First Two Weeks of Open Enrollment Spell Early Success for Colorado’s Health Insurance Marketplace

Sign-ups are 27 percent higher than last year, and more people are qualifying for financial help

DENVER— Open Enrollment for 2024 health insurance coverage started just two weeks ago, and Connect for Health Colorado reports that enrollments are up 27 percent from last year. Currently, more than 36,500 individuals have signed up for a health insurance plan through its marketplace, and 82 percent of those people are qualifying for financial help.

Nearly two weeks ago, on the second day of the Open Enrollment Period, Connect for Health Colorado announced that it had filled the maximum allotment of spots for financial help for the OmniSalud program. This program provides health insurance and financial help to people who are undocumented and is available on Colorado Connect, Connect for Health Colorado’s public benefit corporation and online enrollment platform.

“I’m overjoyed that we are off to such a strong start this Open Enrollment. This response tells me we’re giving people what they need: access to quality plans at the right price point and the right help and tools to get covered,” said Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Patterson. “I attribute this early success to our staff, who made this work possible, as well as our partners at the Division of Insurance, our network of community partners, and our enrollment partners. We’ve got about nine weeks to go, but this pace could lead to our biggest enrollment year yet. If you haven’t done so yet, be sure to check out plans this year and make an appointment to get enrolled.”

Save by Switching Plans Instead of Renewing

Many Connect for Health Colorado customers qualify for automatic plan renewal and will see their plan automatically renewed on December 2. Because of the way financial help is calculated to offset premium costs, 56 percent of Coloradans receiving financial help through Connect for Health Colorado will see either no change or a decrease in their premiums when they automatically renew in the same plan in 2024.

However, plan prices and options change every year, and many Coloradans can find a more affordable plan if they change plans and do not renew their plan. In fact, 95 percent of Coloradans receiving financial help will be able to find a premium that is equal to or less than their current premium just by shopping for a new plan within their same metal tier (e.g., Silver to Silver, Gold to Gold) for coverage in 2024. People can review plans and prices using the Quick Cost and Plan Finder tool.

Get Help Applying and Enrolling

Connect for Health Colorado offers free enrollment assistance from certified Brokers and community-based Assisters. A certified Broker can review plan options, give advice, check networks, and suggest a new plan. Find a Broker, Assister, or visit an Enrollment Center near you.

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Media Contact

Mónica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [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