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.
