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

Connect for Health Colorado is requesting proposals from qualified staffing vendors to augment its service center (Member Services Unit- «MSU») staff and its Medical Assistance site (Community Support Unit – «CSU») staff from time-to-time on a temporary basis. To fulfill our mission, we offer residents the ability to make telephone calls to Member Services and Community Support representatives.

The Request for Proposal provides additional details and instructions on how to respond. Please submit your proposal, or any questions, to Justin Brandon at [email protected] by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Aug. 14, 2020.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Connect for Health Colorado is requesting proposals from qualified media services vendors. To fulfill our mission, we develop and disseminate various types of advertisements across numerous media platforms to educate Coloradans about the services that Connect for Health Colorado offers. The selected media services vendor will help Connect for Health Colorado articulate its marketing goals, develop a media strategy, develop and execute a media buying program, and evaluate the success of the media buying strategy/program.

The Request for Proposal provides additional details and instructions on how to respond. Please submit your proposal to [email protected] no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 14, 2020.

We look forward to hearing from you.   

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

Denver— Connect for Health Colorado® Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson released the following statement after Gov. Polis’ ceremonial signing of two bills, the Health Care Coverage Easy Enrollment Program (HB20-1236) and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (SB20-215), this Monday:

“I thank Governor Polis for signing these important bills into law. They will both shape our future ability to provide coverage and financial help to thousands more Coloradans. I look forward to working closely with our Marketplace partners to find board members to oversee these innovative programs over the next few months. I am excited that Colorado continues to find new and innovative ways to ensure our residents can get the coverage and care that they need.”

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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: [email protected]
Phone: 720-496-2574

Denver— Connect for Health Colorado® Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson released the following statement on the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (Senate Bill 20-215) after the bill passed through the General Assembly:

“We’re excited to build on the successes of the reinsurance program with specific policies designed to help Coloradans who are still struggling to access coverage. It is more important than ever that we remove barriers to health care by providing portable and affordable coverage options. Connect for Health Colorado is ready to work as a partner on implementing these new solutions, and we’re proud to be a resource for our state partners as they develop solutions to address persistent gaps in health coverage and affordability.”

The Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise protects and expands financial help for health coverage and will be housed in the Division of Insurance. A board will oversee the enterprise fund, which would be allocated to:

1) Fund the reinsurance program.
2) Provide financial help to people with lower incomes whose net premium would increase as the individual market price for insurance decreases.
3) Set up a fund to provide financial help to people who do not otherwise qualify under Affordable Care Act rules (e.g. households who are not qualified because of the “family glitch”).

Connect for Health Colorado will work closely with state regulators to develop a full implementation plan for the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise.

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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: [email protected]
Phone: 720-496-2574

Denver– Connect for Health Colorado® Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson released the following statement on the Health Care Coverage Easy Enrollment Program (HB 20-1236) after the bill passed through the General Assembly:

“I am excited that we can extend access to affordable health coverage for Coloradans with the simple act of checking a box. Easy Enrollment can provide financial stability and improve health outcomes for thousands of residents, many of whom are unfamiliar with the sign up process, or do not know they qualify for help. Through legislation such as Easy Enrollment, we work toward our goals of reducing the uninsured rate and educating Coloradans on the financial help we provide.” 

The Easy Enrollment Program would allow Coloradans to mark on their state tax return that they are uninsured and opt-in for their information to be shared with Connect for Health Colorado, so we can see if they qualify for financial help or Health First Colorado (Medicaid). Connect for Health Colorado co-chairs the advisory committee to guide implementation and administration of the Easy Enrollment program, along with the Department of Revenue. The program will take effect in 2022.

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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, 720-496-2574

DENVER — A total of 14,263 Coloradans gained health insurance coverage during Connect for Health Colorado’s emergency Special Enrollment Period, which ran from March 20 to April 30. The Marketplace opened the Special Enrollment Period in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), to ensure as many Coloradans as possible have access to health care.

“We’ve seen a tremendous response to the emergency Special Enrollment Period and need for affordable health coverage,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “As always, we are here to help Coloradans get covered and stay covered as they navigate life changes this year.”

Covering more than 14,000 previously uninsured Coloradans during the emergency Special Enrollment Period was a milestone in a successful year for the state’s official health insurance marketplace. We received strong support promoting the Special Enrollment Period from community partners and our statewide network of Brokers and Assisters. The new Open Enrollment Report for Plan Year 2020, released today, includes additional highlights for the 2020 plan year, including:

• 166,850 Coloradans enrolled for 2020 health coverage during the Open Enrollment period.
• 74 percent of customers qualified for financial help to reduce the monthly cost of health insurance.
• Statewide rates for full price premiums dropped by 20 percent, which lead to an uptick in new enrollments in many rural counties.
• 46 percent of our customers enrolled with the help of a trained and certified Broker, and another 6 percent enrolled with the help of a community-based Assister.

The new report includes more detailed information about changes to premium costs and financial help by county, the improved customer experience and our outreach tactics. Preliminary enrollment totals at the close of the Marketplace’s seventh Open Enrollment period were released in Jan. The Marketplace publishes monthly updates on total medical enrollments, as we continue to enroll Coloradans throughout the year who have life-change events.

Coloradans who have had a change in job, income or living situation should contact Connect for Health Colorado to find what health care coverage and financial help could be available. There are many ways to contact us to find out if you qualify for a 60-day Special Enrollment Period and get enrolled:

• Online: ConnectforHealthCO.com
• By phone: 855-752-6749
• Virtual or phone appointment with an enrollment expert: ConnectforHealthCO.com/we-can-help/

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

DENVER– More than 10,000 Coloradans so far have signed up for a health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado’s emergency Special Enrollment period, which ends Thursday, April 30, 2020. The Marketplace opened the Special Enrollment period on March 20 in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Uninsured residents have nine days left to enroll for coverage that begins on May 1.

“We created this enrollment opportunity to relieve some stress for thousands of families who are trying to figure out their health coverage needs during this time.” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “I encourage residents who are uninsured to sign up before the April 30 deadline.” 

Coloradans who have had a change in job, income or living situation should contact Connect for Health Colorado to find what health care coverage and financial help could be available. In addition to the COVID-19 Special Enrollment period, residents might qualify for a 60-day Special Enrollment period that allows them to sign up for a new health insurance plan or to change their current plan.

Business owners who are looking for options as employee insurance benefits end can direct employees to Connect for Health Colorado to enroll. Our plans are often far more affordable than COBRA, and we offer financial help.

As a reminder, Connect for Health Colorado only sells health insurance plans with a full package of benefits, known as Qualified Health Plans. Plans sold outside of the Marketplace may only cover a limited number of injuries or diseases. The Colorado Division of Insurance is warning consumers about marketing organizations and agents using misleading tactics to sell products that are not Qualified Health Plans. Connect for Health Colorado encourages residents to contact our trained and certified brokers and assisters, who continue to provide virtual and/or phone appointments.

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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