Special enrollment opportunities and enrollment assistance still available
DENVER – Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, reports that 198,412 Coloradans signed up for a health insurance plan by the end of the Open Enrollment Period. This is an increase of more than 18,000 enrollments, or 10 percent, above last year’s end of Open Enrollment total, and is the highest end of Open Enrollment total since Connect for Health Colorado opened for business in 2013.
Three out of four customers who signed up for a plan qualified for health insurance savings via tax credits. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, an individual can save an average of 52 percent on their monthly premium after financial help is applied.
“The record level of enrollments we’re seeing tells me that people are finding plans in their budget and that our sign-up process is smoother than ever before,” said Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson.
While the annual enrollment period has ended, uninsured residents who have been impacted by the recent fires in Boulder County or by COVID-19 can access a new Disaster Relief Special Enrollment Period now through March 16, 2022.
“While the regular Open Enrollment Period is complete, we opened our doors again. We’re here to make sure those who find themselves affected by the recent Marshall Fire and the pandemic can get the coverage and care they need,” Patterson said.
“The American Rescue Plan helped make health care more affordable and accessible for nearly 200,000 Coloradans. That is what progress looks like,” said Colorado Senator Michael Bennet. “As we continue to face ongoing challenges as a result of COVID-19 and the Marshall Fire, I’m grateful that the enrollment deadline has been extended to ensure more families can get covered this year.”
“These numbers prove Connect for Health Colorado is a success story,” said Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper. “Congress needs to keep premiums low to make health care an affordable reality for every Coloradan.”
Additional Enrollment Opportunities and Assistance
Qualifying events, like certain household changes or losing health insurance from a job, also open a 60-day Special Enrollment Period for residents who need health insurance or want to change their plan. People can enroll in Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program any time during the year if they qualify.
Free help is available year-round from enrollment experts—certified Brokers and community-based Assisters— located throughout Colorado. Connect for Health Colorado offers Enrollment Centers to provide help signing up for a health insurance plan in person, virtually or by phone. Contact Connect for Health Colorado at ConnectforHealthCO.com or by calling 855-752-6749 to apply for health insurance and to find local enrollment assistance.
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Media Contacts
Monica Caballeros, Connect for Health Colorado, [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
