect even more assistance to offset rising costs, resulting in modest increases ($20/month on average) to net premiums, and even net premium decreases for customers in the Western area of the state.

Additionally, with the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and the extension of financial assistance under the Inflation Reduction Act signed August 2022, even more Colorado residents are eligible for savings on Connect for Health Colorado.

Kevin Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of Connect for Health Colorado, released the following statement:

“Premium costs continue to be the most important factor for families when it comes to making decisions about coverage, including their ability to stay covered. That’s why I urge all our customers to take another look at plans and prices starting November 1. This year, shopping around can help you reduce your monthly payment even more, and you can find plenty of high-quality plans to choose from. Overall, I’m thankful that people can expect relative stability when it comes to health insurance prices for next year.”

Six companies are returning to offer plans for 2023: Anthem, Cigna, Denver Health, Friday Health Plans, Kaiser Permanente and Rocky Mountain Health Plans. Two companies, Oscar and Bright Health, are exiting Colorado’s market. Approximately 1 in 5 current Connect for Health Colorado enrollees will need to shop for a plan with a new insurance company this year.

The Open Enrollment Period for 2023 health coverage begins on November 1 and goes through January 15.

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Media Contact

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

About Connect for Health Colorado  

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information: ConnectforHealthCO.com

Statement by Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer

DENVER— Today, Bright Health informed the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) that it will withdraw from Colorado’s health insurance market for the 2023 plan year.

Chief Executive Officer of Connect for Health Colorado, Kevin Patterson, released the following statement:

“With the Open Enrollment Period less than one month away, we’ll be at the ready to help Bright Health enrollees find the right plan for next year. I’m confident in the number of health plans and the quality of the plans that will be available for Coloradans shopping on our Marketplace for 2023. And, if you’re worried that your current plan won’t be available in the coming year or no longer meet your needs, remember that Connect for Health Colorado has the tools and experts to help you navigate changes to your health insurance situation, so that you can stay covered.”

Customers that have Bright Health plans for this current year will be able to use their health insurance through the end of the year.

The Open Enrollment Period for customers to enroll in a 2023 health insurance plan is November 1, 2022 to January 15, 2023.

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Media Contact

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

About Connect for Health Colorado  

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information: ConnectforHealthCO.com

Insurance Brokers and Enrollment Assisters Available across Colorado

DENVER— One way the state’s health insurance Marketplace serves Colorado’s health coverage needs is by providing a diverse network of experts who can help residents enroll in the best plan for them – and who can help for free any time of the year.

These experts are Connect for Health Colorado-certified Insurance Brokers and Enrollment Assisters, and they live and work everywhere across the state.

“Our certified experts are a valuable source of support for Coloradans,” said Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson. “But they don’t just provide enrollment services; they offer a continuum of assistance. I encourage anyone who needs health insurance help to use a Connect for Health Colorado Assistance Site. We’re here to help you navigate anything that changes your situation, so that you can stay covered.”

More Assistance and Resources Than Ever Before

Connect for Health Colorado boasts 77 total Assistance Network and Enrollment Center partners across the state, recently adding 13 newly certified Sites.

The Marketplace recently awarded funding for organizations and certified Brokers to operate Assistance Sites and Enrollment Centers now through June 2024.

“I’m so proud that we have grown our network and of the breadth of assistance our partners provide,” added Kevin Patterson.

In addition to enrollment assistance, Brokers and Assisters offer health insurance literacy education to help residents learn about how to use their plan. Connect for Health Colorado’s certified experts also engage with local businesses, health care facilities and organizations to establish connections and facilitate warm-hand offs for customers as appropriate.

Strengthening Community Partnerships

One of the newly awarded sites is The Independence Center, an organization based in Colorado Springs that provides information, resources and support to help people with disabilities.

“We are excited and honored to be a new Assistance Site for Connect for Health Colorado,” said Ashley Billington, Independent Living Program Manager for The Independence Center. “Access to – and education about – health insurance is essential to ensuring that those in our community live healthier, more independent lives. This partnership gives us the opportunity to connect individuals from all walks of life to affordable health care options.”

Dozens of returning Connect for Health Colorado-certified sites have been providing health coverage assistance and building networks in their communities for years, some since the first Open Enrollment Period in 2013. One of those organizations is The Health Partnership, which works closely with Grand County Rural Health Network to provide services to people in Routt, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Grand and Jackson counties.

“Our vision for our Connect for Health Colorado-certified program is to be known and trusted as the place people come for health insurance,” said Kim Fox, Program Manager at The Health Partnership.

“The cross-county collaboration allows us to have deeper reach into our diverse communities so that we can provide necessary outreach to our underserved community members, many of whom struggle to get their basic needs met, including access to affordable health insurance,” said Brittney Wilburn, Executive Director at The Health Partnership.

Finding Help in Your Area

Connect for Heath Colorado’s certified network extends across and far beyond the Denver Metro area. Residents can walk in or schedule an appointment with Enrollment Centers located from Durango, Buena Vista, Pueblo, Leadville, Salida, Yuma up to Fort Morgan, just to mention a few.

Staff at Connect for Health Colorado-certified Sites and Enrollment Centers are prepared to help Coloradans in several languages other than English. Last year, nearly one in five appointments were in Spanish.

Individuals and families looking for expert assistance can find it by visiting ConnectforHealthCO.com/we-can-help or by calling Connect for Health Colorado’s Customer Service Center at 855-752-6749.

The Open Enrollment Period for plan year 2023 begins November 1, 2022 and ends January 15, 2023. Coloradans can enroll any time during the year if they lose health coverage from their job or experience certain household changes.

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Media Contact

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

About Connect for Health Colorado  

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace.  Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert, in-person help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information:  ConnectforHealthCO.com

Statement by Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer

DENVER— Today, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. In addition to tackling issues such as climate change, health care and prescription drug costs, the legislation will extend the expansion of Affordable Care Act marketplace premium tax credits through 2025.

Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson, released the following statement:

“I thank President Biden for signing this important bill into law. I’m grateful and extremely excited to plan for the three-year extension of additional savings for our customers. In Colorado, these enhanced subsidies lowered costs for 155,000 enrollees, reduced their average out-of-pocket costs by $900 per year and resulted in increased enrollments in rural communities across our state. I hope that the more than 200,000 Coloradans who rely on us to afford health insurance and get the health care they need can rest easier knowing this level of financial help will continue for years to come.”

Since Connect for Health Colorado started providing enhanced subsidies in April of 2021, more residents have used the marketplace to enroll in a health insurance plan than ever before. Approximately 74 percent of enrollees are qualifying for financial help to cover the cost of their plan.

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Media Contact
Monica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-576-7995

About Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is a public, non-profit entity established by the Colorado General Assembly in 2011 to create a health insurance Marketplace. Since 2013, we’ve been helping individuals, families and small employers compare plans, apply for financial help and buy health insurance. As Colorado’s official health insurance marketplace, we are the only place to apply for financial help to lower the monthly cost of premiums. Customers can shop online; get help by phone or online chat from Customer Service Center representatives; and access expert help from a statewide network of certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. For more information: ConnectforHealthCO.com

Connect for Health Colorado is looking for applications from qualified media services vendors to assist Connect for Health Colorado with our marketing goals to Spanish-speaking and bilingual (English/Spanish) audiences across the state. You would be contracted to work with Connect for Health Colorado to develop a media strategy based on our goals and to develop and execute a media buying program and advertising campaigns, during the upcoming Open Enrollment period for health insurance, and for other marketing purposes.

The Request for Proposal provides additional details and instructions on how to respond.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Governor Polis Appoints Allison Neswood and Mara Baer to Connect for Health Colorado’s Board of Directors

DENVER— Governor Polis recently announced his appointment of Allison Neswood and Mara Baer, both of Denver, Colorado, to the Board of Directors of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace.

Allison Neswood is a Staff Attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, where she leads enforcement of voting rights for Native language minority groups. In her previous role as the Deputy Director of Strategic Priorities for the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Neswood led initiatives to increase health equity and access to quality health care. Neswood has also been involved in the passage of several policy initiatives that Connect for Health Colorado has had a role implementing, including the Tax Time Enrollment Program.

Mara Baer is the Founder and President of AgoHealth, LLC. As a small business owner running her own health policy consulting firm, Baer has over 25 years of experience across the public and private sectors helping clients navigate the complexities of health care. Baer has worked on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act at the federal level, as well as supporting implementation of Health First Colorado (the state’s Medicaid program) through partnerships with Regional Accountable Entities and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

“I’m delighted to welcome Allison Neswood and Mara Baer to our Board of Directors. Their depth of knowledge about our work—from their policy expertise to their experience with program implementation— as well as their knowledge of and commitment to the communities we serve, will strengthen our Board,” said Kevin Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of Connect for Health Colorado. 

Governor Polis also re-appointed Annie Lee of Denver, Colorado, to Connect for Health Colorado’s Board of Directors. Allison Neswood and Mara Baer’s appointments follow the resignation of Adela Flores-Brennan and Claire v.S. Brockbank. 

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