Statement by Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer

DENVER— Today, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. In addition to tackling issues such as climate change, health care and prescription drug costs, the legislation will extend the expansion of Affordable Care Act marketplace premium tax credits through 2025.

Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson, released the following statement:

“I thank President Biden for signing this important bill into law. I’m grateful and extremely excited to plan for the three-year extension of additional savings for our customers. In Colorado, these enhanced subsidies lowered costs for 155,000 enrollees, reduced their average out-of-pocket costs by $900 per year and resulted in increased enrollments in rural communities across our state. I hope that the more than 200,000 Coloradans who rely on us to afford health insurance and get the health care they need can rest easier knowing this level of financial help will continue for years to come.”

Since Connect for Health Colorado started providing enhanced subsidies in April of 2021, more residents have used the marketplace to enroll in a health insurance plan than ever before. Approximately 74 percent of enrollees are qualifying for financial help to cover the cost of their plan.

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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, 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

Connect for Health Colorado is looking for applications from qualified media services vendors to assist Connect for Health Colorado with our marketing goals to Spanish-speaking and bilingual (English/Spanish) audiences across the state. You would be contracted to work with Connect for Health Colorado to develop a media strategy based on our goals and to develop and execute a media buying program and advertising campaigns, during the upcoming Open Enrollment period for health insurance, and for other marketing purposes.

The Request for Proposal provides additional details and instructions on how to respond.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Governor Polis Appoints Allison Neswood and Mara Baer to Connect for Health Colorado’s Board of Directors

DENVER— Governor Polis recently announced his appointment of Allison Neswood and Mara Baer, both of Denver, Colorado, to the Board of Directors of Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace.

Allison Neswood is a Staff Attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, where she leads enforcement of voting rights for Native language minority groups. In her previous role as the Deputy Director of Strategic Priorities for the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Neswood led initiatives to increase health equity and access to quality health care. Neswood has also been involved in the passage of several policy initiatives that Connect for Health Colorado has had a role implementing, including the Tax Time Enrollment Program.

Mara Baer is the Founder and President of AgoHealth, LLC. As a small business owner running her own health policy consulting firm, Baer has over 25 years of experience across the public and private sectors helping clients navigate the complexities of health care. Baer has worked on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act at the federal level, as well as supporting implementation of Health First Colorado (the state’s Medicaid program) through partnerships with Regional Accountable Entities and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

«I’m delighted to welcome Allison Neswood and Mara Baer to our Board of Directors. Their depth of knowledge about our work—from their policy expertise to their experience with program implementation— as well as their knowledge of and commitment to the communities we serve, will strengthen our Board,” said Kevin Patterson, Chief Executive Officer of Connect for Health Colorado. 

Governor Polis also re-appointed Annie Lee of Denver, Colorado, to Connect for Health Colorado’s Board of Directors. Allison Neswood and Mara Baer’s appointments follow the resignation of Adela Flores-Brennan and Claire v.S. Brockbank. 

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Dr. T. Renata Robinson Joins Connect for Health Colorado’s Executive Leadership Team

DENVER— Connect for Health Colorado®’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson recently announced that Dr. T. Renata Robinson has joined the executive leadership team as the Chief Human Resources and Training Officer.

Before joining Connect for Health Colorado, Dr. Robinson was the first Chief Human Resources Officer of Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, as well as the Principal and Chief People Officer of her consulting practice MeekAdvantages, LLC. Prior to holding those positions, Dr. Robinson was the first Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Boulder, the Vice President of Human Resources for Teach for America, and the Director of Organization Development and Talent Management for Total Long-Term Care Solutions.

“I’m so pleased that Dr. Robinson has joined our executive leadership team,” said Patterson. “Her experience training leaders and advancing inclusive and equitable workplace practices will be crucial as our organization grows and as we serve a more diverse customer base.”

Dr. Robinson is a member of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Art in Organizational Management and an Educational Doctorate of Organizational Management.

Along with Connect for Health Colorado’s CEO, Kevin Patterson, the executive leadership team includes Chief Financial Officer Brian Braun and Chief Innovation Officer Kelly Guthner.

Connect for Health Colorado (C4HCO) is looking for applications from qualified entities that can provide video production services. You would be contracted to create marketing videos for C4HCO to use during advertising campaigns, during the upcoming Open Enrollment period for health insurance, and for other marketing purposes.

The Request for Proposal provides additional details and instructions on how to respond.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Statement by Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer

DENVER— Today, Governor Polis held a ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 22-081, Health Exchange Education Campaign Health-care Services. Senate Bill 22-081 directs Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, to conduct a consumer outreach and education campaign to help Coloradans attain and retain health care coverage based on their health care needs and financial circumstances.

Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson, released the following statement:

“I thank Governor Polis for signing this important bill into law. Hundreds of thousands of Coloradans remain uninsured. We know that access to affordable health coverage often starts with increasing people’s awareness of the options available to them. With the additional funding provided by this law, we look forward to helping more Coloradans find and enroll into the affordable programs they are eligible for.”

Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace is where individuals, families and small employers across Colorado can purchase health insurance and get financial help to reduce costs. More than 215,000 residents have used Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace to enroll in a health insurance plan that provides coverage for this year. Approximately 74 percent of enrollees are qualifying for financial help to cover the cost of their plan.

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Media Contacts

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

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

Connect for Health Colorado (C4HCO) is soliciting responses from qualified entities that can provide technical and operational solutions to implement a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Ticketing Application, and Maintenance.

The Request for Proposal provides additional details and instructions on how to respond.

As a vendor, you must register with the Rocky Mountain Purchasing System to see all available bids and opportunities. If you need help registering, please call Rocky Mountain Purchasing System support at 800-835-4603; option #2.

We look forward to hearing from you.

New Program Connecting Tax Filers to Health Coverage Ends April 15

DENVER— Colorado’s new Tax Time Enrollment Program that connects uninsured tax filers to health coverage is coming to a close this Friday, April 15. Due to a state law passed in 2020, this tax season was the first in which residents could mark on their Colorado tax form that they were uninsured and interested in getting connected to coverage with Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace.

“No matter whether you qualify for coverage with Health First Colorado or for plans with financial help on our marketplace, I encourage residents and tax preparers to check that box by April 15^th,” said Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “We’re here to help connect you to free and low-cost health coverage options.”

How It Works

Uninsured tax filers can check of a box on their state tax form to say that they or someone in their family is uninsured and to opt-in to share their information with Connect for Health Colorado. By doing so, residents can qualify for a 60-day Special Enrollment Period with Connect for Health Colorado or be connected to coverage with Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program). People must file their Colorado state tax form and select the new checkbox option on their return by Friday, April 15 to qualify for this Special Enrollment Period, regardless of the tax filing extensions.

Other Enrollment Opportunities

Coloradans who don’t qualify for the Tax Time Enrollment Program or who miss Friday’s deadline might be eligible to sign up for health insurance now if they experience a qualifying circumstance, like losing health insurance from their job, moving to Colorado, certain changes to income and more.

Customer Service representatives, Assisters and certified Brokers are available and ready to help residents figure out which Special Enrollment Period they may qualify for and how to enroll. Contact Connect for Health Colorado at 855-752-6749 or ConnectforHealthCO.com to enroll and find local enrollment assistance. 

Residents can enroll in coverage through Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program any time during the year if they qualify.

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Media Contacts

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

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

Record number of Coloradans enrolled during the annual enrollment period

DENVER— In a report released today, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, attributes record enrollments this past Open Enrollment Period to federal and state policy changes making health coverage more affordable.

Connect for Health Colorado offered health insurance savings to thousands more customers thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which gave people more premium tax credit assistance, and Colorado’s Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise, which ran a program to give people more healthcare discounts when they use their plan.

By the end of the Open Enrollment Period in January, nearly 200,000 Coloradans had signed up for a health insurance plan that provides coverage in 2022; the soonest Connect for Health Colorado has ever hit this enrollment milestone.

And, since the enrollment period ended mid-January, an additional 9,787 people have signed up for a health plan using a Special Enrollment Period. That means Connect for Health Colorado has enrolled more people this year than in any previous year of our operation.   

“Since we know that cost is a barrier to getting covered, I’m pleased that the substantial increase in savings resulted in more people enrolling than ever before,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “The record number of enrollments we’re seeing is also a testament to customer service and system improvements and the diligent work of our statewide enrollment assistance network.”

Curious about other findings from the enrollment report? We’ve broken down the key takeaways for Coloradans looking for affordable health coverage and considering using Connect for Health Colorado:

• People who use Connect for Health Colorado can qualify for financial help and save money on health insurance costs. On average, people who qualified for financial help are paying $124 per month for their health insurance coverage; down nearly $30, or 18 percent, over last year’s average. 

• Customers with a certain income and who enroll in a Silver-level plan qualify for even richer plan benefits. Approximately 25,000 customers qualified for additional healthcare discounts on their plan through a new state-funded program.

• Customers can get expert enrollment help to choose a plan. In fact, 50 percent of all enrollments were completed through a certified Broker. Additionally, one in five enrollments completed through an Assister were conducted in a language other than English (with the majority of those conducted in Spanish).

• Going to an Enrollment Center increases the likelihood that customers use the financial help they are eligible for. This Open Enrollment,83 percent of all Enrollment Center customers used financial help to lower costs. In comparison, 75 percent of all customers who signed up for a plan used financial help. 

The report also includes more detailed information about changes to premium costs and financial help by county, the improved customer experience and marketing and outreach tactics to reach eligible Coloradans. 

Connect for Health Colorado publishes monthly updates on total medical enrollments, as we continue to enroll Coloradans throughout the year.

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Media contact: Mónica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-576-7995

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

Applications open now through April 25^th

DENVER— Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, is accepting applications from new and returning organizations, as well as licensed Brokers, to operate Assistance Sites and Enrollment Centers across the state.

“Assistance Sites and Enrollment Centers provide a crucial one-on-one service to help Coloradans get covered,” said Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson. “They help us make sure local communities, especially those who face barriers to health coverage, can access the plans and savings we offer. I encourage interested organizations and current partners to apply for this opportunity.”

Assistance Sites provide staff who support their local communities with education, health insurance literacy and the enrollment process for Connect for Health Colorado’s marketplace as well as Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program. Enrollment Centers across the state also offer health coverage assistance and can receive matching funds for marketing. 

Who May Apply
Connect for Heath Colorado welcomes applications from community-based organizations, medical facilities, associations, ranching and farming organizations, chambers of commerce, unions, state and local human service agencies, Certified Brokers/Broker Agencies and other organizations that meet the criteria for selection.

How to Apply

1. See instructions and apply by April 25, 2022 at https://c4hco.smapply.io/.
2. Attend a live webinar to learn about the application process March 23rd. More webinar information is available here.

Connect for Health Colorado will determine the award depending on organization type, staffing, goals and customer service. Connect for Health Colorado welcomes applications from any partner but might not accept all proposals.

Interested applicants can find information about the funded and non-funded opportunities, as well as criteria for each partnership award, at https://c4hco.smapply.io.    

Timeline

March 14, 2022: Applications open

March – April: Webinars and Q&A for interested organizations and Brokers

April 25, 2022: Application deadline

April 26 – June 15, 2022:  Connect for Health will review and reply to applicants 

July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024: Contract period

Contact

For questions about the application or process: [email protected]

Media contact: Mónica Caballeros, [email protected], 720-576-7995

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