More Than 256,000 Coloradans Enroll in Health Insurance for January Coverage

Denver, Colo.– Enrollment for health coverage beginning Jan. 1 is consistent with this time last year, Connect for Health Colorado announced today. 256,422 residents have enrolled in a health insurance plan through the state’s official health insurance marketplace. That is approximately 0.14% higher than the number of people who enrolled for Jan. 1 coverage last year.

Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where Coloradans can get financial help to purchase health insurance, 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.

The Colorado General Assembly and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise are also introducing Colorado Premium Assistance for plan year 2026. The new program will help reduce monthly costs for households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. While Colorado Premium Assistance may not fully offset the loss of enhanced federal support, it is expected to provide meaningful savings for many families.

“It’s encouraging to see customers enrolling, particularly because we know this year hasn’t been easy,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “Higher premiums and the expiration of federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) have discouraged some people from enrolling – but customers are shopping and comparing plans, and state-funded Colorado Premium Assistance has created more affordable options for plan year 2026. Further, Coloradans consistently show that they value their physical, mental and financial health, and our network of experts have helped many customers find affordable options.”

While financial help is available, without federal ePTCs, net premiums for customers who currently receive financial assistance are expected to double on average. 

“While many people have found affordable options and meaningful financial help, others are facing significant premium increases, and they’re weighing hard choices to protect their health,” Patterson said. “No one should have to choose between paying for health insurance and putting food on the table or paying their mortgage. We expect we could continue to see impacts of the expiration of ePTCs in the coming months. ” 

Patterson and state leaders continue to emphasize the importance of Congress extending ePTCs, and Connect for Health Colorado will allow customers to re-select a plan if those credits are extended. Meanwhile, Patterson encouraged customers to explore coverage options before open enrollment ends. 

Jan. 15 is the final day to enroll in health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado. After Jan. 15, people can only buy health insurance or make changes to a current plan through the marketplace if they experience certain life changes. 

Connect for Health Colorado encourages people to connect with its certified network of Assisters and insurance Brokers, who are located throughout Colorado and can provide free support in multiple languages. They can help Coloradans apply free of charge, and there’s no obligation to buy a plan when contacting an expert.

The enhanced Estimate & Explore tool also offers personalized recommendations and side-by-side plan comparisons, providing a clearer, more tailored view of coverage options. 

Those who need health care insurance are encouraged to learn more about open enrollment, plan options, and financial help at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

Media Contact:
Michelle Mendoza
Media Consultant
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 303-210-1461


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.

December 15, 2025 is the Deadline to Enroll for Health Insurance Coverage for January 1, 2026

Denver, Colo. – The Dec. 15 deadline to enroll in health insurance for Jan. 1 is fast approaching, and Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, is encouraging people to shop and start their applications today to avoid a lapse in coverage. 

“Dec. 15 is an important deadline; it’s the final day for Coloradans to enroll in health coverage that starts Jan. 1, and our team is ready to help customers stay covered,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “Staying covered is one of the most important things people can do for their physical and financial well-being. Gaps in coverage can leave Coloradans vulnerable to unexpected medical costs – but we’re here to help. We want to be sure people have the information and assistance they need to choose a plan that works for them.”

Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where Coloradans can get financial help to purchase health insurance, 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.

“Access to health care is a basic human necessity,” said Michael Conway, commissioner of the Colorado Division of Insurance. “The advice we give every year still holds true – it’s important for folks to explore their options, take advantage of available financial help, and shop around and get covered with the plan that works best for them and their families.” 

More than 210,000 Colorado residents have already enrolled in health insurance for plan year 2026, and there are several resources available to help customers compare plans and apply.

Connect for Health Colorado encourages people to connect with its certified network of Assisters and insurance Brokers, who are located throughout Colorado and can provide free support in multiple languages. They can help Coloradans apply free of charge, and there’s no obligation to buy a plan when contacting an expert.

The enhanced Estimate & Explore tool also offers personalized recommendations and side-by-side plan comparisons, providing a clearer, more tailored view of coverage options. 

Those who need health care insurance are encouraged to learn more about open enrollment, plan options, and financial help at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

Leaders Continue to Emphasize the Importance of Federal Enhanced Premium Tax Credits

Federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) are scheduled to expire on Dec. 31. Without these credits, net premiums for customers who currently receive financial assistance are set to double on average. Connect for Health Colorado and state leaders continue to emphasize the importance of extending ePTCs. 

“While Connect for Health Colorado doesn’t set health insurance rates, we know rising premiums and the expiration of enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) will have a real impact on people in Colorado,” Patterson said. “It’s not too late for Congress to extend ePTCs for our customers. We’re ready to act and prepared to work as quickly as possible to ensure the people we serve have reliable, high-quality and affordable health insurance.”

Beginning in plan year 2026, the Colorado General Assembly and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise will introduce Colorado Premium Assistance to help reduce monthly costs for households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. While this new program may not fully offset the loss of enhanced federal support, it is expected to provide meaningful savings for many families.

“Colorado took critical steps to blunt premium increases on the individual market by passing HB25B-1006,” Conway at the Colorado Division of Insurance said. “Even with that, many consumers are still seeing huge premium increases. But it’s not too late – Congress still has the time to make this right by extending the enhanced Premium Tax Credits to ensure that Coloradans can afford to maintain their access to health care. For the sake of the hundreds of thousands of Coloradans who rely on the individual market, I am praying that Congress finally does act.”

Media Contact:
Michelle Mendoza
Media Consultant
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 303-210-1461


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.

Colorado Health Insurance Enrollment Remains Steady for Plan Year 2026

On Get Covered Colorado Day, Connect for Health Colorado and state leaders urge customers to compare options and maintain health coverage in 2026.

Denver, Colo.– Today is Get Covered Colorado Day, a day of action designed to encourage as many Coloradans as possible to enroll in 2026 health insurance during Connect for Health Colorado’s annual open enrollment period.

“Our message today is simple: we’re here to help every Coloradan get covered,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. “Even with premium increases and the possible expiration of federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits, Coloradans are finding plans that fit their needs and their budgets – and they’re not doing it alone. Our experts are ready to guide customers every step of the way. We want Coloradans to know there’s no better time than now to shop, compare options and take advantage of the support we have available.”

“Colorado is stronger and healthier when every family has access to the care they need,” said Governor Jared Polis. “In the face of rising premiums and the loss of federal Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, we’ve taken action. During the Special Session, I signed a law to combat high private insurance costs and launch Colorado Premium Assistance so more families can stay covered and it’s working to keep people insured despite the federal difficulties. We’ll keep fighting to save families money on health care. On Get Covered Colorado Day, I encourage everyone to review their options and choose the plan that works best for them.”

As marketplace and state leaders emphasize the importance of health coverage, enrollment for plan year 2026 is down slightly from roughly the same time period last year, Connect for Health Colorado announced. Since Nov. 1, 210,139 residents have enrolled in a health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado. That’s about 5% fewer enrollments than roughly the same time period last year. 

According to Connect for Health Colorado, a few factors may be contributing to the small dip in enrollment. Higher premiums and the possible expiration of enhanced federal Premium Tax Credits may be prompting people to take more time selecting a plan. Also, due to eligibility changes, fewer people were included in Connect for Health Colorado’s annual auto-renewal process this year.

Connect for Health Colorado remains the only place where Coloradans can get financial help to purchase health insurance, 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.

“Health coverage is one of the most powerful tools people have to protect their well-being, manage chronic conditions, and access the care that keeps them healthy,” said Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera. “Get Covered Colorado Day is about making sure every Coloradan has the information and support they need to stay insured. If you apply for coverage before December 15, you can avoid any gap in care and start the new year with the peace of mind that comes from being covered. Today is the perfect moment to visit Connect for Health Colorado, compare your options, and get the help you need to enroll.”

Enrollment for 2026 coverage is open now through Jan. 15, 2026. Coloradans must enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage that starts Jan. 1. With the deadline fast approaching, customers are strongly encouraged to begin the application process as soon as possible to explore available health insurance plan options and financial assistance, and to avoid a lapse in coverage.

Six insurance companies are offering medical plans in 2026, including Colorado Option plans that give customers access to many services at no-cost, including $0 for doctor visits for annual check-ups, health screenings, immunizations, maternity care, and mental or behavioral health or substance abuse services. 

To make care more affordable, the state is also introducing Colorado Premium Assistance for households between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, offering meaningful

savings even as federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits are scheduled to expire. This support was created by HB25B-1006, which Governor Polis signed earlier this year. 

Several resources are available to help Coloradans explore their options. Connect for Health Colorado’s free network of certified Assisters and insurance Brokers are located throughout Colorado and speak more than 22 languages. They can help Coloradans apply free of charge, and there’s no obligation to buy a plan when contacting an expert.

An 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. 

Those who need health care insurance are encouraged to learn more about open enrollment, plan options, and financial help at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

For Questions about Connect for Health Colorado and Enrollment Data
Michelle Mendoza
Media Consultant
[email protected]
303-210-1461

Governor’s Office Media Contact
Derek Dash
Senior Communications Advisor, Governor’s Office of Federal Funds & Strategic Initiatives
[email protected]
303-618-1809


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.

Connect for Health Colorado’s Statement on the Passage of the ‘Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026’

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.

Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2026 Starts Tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 1

Shopping and comparing plans is key to finding affordable health insurance options this year, Connect for Health Colorado says.

COLORADO – Open enrollment for plan year 2026 begins tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 1, Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, announced today. 

The annual enrollment period – which runs through Jan. 15, 2026 – offers Colorado residents the opportunity to shop for new affordable health insurance options or renew their current plans. 

Connect for Health Colorado is the only place where Coloradans can get financial help to purchase health insurance, 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. 

With rising health insurance premiums and the expiration of federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs), Connect for Health Colorado is encouraging customers to shop and compare plans and rely on expert assistance to help them enroll. 

“While Connect for Health Colorado doesn’t set health insurance rates, we know rising premiums and the expiration of enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) will have a real impact on people in Colorado,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “Shopping and comparing plans this year is more critical than ever.”

To help customers shop and compare, Connect for Health is launching an improved Estimate & Explore tool that significantly upgrades the previous Quick Cost and Plan Finder Tool. The enhanced Estimate & Explore tool offers personalized recommendations and side-by-side plan comparisons, providing a clearer, more tailored view of coverage options. 

“Even with premium increases and the expiration of ePTCs, shopping and comparing plans during the annual open enrollment period may help customers find affordable options,” Patterson said. “And, our customers aren’t in this alone. Our free, statewide network of certified Assisters and insurance Brokers speak more than 22 languages and can answer customers’ questions – at no cost.”

Connect for Health Colorado’s website will update at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, with information for plan year 2026, and customers will be able to begin enrolling. 

Important Dates and Information About Open Enrollment

  • Open Enrollment begins Nov. 1, 2025, and ends Jan. 15, 2026. 
  • Customers must enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2026.
  • Six health insurance companies are offering medical plans for 2026: Anthem, Cigna, Denver Health, Kaiser Permanente, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, and Select Health.
  • Colorado Option plans can make health care more affordable and accessible for Colorado residents. Customers can expect to pay $0 for doctor visits for annual check-ups, health screenings, immunizations, and maternity care, as well as $0 for visits with a therapist, counselor, or doctor for mental or behavioral health or substance abuse. 

Changes to Financial Assistance

  • Financial help is changing. Federal ePTCs are scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2025, unless Congress acts to extend them. Advanced Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions remain available but are returning to pre-pandemic levels. This means many customers will receive less financial help. Connect for Health Colorado is prepared to support customers if Congress acts and extends ePTCs during the annual open enrollment period. 
  • Premiums are rising. The Colorado Division of Insurance released final approved premium information for private health insurance plans in 2026. Connect for Health Colorado estimates net premiums will double on average for all customers who are receiving financial assistance, with larger net premium increases for people in rural counties and for older adults.
  • State help is available. Colorado 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.

Get Free, Expert Assistance

Connect for Health Colorado is committed to providing Coloradans with the resources they need to make informed choices about their health insurance. Connect for Health Colorado’s free network of certified Assisters and insurance Brokers are located throughout Colorado and speak more than 22 languages. They can help Coloradans apply free of charge, and there’s no obligation to buy a plan when contacting an expert.

Those who need health care insurance are encouraged to learn more about open enrollment, plan options, and financial help at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

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.

Connect for Health Colorado
4600 South Ulster Street, Suite 300
Denver, CO 80237
ConnectforHealthCO.com

Analysis Finds Higher Health Insurance Premiums and Reduced Financial Help for Colorado Health Insurance Customers

Denver, Colo.– Health insurance premiums will increase for many people who buy health insurance through Colorado’s official marketplace and fewer customers in 2026 will qualify for financial help to offset those costs, according to a new analysis from Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Most of the cost increase is the result of Congress allowing federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) to expire.

Connect for Health Colorado’s analysis is based on the Colorado Division of Insurance’s announcement of final health insurance premium rates for plan year 2026, and reflects the expiration of ePTCs and the benefit of the introduction of Colorado Premium Assistance, which will reduce premiums for some customers.

Connect for Health Colorado’s customer impact analysis shows net premiums will double on average for all customers who are receiving financial assistance, with larger net premium increases for people in rural counties and for older adults. It also shows the percentage of customers eligible for financial help could decrease from 81% in 2025 to 65% in 2026.

Among the key findings in Connect for Health Colorado’s analysis:

  • Marketplace customers who currently receive financial assistance will experience average net premium increases of 100%, with some rural areas seeing increases of over 200%. Customers in Montrose County, for example, will see an average 246% increase in net premiums, while customers in Crowley County will see an average 223% increase, and customers in Garfield County will see an average 200% increase.
  • Marketplace customers ages 55-64 who currently receive financial assistance will experience average net premium increases of 144%, or about $235 more per month.
  • Marketplace customers who currently do not receive financial assistance will see average gross premium increases of 27%, or about $122 more per month.
  • With the expiration of ePTCs, about 36,000 marketplace customers with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level will lose financial assistance, leading to average net premium increases near 142%.
  • Under H.R. 1, approximately 1,800 lawfully present immigrants who are ineligible for Medicaid due to immigration status will lose eligibility for financial help through the marketplace, resulting in average net premium increases exceeding 5,000%.

“Shopping for coverage is more critical than ever this year,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “Even with premium increases and the expiration of ePTCs, shopping and comparing plans during the annual open enrollment period (Nov. 1, 2025 through Jan. 15, 2026) may help customers find affordable options.”

“While Connect for Health Colorado doesn’t set health insurance rates, we know rising premiums and the expiration of enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) will have a real impact on people in Colorado,” Patterson said. “Our priority is and has always been to help customers understand their options and find the best, most affordable coverage for them.”

“We are encouraging everyone to shop and compare plans, and to rely on expert assistance,” Patterson said. “Our free, statewide network of certified Assisters and insurance Brokers speak more than 22 languages. They can answer questions and help customers apply – at no cost.”

Patterson also said Connect for Health Colorado is prepared to assist customers if Congress extends ePTCs before or during the annual open enrollment period.

“We’re grateful to the Colorado Legislature for introducing Colorado Premium Assistance and recognizing the importance of affordable health insurance – but CPA alone can’t fully replace the lost federal support,” Patterson said. “It’s not too late for Congress to extend enhanced Premium Tax Credits for our customers. We’re ready to act and prepared to work as quickly as possible to ensure the customers we serve have reliable, high-quality and affordable health insurance.”

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.

Connect for Health Colorado’s Audit Statement

The Office of the State Auditor (OSA) recently completed a performance audit of Connect for Health Colorado focused on our sponsorship program, financial management practices, and Senate Bill 81 financial reporting. On Monday, October 20, Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson, Chief Financial Officer Brian Braun, and Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer Nina Schwartz appeared before the Legislative Audit Committee to present findings and answer questions.

On Thursday, October 23, in a public meeting of the Executive and Finance Committee of the Connect for Health Colorado Board of Directors, CEO Patterson walked through the audit findings, answered questions, and discussed work underway and planned improvements with board members.

There were several key findings discussed that we were pleased to report.

  1. No evidence of participation in political fundraisers or activities.
  2. No misuse of funds for personal benefit.
  3. Previous 2017 audit findings regarding financial management and internal controls have been addressed.
  4. No Senate Bill 81 funds were used for meals or lodging, and all public funds were properly used for educational and outreach purposes as required by statute.

The Committee also reviewed the findings requiring corrective action from the organization, a number of which are underway. Connect for Health Colorado accepts all audit findings and recommendations and is already implementing enhanced processes to strengthen fiscal management, documentation, and reporting. Those findings are:

  1. The organization did not consistently follow its policies and procedures in vetting and documenting sponsorships.
  2. Improvements need to be made in documenting sponsorship alignment with organization mission.
  3. The organization did not consistently follow its financial documentation policies and there were gaps in oversight of executive use of credit cards.

Connect for Health Colorado takes these findings seriously. We have already established a plan, discussed publicly with our Board of Directors, to strengthen internal policies and procedures. These improvements include:

  • Strengthening oversight processes for administrative expenditures.
  • Enhancing receipt retention and documentation protocols across departments.
  • Providing additional fiscal training and support for our volunteer Board of Directors to reinforce accountability.

The audit further noted that Connect for Health did not fully meet statutory reporting requirements for Senate Bill 81 funds in a prior period. This reporting process has since been modified.

We appreciate the legislature’s oversight and partnership in helping us continue to serve Coloradans responsibly, transparently, and in full alignment with our mission to increase access to affordable healthcare.

Connect for Health Colorado’s Statement on the Passage of House Bill 25B-1006

Connect for Health Colorado celebrates Gov. Jared Polis’s signing of House Bill 25B-1006, and urges Congress to extend federal Enhanced Premium Tax Credits.

Denver, Colo.– Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, released the following statement about Colorado House Bill 25B-1006. The bill was passed during the state Legislature’s special session and was signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis on Aug. 28, 2025. 

“Connect for Health Colorado was proud to support House Bill 25B-1006 when it was introduced during the Legislature’s special session. We are grateful to the Colorado Legislature and Gov. Jared Polis for their leadership in preserving and expanding access to affordable health care coverage.

For plan year 2026, this important, necessary stopgap legislation will lower the total cost of health insurance premiums and invest in OmniSalud, a program that provides access to health care coverage for Coloradans no matter their documentation status. 

Every day, we see how lives are transformed by access to affordable, essential health services, including preventive care, mental health treatment and life-saving prescription medications.

Now, it’s important for the U.S. Congress to protect the progress we’ve made, and strengthen our ability to provide health coverage to people who most depend on it. It’s absolutely critical that Congress extend the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits that have helped millions of Americans – including hundreds of thousands here in Colorado – maintain access to quality, affordable coverage. 

Without Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, health care coverage will be less affordable and – in some cases – out of reach for many people in Colorado, with rural residents, older adults, and those with fluctuating incomes among the most impacted. We estimate average increases of 100% to over 300% in monthly premiums for people receiving financial assistance; and we estimate tens of thousands of Coloradans will be at risk of losing coverage.

House Bill 25B-1006 will mitigate some of this impact. But make no mistake: failure to extend Enhanced Premium Tax Credits will significantly impede access to affordable health insurance.

Colorado continues to lead the way in making health care more accessible and affordable for our families, friends, and neighbors – and Connect for Health Colorado remains committed to ensuring that all Coloradans can get the coverage they need.”

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.

Connect for Health Colorado’s Statement Regarding the Passage of H.R. 1

Denver, Colo. – Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, released the following statement regarding the passage of H.R. 1.

“At Connect for Health Colorado, our top priority is ensuring that Coloradans have dependable access to affordable, high-quality health coverage,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace.  “As federal policymakers make changes to the Affordable Care Act, we remain focused on what matters most: helping people stay covered without unnecessary barriers or disruptions.

We are carefully reviewing H.R. 1, as passed by Congress. While we do not take a position on federal legislation, we are concerned that this bill could increase costs and complexity for consumers, and reduce access to coverage through shortened enrollment windows. These changes could disproportionately impact rural residents, older adults, and individuals with variable incomes, such as hourly workers and the self-employed.

With Open Enrollment approaching, our team is working diligently to ensure Coloradans can access the coverage they need. We are prepared to implement new federal requirements in a way that protects coverage and minimizes disruptions. As always, we are here to provide consumers with clear, accurate information and guidance—so they can understand their options and make the best choices for themselves, their families, and their employees.”

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.

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‘Biggest Enrollment Period Ever’: Connect for Health Colorado Releases its Annual Report on Open Enrollment

Denver, Colo.– Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, released its annual open enrollment report today. This year’s By The Numbers report includes new data and information about the record-breaking open enrollment period for plan year 2025, which enrolled 296,449 people in health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado and Colorado Connect, Connect for Health Colorado’s public benefit corporation. 

The report also includes more information about federal and state financial help that lowered costs for customers; growth in enrollments in rural areas; expert assistance available to customers; and interactive maps showing enrollments, plan prices, and financial help by county.

“This year’s report tells us there’s growing demand for affordable, comprehensive, quality health insurance – and that Connect for Health Colorado is meeting this critical need for hundreds of thousands of Coloradans,” said Kevin Patterson, chief executive officer of Connect for Health Colorado. “This has been our biggest enrollment period ever. That’s due, in part, to our continued effort to inform people about their health insurance options and available financial help, as well as state and federal policies that increased access to affordable health coverage.”

Read the full By The Numbers report on Connect for Health Colorado’s website. 

All About Costs

In 2025, federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits and Colorado’s cost-sharing reductions helped lower the cost of monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs for a record number of people.Notably, 80% of customers qualified for financial help this year. 

Enhanced Premium Tax Credits – passed by Congress in 2021, and extended in 2022 through plan year 2025 – returned more than $972 million as tax credits to customers; and 3 out of 5 customers could find a plan for $10 or less per month after tax credits were applied. 

“I cannot overstate the importance of federal enhanced Premium Tax Credits,” Patterson said. “They make a tremendous difference in cost savings for everyday people across Colorado, and it is absolutely crucial they continue beyond 2025.”

Additionally, Colorado’s cost-sharing reductions lowered deductibles, copays for prescriptions or doctor visits, and coinsurance for hospitalizations for 82,331 customers. 

Improving Rural Access to Coverage

One of Connect for Health Colorado’s strategic goals is to advocate to improve access to coverage in rural areas of Colorado. 

In 2025, nearly 26% of enrolled customers live in rural areas. Staying with a five-year trend, the majority of the largest increases in enrollments came from rural counties. In fact, 12 of the 15 counties experiencing the most significant growth are located in rural areas. 

The Impact of Expert Assistance

Connect for Health Colorado’s certified health insurance Brokers and community-based Assisters help customers understand and navigate their health insurance options. They guide customers through the application and enrollment process, share information about financial assistance, and help them understand how insurance works and how to use their coverage when they’re enrolled. 

In 2025, about 66% of all enrollments were completed with the help of a health insurance Broker or Assister, and 53% of appointments with Assisters were conducted in a language other than English.

Year-Round Support

While open enrollment for plan year 2025 has ended, people can still buy health insurance or make changes to a current plan year-round if they experience certain life changes. Find a list of qualifying life changes on Connect for Health Colorado’s website. 

Connect for Health Colorado’s network of certified insurance Brokers and enrollment Assisters are available to help year-round, are located throughout Colorado, and can provide free support in multiple languages. Those who experience a qualifying life change are encouraged to learn more about their options at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

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.

Media Contact
Michelle Mendoza, Media Consultant
[email protected] / 303-210-1461

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