Open enrollment for plan year 2026 starts tomorrow, and this open enrollment period is unlike any other.
Between now and Jan. 15, hundreds of thousands of people across Colorado will turn to us for help finding high quality, affordable health insurance.
This year, the landscape is different than last. Congress is allowing enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) to expire at the end of 2025. Those tax credits have made coverage more affordable and accessible for our customers. Without them, net premiums will double on average for all customers who are receiving financial assistance.
There’s also some uncertainty about whether Congress will act to extend these tax credits during open enrollment, which would have a significant impact on our work.
At the same time, we’re implementing Colorado Premium Assistance (CPA), which will provide meaningful savings and make coverage more affordable for many people.
This is a critical time for us and the people we serve. As customers face rising premiums and reduced financial help, our expert assistance – and our empathy – will matter more than ever.
We are ready for this. We have spent several months preparing; planning for alternative scenarios, building new tools and processes, developing clear messages, and strengthening our partnerships.
You – our trusted partners – are a vital part of this work, and I have complete confidence that together, we’ll help Coloradans stay covered.
A New Way to Shop and Compare
Shopping and comparing plans this year is critical, and our new Estimate & Explore Tool is live with 2026 plan data.
This tool is one way we’re making it easier for Coloradans to understand their options and choose the best, most affordable plan for them and their families.
The 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. We encourage you to use the tool, and let us know if you see any issues.
Notable Events
Earlier this month, Connect for Health Colorado and the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work co-hosted the Black Health Summit, a free community event focused on advancing conversations around access, affordability, and choice in healthcare. The summit brought together local leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members to explore practical, actionable solutions to help address the challenges facing Colorado’s Black community in navigating today’s complex healthcare landscape.
Just last week, the Denver City Council issued a proclamation recognizing Connect for Health Colorado – along with our trusted community partners, and Assisters and insurance Brokers – for helping residents navigate enrollment and overcome barriers. This recognition underscores our collective effort to ensure every Coloradan can protect their health and financial security through access to affordable, high-quality health insurance. I could not be prouder of the work we’re doing together.
Looking Ahead
Colorado has made remarkable progress expanding access to health coverage over the past decade. Nearly 300,000 Coloradans rely on Connect for Health Colorado for coverage, and the state’s uninsured rate has reached historic lows.
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.
I value you and your partnership. Please take care of yourselves over the next several months. It’s important you nurture your physical, mental and emotional health. Take time to recharge and check in with each other.
Together, we’ll help Coloradans navigate their choices and stay protected.
Take care,
Kevin Patterson, MURP, MPA
Chief Executive Officer
Connect for Health Colorado
