Connect for Health Colorado Has Enrolled More Residents in Health Coverage This Year Than Ever Before

Colorado’s Marketplace is Keeping Residents Insured during the Pandemic

DENVER —Since Connect for Health Colorado re-opened enrollment on February 8, 2021, to help customers secure health coverage amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, approximately 36,350 residents have signed up for a health insurance plan.

As of Sunday, August 15, the last day of the enrollment period, 216,350 Coloradans have signed up for a plan that provides coverage this year. That total is 21,000 more health insurance plan sign ups than the same day last year— a nearly 11 percent increase.

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, Coloradans can find more financial help than in previous years to cover some or all the cost of their health insurance premium, but only when they shop through Connect for Health Colorado. For the first time, families of most income ranges can now qualify for savings on health insurance.

“I’m so pleased that we were able to offer thousands of new and existing customers increased access to savings and health plans,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “It’s essential to have health coverage in place to protect our families and communities, especially this year.”

People can still sign up for a health insurance plan for the remainder of the year through Connect for Health Colorado if they experience a Qualifying Life Event. Qualifying events include losing your job’s health insurance, losing Health First Colorado (Medicaid) coverage or certain family and income changes. Otherwise, enrollment opens November 1 for health coverage next year.

Residents can continue to get help signing up for coverage from certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. Use the Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool to get an estimate of costs and to search plans based on what matters most to you.

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Media Contact

Monica Caballeros | [email protected] | 720-576-7995

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

Last Call for Coloradans to Sign Up for 2021 Health Coverage

After August 15^th, you’ll need a qualifying event to enroll

DENVER — Coloradans have until Sunday, August 15th to sign up and save on health coverage through Connect for Health Colorado. Thanks to a new federal law, more Coloradans are eligible to save than ever before. But this is the last chance for people to enroll in a plan that provides coverage this year unless they experience a Qualifying Life Event.

More people have enrolled in Colorado’s health insurance marketplace than any other year since Connect for Health Colorado opened for business in 2013. As of Sunday, August 8^th, more than 212,000 Coloradans have signed up for a plan that provides coverage this year. That’s an additional 6,000 enrollments since last month when Connect for Health Colorado announced its Marketplace was seeing more than 1,000 new sign ups each week.

“I’m thankful that so many people have found coverage, peace of mind and financial stability through our Marketplace this year,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “I urge those who want to find an affordable plan to contact us before Sunday the 15^th. We’re here to make it easier for small business owners, individuals and families to get connected to resources and health insurance enrollment assistance.”

What You Need to Know

Coloradans can find more savings than ever to pay for health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado. In fact, three out of four customers can find a health plan with a premium of $25 per month or less. Current customers can update their application to find out how much they can save, and they can change their plan if they wish.

For the first time, savings are available to many individuals and families who were previous ineligible because of their income. If you haven’t been able to get financial help in the past, now is the time to take another look and reapply.

Individuals who have received any weekly unemployment benefits beginning in 2021 may qualify for plans with premiums starting at $0 per month. This additional financial assistance is only available for 2021 coverage.

After August 15^th, you can enroll or change your plan only if you experience a Qualifying Life Event, like getting married, having a baby or losing your job’s health insurance.

Our annual Open Enrollment Period for 2022 coverage begins November 1^st and will go through January 15^th.

How to Get Started and Get Help

To find out whether you qualify for additional savings on health insurance plans, how much plans cost and to compare all the plans available to you, contact Connect for Health Colorado at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

Use the Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool to get an estimate of costs and to search plans based on what matters most to you. You can also find an expert in your area and make an appointment today.

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Media Contact

Monica Caballeros | [email protected] | 720-496-2574

About Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado Hosts Small Business Resource Fair this Saturday, August 7

DENVER —In anticipation of the August 15^th enrollment deadline, Connect for Health Colorado, the official health insurance marketplace, is hosting a resource fair on Saturday, August 7^th to make it easier for small business owners, individuals and families to get connected to resources and health insurance enrollment assistance.

Event Details

Event: From Surviving to Thriving—Small Business Resource Fair

Date: Saturday, August 7th, 2021

Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location: South Broadway Christian Church parking lot at 23 Lincoln Street, Denver, 80203

Attendees will find local wellness, mental and physical health resources, small business experts and funding opportunities. They will also be able to meet one-on-one in a private area with a Connect for Health Colorado-certified expert for any health insurance enrollment assistance or advice.

“Small business owners all over Colorado have experienced the devastating impacts of the pandemic, and they often don’t know what resources are available to them,” said Stephanie Salazar-Rodriguez, who is spearheading the event on behalf of Connect for Health Colorado. “That’s why Connect for Health Colorado has organized this event—we’re here to provide relief and resources to broaden your network and improve overall wellness within our small business community.”

Connect for Health Colorado also partnered with Hope Tank, a Denver-based small business that gives back to local nonprofits with every purchase, to put on the resource fair.

“I have struggled to understand what I qualify for when it comes to health coverage, and frankly, I’ve prioritized my kids and put myself on the back burner,” said Hope Tank founder Erika Righter. “This issue doesn’t just affect brick-and-mortar business owners, but also independent contractors, musicians, artists and consultants. I encourage small business owners who don’t know where to start to attend this event and connect with on-site enrollment support.”

From Surviving to Thriving Participants

Some of the participating organizations including Rocky Mountain Microfinance Institute, The Center for Community Wealth Building, the City of Denver’s Neighborhood Stabilization, the Therapists of Color Collaborative and Martinez Mobile Dental. Attendees can look forward to entertainment at the event from Huitzilopochtli Aztec Dancers, singer Felicia Gallegos Pettis, and Jammin 101.5.

Health Insurance Enrollment

As a reminder, the enrollment period to be covered for this calendar year ends on Sunday, August 15^th. Coloradans who need coverage, or who want to explore how much they can save with Connect for Health Colorado, can enroll now at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749.

Many people currently enrolled in a plan through Connect for Health Colorado may qualify for more savings, even those who weren’t eligible in the past because of their income. In fact, three out of four customers can find a plan for $25 per month or less. If you’ve collected unemployment benefits starting in 2021, even for just one week, you may qualify for $0 per month premium options.

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Media Contacts

Stephanie Salazar-Rodriguez, [email protected], 303-618-5938

Erika Righter, [email protected],720-413-8473

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

About Connect for Health Colorado

Preliminary Health Insurance Rates Reveal More Plan Choice and Stable Costs in 2022

DENVER — Yesterday, the Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI) released preliminary rate filings for 2022 health insurance plans, which show premium prices in the individual market (non-employer coverage) increasing an average of 1.4% statewide over 2021 premiums. Connect for Heath Colorado® Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson, released the following statement in response to the preliminary data:

“I’m pleased with the stability we’re seeing in health insurance plan prices. Affordable premiums translate to more people enrolling and staying covered next year. I’m also encouraged by the trend of more companies expanding into more counties and providing folks with better choice. Making coverage accessible to people in all areas of our state, especially rural and mountain communities that haven’t had meaningful plan choices historically, is one of our priorities. We are here to help Coloradans.”

The same eight companies from 2021 are returning to offer plans for 2022. And many Connect for Health Colorado customers can expect increased plan choice when they shop for 2022 coverage. The health insurance companies’ proposed expansions for 2022 will leave only one county with a single insurance company available— down from 10 counties in 2021, and 22 counties in 2020.

Insurance companies must submit the rates that they want to charge consumers, in addition to any insurance plan changes to the DOI annually. The final, approved plans and premiums will be available mid-October.

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

Monica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-576-7995

Colorado’s Health Insurance Marketplace Maintains Enrollment Momentum

There’s still time to enroll

DENVER — As of Wednesday, July 7, 205,813 Coloradans have signed up for a plan that provides coverage this year through Connect for Health Colorado. That’s an additional 5,000 enrollments since last month when Connect for Health Colorado announced its Marketplace had reached a historic enrollment milestone for the 2021 plan year.

“The sustained level of sign-ups— at least 1,000 per week over the past five months— tells me we’re addressing the real need for affordable health insurance that protects people when they seek care,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “If you’re still uninsured, or you’re looking for a health plan in your budget, contact us right away. We’re here to make the process as easy as possible to help you find the plan that meets your needs.”

Connect for Health Colorado re-opened its doors to uninsured residents Feb. 8 and began providing increased savings on health plans, including $0 plans for unemployment recipients, in April. Enrollment remains open until Sunday, August 15, 2021.

$0 and Low-Cost Plans Are Available
If you’ve collected unemployment benefits starting in 2021, even for just one week, you may qualify for $0 per month premium options. These extra savings for unemployment recipients are only available for the 2021 plan (calendar) year.

Use the Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool to get an estimate of costs and to search plans based on what matters most to you. You can also find an expert in your area and make an appointment today.

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Media Contact

Monica Caballeros | [email protected] | 720-496-2574

About Connect for Health Colorado

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds the Affordable Care Act

Coverage protections, financial help and many other programs continue as part of law that has helped millions of Coloradans

Today, the United States Supreme Court announced its 7-2 decision in California v. Texas, No. 19-840, to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA), now covering 31 million Americans.

“We are pleased with the Court’s decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act. This is welcome news to more than 500,000 Coloradans who have gained access to quality health care coverage through Medicaid expansion,” said Kim Bimestefer, executive director of the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. “This coverage expansion is more important than ever, given the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, which has caused many Coloradans to lose their jobs and with that their employer-sponsored health insurance coverage.”

Through the ACA, the federal government provides about 90 cents on every coverage dollar, making the decision to expand Medicaid very affordable. Since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, Colorado has received approximately $10 billion in federal funds to pay for coverage for Coloradans under the ACA’s Medicaid expansion provision – $1.7 billion last year alone.

Beyond allowing states to expand their Medicaid programs, the Affordable Care Act included many other changes such as protections for coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions, coverage for individuals up to age 26 on their parent’s health insurance plans and authorizing state-based marketplaces for consumers to shop for coverage and qualify for financial assistance to reduce the cost of premiums. Colorado launched its own marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado.

“Today’s decision means that families can have more peace of mind when it comes to their health coverage and protecting their health and finances,” said Kevin Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s Marketplace. “Our focus continues to be to get people covered and to provide them with as much assistance as possible, so that health insurance isn’t something they have to worry about. I also want to encourage people who find themselves uninsured or in need of more affordable options to reach out to Connect for Health Colorado now. We’re offering more savings than ever before and are keeping our doors open through at least August 15. We have already enrolled more than 200,000 Coloradans this year.”

“This is a great day for Colorado and the country,” said Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. “The ACA has helped millions not only get health insurance, but gave them access to necessary care for chronic conditions, accidents and now COVID-19. Knowing that it will continue is a great relief to many. We can move forward on helping Coloradans without this looming threat hanging over us.”

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Media Contact
Leslie Chadwick | [email protected] | 720-765-1571

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

Standardized Health Plans to Provide Better Choice to Coloradans Beginning in 2023

Statement by Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson

DENVER — Today, Governor Jared Polis signed HB21-1232, Standardized Health Benefit Plan Colorado Option, into law. Kevin Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, released the following statement:

“The availability of standardized plans will provide Coloradans with even better plan choice and more competitive benefits. As Colorado’s Marketplace, it’s our responsibility to make it as easy as possible for people to understand their options and enroll in the right plan for their needs, and this bill helps make that job a little easier. I’m looking forward to seeing the good ideas from our business, insurance and advocate partners as they develop the details of the plan. We stand ready to implement this exciting, new initiative on our Marketplace.”

Next, the bill will undergo the rulemaking process, during which Colorado’s insurance commissioner will collaborate with stakeholders to develop the details of the standardized plan. The standardized plans will be offered on Connect for Health Colorado’s Marketplace, with plan benefits beginning as early as Jan. 2023.

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About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact

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

Connect for Health Colorado Hits Historic Enrollment Milestone for 2021 Plan Year

Thousands More Coloradans Have Health Coverage Thanks to Extended Enrollment Window and New, Federal Law

DENVER — As of Monday, June 7, 200,119 Coloradans have signed up for a plan that provides coverage this year through Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. That is a historic number of enrollments in a plan year for Connect for Health Colorado since opening for business in 2013.

Just over 20,000 of this year’s enrollments occurred since Connect for Health Colorado re-opened enrollment in Feb. 2021, and half of those sign ups occurred since the organization began offering expanded subsidies under a new, federal law in April 2021.

“Connect for Health Colorado is thrilled to offer more savings and more time to enroll than ever before,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “I urge folks who are seeking health insurance to connect with one of our plan experts or Enrollment Centers to find lower costs, especially those who didn’t qualify in the past. The sooner you enroll or update your application, the sooner your coverage and savings begin.”

Lower Costs for Coverage Are Here
Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, families of all income ranges can now qualify for savings on health insurance when they shop through Connect for Health Colorado. The new law also increases the amount of assistance people can receive to cover some or all the cost of their health insurance premium. In fact, three out of four customers could potentially find a plan for $25 or less after the new savings are applied. People who have received unemployment benefits beginning in 2021 may qualify for $0 plan options.

Find Plans and Get Enrollment Assistance
To find out whether you qualify for additional savings on health insurance plans, how much plans cost and to compare all the plans available to you, contact Connect for Health Colorado at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749. Enrollment remains open until at least Sunday, August 15, 2021.

Want to browse plans and prices before starting an application? Use our Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool to get an estimate of costs and to search plans based on what matters most to you.

Want more personalized assistance? Plan experts- certified Brokers and community Assisters- are ready to help you figure out exactly what kind of health coverage you qualify for and navigate all your options. The enrollment assistance and advice are free. Find an expert in your area and make an appointment today.

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Media Contact

Monica Caballeros | [email protected] | 720-496-2574

About Connect for Health Colorado

The Denver Post Recognizes Connect for Health Colorado As A Top Workplace of 2021

Statement by Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson

DENVER — The Denver Post has recognized Connect for Health Colorado®, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, as a Top Workplace of 2021.

“I’m extremely proud that we’ve received this designation. It’s our staff and leadership team who makes us worthy of this honor,” says Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson. “Our staff is extremely mission-driven about helping our fellow Coloradans- our friends, our family, our neighbors- get access to health care. The pandemic has made it abundantly clear that our work is really important and that our efforts are going in the right direction. It’s my privilege to lead this group and to create the right environment for us to deliver on our mission.”

The Denver Post uses survey feedback from employees about aspects of their workplace culture, such as opportunities for development, engagement, leadership, and benefits, to determine Top Workplaces. Employers are ranked within size groups; Connect for Health Colorado ranks among the best mid-sized companies.

About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact

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

Connect for Health Colorado Supports the Standardized Health Benefit Plan Colorado Option

Statement by Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson

DENVER — On Monday, Connect for Health Colorado’s Board of Directors voted in support of HB21-1232, Standardized Health Benefit Plan Colorado Option. Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson, elaborated on the support stance:

“This bill affects our customers by providing better plan choice. The availability of standardized plans simplifies the comparison process and will make it easier for Coloradans to find the right coverage for their needs— one of our strategic goals. I’m confident that this bill will further our mission to increase access, affordability and choice for individuals, families and small businesses seeking health coverage in our state.”

HB21-1232 moves on to the Senate for committee hearing.

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About Connect for Health Colorado

Media Contact

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