When Can I Buy Insurance?
Buying Insurance During the Open Enrollment Period
Open Enrollment is the annual period in which most Coloradans can choose and change their health insurance coverage for the coming year. Open Enrollment for plan year 2027 (January 1-December 31, 2027) begins on November 1, 2026 and ends January 15, 2027.
If you buy health insurance on or before December 15, 2026, your coverage will begin on January 1, 2027. If you buy health insurance between December 16, 2026 and January 15, 2027, your coverage will begin on February 1, 2027.
Open Enrollment for Plan Year 2027 is Happening Now
Most Coloradans can buy health insurance through Connect for Colorado right now. If you’re ready to explore plans and enroll in health insurance for 2027, use one of the links below:
How to Get Insurance Outside of Open Enrollment
Buying Through a Special Enrollment Period
If you’re not able to buy health insurance for 2027 during Open Enrollment, you will likely need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to be able to enroll. A Special Enrollment Period can occur at any point during the year, generally lasts for 60 days, and begins when you experience a qualifying life event. A qualifying life event is a significant change in your life, which includes scenarios like moving, getting married, having a baby and losing health insurance through an employer (see a list of qualifying life events below).
If you have an existing health insurance plan, a qualifying life event may also enable you to make changes to your plans through a Special Enrollment Period.
Qualifying life events include (but are not limited to):
Family additions or changes
- Birth of a baby, adoption of a child or placement of a child for foster care
- Certification of pregnancy by a health care provider
- Getting married or divorced
- Death of a household member enrolled in a plan through Connect for Health Colorado
Loss of health insurance coverage
- You lost health insurance from your job
- You no longer qualify for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program)
- You no longer qualify for Medicare Part A
- You are turning 26 and aging off your parent’s plan
- Your student health plan ended
- Loss of COBRA subsidy
Move or change in permanent residence
- Move to Colorado
- Move to a new permanent address- certain conditions apply
- Leaving incarceration
- Gain of lawful presence (i.e. legally living in the United States according to federal immigration laws)
Changes to income (for current enrollees)
- Changes in your income that affect the amount of Cost-Sharing Reductions (lower out-of-pocket costs) you qualify for
- Changes in your income that make you newly qualify for Premium Tax Credit (lower monthly costs)
- Changes in your income that make you no longer qualify for the Premium Tax Credit (lower monthly costs)
Special Enrollment Period Tips:
- Report changes in household to Connect for Health Colorado: Make sure to report changes in your household size, income, or address within 30 days of the change. We will let you know if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period shortly after you submit your application.
- Document your Qualifying Life Event: After you sign up for a plan during your Special Enrollment period, your health insurance company may ask you to show proof of the Qualifying Life Change Event. Here’s how to verify that you’re eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
Buying Through Tax-Time Enrollment
You can connect to free or low-cost health insurance and qualify for a Special Enrollment Period by checking a box and submitting the necessary forms when you file your Colorado state taxes by April 15. Learn more about Tax-Time Enrollment here. L LeaLearn more about Tax-Time Enrollment here.
Enrolling Year-Round as a Member of a Federally-Recognized Tribe
Members of Federally recognized Native American tribes can enroll in health insurance year-round. Learn moreLearn more here.
Enrolling Year-Round Through Health First Colorado or CHP+
When you meet specific monthly requirements, you may be eligible to receive health insurance through Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program. Learn more about these programs here. Learn more about these programs here.