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

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

Access Lower Premiums and Health Care Costs

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

Why Coloradans Should Enroll by Friday

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

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

Steps to Enroll in Jan. 1, 2021 Coverage:

1. Enroll in a plan.

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

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

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

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

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

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About Connect for Health Colorado

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

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

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

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

Connect for Health Colorado is also participating in a national effort with a coalition of state-based marketplaces on Dec. 10, #GetCovered2021. In Colorado, community leaders will help promote enrollment with social media using the hashtag #GetCovered2021. Coloradans across the state can follow the hashtags #GetCovered2021 and #CoverCO to find information about the Open Enrollment Period. Residents can participate by signing up for coverage or reminding someone in their network who is uninsured to contact Connect for Health Colorado to review their options.

Coloradans can enroll in a health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado now through Jan. 15, 2021. People can enroll in Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program any time during the year if they qualify. Connect for Health Colorado can evaluate whether applicants likely qualify for Health First Colorado and CHP+ when they apply through the Marketplace.

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About Connect for Health Colorado

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

Media Contact

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enrollment Help is Available

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

People can also use our Quick Cost & Plan Finder to search for plans based on what matters most, including covered doctors, medications, monthly costs, and estimated annual costs.

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About Connect for Health Colorado

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

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

DENVER – Nearly 30,500 Coloradans signed up for a health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado’s Marketplace between Nov. 1 and Nov. 20. Through the first three weeks of the Open Enrollment period, approximately 73 percent of applicants qualify for financial help to help pay their monthly premiums.

“Unfortunately, the pandemic is continuing to grow and affect our communities. That’s why it’s more important than ever that Coloradans have access to affordable and quality health coverage.” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “I urge Coloradans to connect with us online, over the phone, or by making a virtual appointment with a certified Broker or Assister. We are here to make your enrollment as easy as possible.”

This year, the majority of customers can save on their monthly premiums by shopping and not renewing their current health insurance plan. As a reminder, in 2021, an individual earning up to almost $51,040, and a family of four with an annual income of up to $104,800, can qualify for financial help.

Important Dates

Coloradans shopping for health insurance through our Marketplace should pay attention to two important dates to secure coverage for Jan. 1, 2021:

Dec. 1— Connect for Health Colorado will automatically renew plans for eligible customers on Dec. 1, 2020, as opposed to Dec. 15 in years past. Current customers should review their renewal plan details in their online account, to make sure it still meets their needs and budget in 2021.

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, 2020.

While the marketplace remains open through Jan. 15, people who sign up between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 will receive a Feb. 1 start date for their 2021 health insurance plan, leaving them potentially without insurance for the month of January.

Enrollment Help is Available

We offer free, virtual help to get covered from certified enrollment experts and at Enrollment Centers located throughout the state. People can also use our Quick Cost & Plan Finder to search for plans based on what matters most, including covered doctors, medications, monthly costs, and estimated annual costs.

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About Connect for Health Colorado  

Connect for Health Colorado is a public, 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

Contact

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

DENVER – Coloradans can renew or purchase 2021 health insurance starting Sunday, Nov. 1, when Open Enrollment begins.

Overall, residents will see stable rates, and many will have increased plan and insurance company choices. That’s why Connect for Health Colorado® strongly encourages all customers to compare plans before renewing coverage, as they may find more affordable options in 2021.

“It’s more important than ever that Coloradans get covered and stay covered with an affordable and comprehensive health plan next year,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “I urge anyone who is unsure about their options to connect with us, their Broker, or an Assister this Open Enrollment period. We’re here to make sure the people and the health protections that matter most to you are covered in 2021.”

Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where residents can access financial help to lower monthly premiums. In 2021, an individual earning up to $51,040, and a family of four with an annual income of up to $104,800, can qualify for financial help through the Marketplace.

Customers who qualify for financial help may see a decrease in the dollar amount of assistance in 2021, if they stick with the same plan. In addition to monthly premiums, Coloradans should compare benefits, networks, plan usage, and monthly and annual costs when shopping.

Coloradans can get expert help choosing the right plan for their budget and needs by working with a community-based Assister or certified Broker, who are offering increased virtual and phone appointments. People can also use the Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool to browse 2021 plans, benefits, estimated annual costs and possible financial help.

There are eight health insurance companies offering a total of 159 health plans through the Marketplace in 2021. Generally, customers will see additional Silver and Expanded Bronze plan offerings. Customers in 54 counties will have more than one health insurance company option to choose from, and people in 25 counties will see an increase in the number of insurance companies offering plans.

Consumers must enroll by Dec. 15 to have coverage in place by Jan. 1, 2021. However, the Marketplace is open through Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, for 2021 coverage. Outside of the Open Enrollment period, residents can only enroll if they have a Qualified Life Event, such as losing Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or health insurance from an employer.

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About Connect for Health Colorado

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

Media Contact

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

Denver — Connect for Health Colorado® congratulates our own Kevin Patterson for being named as one of Denver Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs of 2020.

The Denver Business Journal recognized 23 executives for their “strong, visionary leadership” and for “guiding their companies through the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Under Kevin’s leadership this year, Connect for Health Colorado opened an emergency Special Enrollment Period in response to the coronavirus pandemic, which led to more than 14,000 Coloradans enrolling in health coverage in March and April.

Kevin Patterson has served as Chief Executive Officer of Connect for Health Colorado since April of 2015. He previously served as chief administrative officer and interim chief of staff to Gov. John Hickenlooper and has an extensive history of public service. He serves on the Denver Zoological Foundation’s Leadership Council, the Health subcommittee of the Rose Foundation, and serves as a board member on the Keystone Policy Center and Mile High United Way.

Thank you, Kevin, for your dedication to increasing access, affordability and choice for the people of Colorado.

The winners will be recognized at a virtual event on Thursday, Nov. 12. 

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About Connect for Health Colorado

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

Media Contact

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

Denver- Connect for Health Colorado® Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson released the following statement in response to the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) announcing 2021 health insurance premiums for the Open Enrollment period that begins Nov. 1:

“I’m encouraged by the overall stability we’re seeing for next year’s health insurance plan prices. Colorado families continue to feel the economic impacts of the pandemic at a time when the risk of going without health coverage has never been greater. I urge Coloradans who are unsure about their options to connect with us this Open Enrollment period. We are here to help you sign up and save on monthly costs and care.”

The DOI announced that health insurance premiums in the individual market (non-employer coverage that includes Marketplace and off-Marketplace coverage) will decrease 1.4% on average over 2020 premiums. People shopping through the Marketplace may see changes to their health insurance plan price based on other factors, such as where they live and their ages. Those with fluctuating household incomes or who are concerned about price changes should compare plans and costs before renewing coverage, as they may find more affordable options. Shoppers should also consider health care costs beyond the premium, such as deductibles, co-payments, frequency of care needed, and providers and prescriptions covered. As a reminder, Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where Coloradans can qualify for financial help to lower the cost of private health insurance.

Insurance companies must submit the rates that they want to charge consumers, in addition to any insurance plan changes, to the DOI annually. Connect for Health Colorado receives the approved plan costs and benefits from the DOI.

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About Connect for Health Colorado

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

DENVER – Connect for Health Colorado®’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson has announced that Nyle Boyd has been promoted to the executive leadership team as the Chief Human Resources and Training Officer. The position was created to advance the organization’s Human Resource and Training functions.

Along with Connect for Health Colorado’s CEO, Kevin Patterson, the executive leadership team also includes Chief Policy and Relationships Officer Monica VanBuskirk, Chief Financial Officer Brian Braun, and Chief Innovation Officer Kelly Guthner.

Nyle Boyd joined Connect for Health Colorado in March 2016 as the organization’s Director of Human Resources. Ms. Boyd’s career spans over 21 years in the nonprofit, public and private sectors. Ms. Boyd has held human resources leadership positions at the Colorado Department of Human Services, the City and County of Denver, Sara Lee Bakery group, Denver Public Schools and a variety of private companies.

Ms. Boyd earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Grambling State University and holds a Master of Business Administration from Regis University. She currently serves as an advisory board member on the Community College of Denver’s BA – Board – Center for Business, Industry, Technology & Public Service. She is an active member of the National Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Mile High SHRM.

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About Connect for Health Colorado

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

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

Denver — Connect for Health Colorado® Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson released the following statement in response to the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) releasing preliminary 2021 rate filings:

“I’m encouraged by the stability that these preliminary health insurance plan prices suggest we will see next year. With a global health crisis and job loss in Colorado at an all-time high, it is more important than ever that our customers have affordable and portable coverage options next year. We are here to help Coloradans apply and find affordable coverage through our Marketplace.” 

The DOI announced that health insurance rates (premiums) in the individual market (non-employer coverage) will increase an average of 2.2% statewide. The proposed 2021 rate increase would be the lowest percentage increase since the health insurance Marketplace opened in 2013. Rates are preliminary and are subject to change.

Insurance companies must submit the rates that they want to charge consumers, in addition to any insurance plan changes, to the DOI annually. Connect for Health Colorado receives the approved plan costs and benefits from the DOI. 

Connect for Health Colorado’s statewide network of enrollment experts can directly help residents navigate changes in plans and costs specific to their community. Our Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool allows users to factor in health care costs beyond the premium and calculates an estimate of total yearly costs, to help residents make an informed decision while shopping.

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About Connect for Health Colorado

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