If you have a qualifying event, you can get covered through a Special Enrollment Period.
The next Open Enrollment Period, during which almost all Coloradans can buy health insurance, begins on November 1 and goes through January 15. Outside of Open Enrollment, you must experience a qualifying life change event in order to enroll in health coverage.
See if you can enroll through a Special Enrollment Period
Life Happens
You can still buy health insurance (or make changes to your current plan) year-round if you experience certain changes in your life, including losing your job’s health insurance, changes in your income, moving, getting married and having a baby. Qualifying life change events, like these and more, make you eligible for a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. See the full list of qualifying life events »
Tax Time Enrollment Program
You can connect to free or low-cost health insurance and qualify for a Special Enrollment Period by checking a box when you file your Colorado state taxes by April 15th. Learn more »
Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) or the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program
Apply and enroll in coverage any time of year when you meet specific monthly income requirements. Learn more »
Native Americans
Members of Federally recognized tribes can enroll in health insurance year-round. Learn more »
Life Happens. Life change 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 only:
- 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)
For new customers only:
- Your household’s income is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level ($21,870/year for an individual, $45,000/year for a family of four)
Proof of your Qualifying Life Change 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 is a guide on how to verify your special enrollment period »